Effed Up Tripel
River North Brewery

Every once in a while you come across a beer that just fits the exact archetype that you are looking for. I picked this beer up because I always love a boozy brew, and this one is up there at over 15%. You can taste it, as well. The mouthfeel comes with that familiar heat that you often find in high-gravity beers. There is almost no head to speak of - perhaps a little hazy of foam that appears when you pour it, but nothing spectacular. But the real treat is the taste, and the mouthfeel. This beer is almost candy-sweet, with obviously a lot of residual sugars left in solution. It has a beautiful autumn leaf golden color and drinks way too easy. A bit on the expensive side, that might be a good thing because it would keep me from picking up more than one whenever I see it on the shelf. Highly recommended for those who like a Belgian, or anyone who loves Colorado beer.

Classic example of the style. Dark, bronze and copper hues, clear, particulate presence. Scents of brown sugar, dark fruit, Belgian yeast. Taste is sweet, big bodied, slightly thick, boozy. Enjoyable, but powerful.

 

 

Pours a thick, clear, dark copper color; decent amount of carbonation slowly rises in the glass; good head (for a high ABV beer), one-finger plus in depth, long lasting, densely sudsy. Huge nose filled with aromatics and sweetness; zippy candi sugar note; peppermint and star anise; trace of boozy phenols in the background. Extremely powerful taste; peppermint and cinnamon; menthol; heavy yet appropriate overall sweetness; boozy. Heavy body; thick and chewy; viscous; big booze warmth.

Chalk this beer up as a definite 'wow!' beer. It pulls no punches across the sensory board. Not for the faint-of-heart, but a truly rewarding experience for those seeking a unique, big beer adventure.

ABV: 16.7%; pouring temperature: 52 °F; bottling info: 2024
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)