Third Ring Belgian Strong Ale
Grist Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

Poured a clear dark reddish copper color, an aggressive pour yielded a half-inch head that faded quickly to nothing. The aroma was very fruity, with some apple and pear, along with a bit of spice and some belgian yeasty aromas. I also got a slight bit of a medicinal smell, in a nice way, not like a band-aid smell. The taste was very fruity, with the apple and dark fruits flavors dominant. I also got a bit of clovey spice flavors from the Belgian yeast. The mouthfeel was rather thin for such a big beer, with a bit of an alcohol burn as well. Overall, this was pretty good, not ranking up there with the best Belgian Strong Ales, but pretty solid nonetheless. I'd say this is a pretty good start for a fairly new brewery.

there must be some batch variability on this one, as i sweat the tap list had this one over 10% abv, but oh well. nice beer, i dont think quite up to the standards they have set for themselves, its a little weird with the slightly darker malt in there. not blonde as expected, but more of a goldenrod or even light tea color. it is plenty heady, and smells quite belgian. generic yeasty, strong fruitiness from apple to pear to even peach, and then the robust malt base beneath it. extra sugars were likely added, as this is very light bodied for what it is. i find it under carbonated and a little uninspired. i think to start your bottled beer life in the market place with a world class berliner may leave unrealistic expectations on a new brewery. their ipa was fine, the imperial stout was very good, but this one leaves a bit to be desired when measured against its predecessors. if you like the belgian yeasty thing, and a high abv beer at a fair price, this could be your horse, but if you are looking for something outside of the box, keep on looking.

 

A big beer that hides 10.5% ABV very nicely. Has the sweet and fruit notes which I enjoy out of Belgium style beers with a subtle Belgium yeast flavor to it. One of my favorite beers here in Colorado, and I have set aside a couple bottles to see how they age. Worth the drive to try.