Third Rail Tripel
Smartmouth Brewing Company

 

This is a very good Tripel. Poured into my Chimay goblet as a highly carbonated, clear dark gold/light orange colored brew. The head iswhite, delicately bubbly and long lasting. There is some filmy patches of lacing on the glass. Aroma is light fruit (apples and pears), some peppery spicing and a very good presence of Belgian yeast. My favorite aspect of a good Tripel is an almost cheese-like flavor from the yeast. There is some of that in this beer. The main flavors are the light fruit, the yeast and a little black pepper. I was initially disappointed to notice some alcohol burn in the mouthfeel. Tripels are famous for light alcohol taste. The alcohol presence died down in subsequent sips. Mouthfeel is rich and mostly smooth. I have had some better Triples, but not THAT much better. This is a good one!!!!!!

 

 

(ABV is 9.2%) Poured a clear, golden body with one finger head and lace. Belgian yeast is present which gives off a citric/orange peel vibe with some clove/pepper spice. Smooth, light bodied, yeast and tropical fruit flavors give off sweetness and there is balance thanks to sharp citric spice and the ABV remains hidden.

Had bottle version just released in March 2016 at 9.3%
Poured a cloudy orange body with two finger head they died quick and left lace ring. As promised, the clove and other spices hit you right up front in aroma, and then also notes of citric hops or at least orange/citric from mild yeast strain. Medium bodied yet thin, has a mild pleasant tropical fruit sweetness (not quite tangerine but works for me) with touch of bubblegum yeast. Yeast keeps beer smooth and sweet and helps mask alcohol as well as dulls the spices and hops which don't really shine other than a crisp back bite. Pretty good beer but a bit simplistic and tad cloying to be a truly great Belgian triple.
After reading review from last year, I don't see any marked difference in bottled version other than ABV went up 0.1%.