Belle Monde
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Only my 5th from Maplewood, still a mico-mystery to me. Rare is the micro that is as enthusiastic about brewing as distilling. Rare also is the micro that doesn't tout its motivation on its website. But Maplewood is now over ten years old and that may be accomplishment enough in both crafts. Hence, very good Overall Hugs.

It's likely this is only the third release and it's well on its way to being a decent tripel. Belle Monde actually Looks only slightly better than average (the foam is good, but the activity drops off quickly.) Smells are mostly malt, but a melange of spices lurking in the back of the nose. Tastes are well-balanced, and this is hard to control as the ABV is high (tending to be sweet) and the varied spices (ranging from clove to field herbs) have to find comfort with the hops. Medium-mouthed and soft. Glad this IPA purveyor is still venturing into the Belgian tradition. I'd have Belle Monde again.

 

16oz can at share. Cloudy golden pour with a small, soft white head. Light Belgian yeast aroma, grassy, buttery. Taste is mildly sweet, sourdough bread with butter, meadow with faint floral and savory notes.

Canned 5/2/22; drank 5/23/22 @ the Yarchives.

Cloudy dull yellow/orange appearance.

A rough pour yielded a big, noisy off-white head; a thick curtain of lace.

Clove, banana & faint caramel notes in the nose.

Medium mouthfeel.

Banana, caramel & clove flavors; a solid Tripel.

I'd have another!!

 

Tasted in a snifter from draft at Countyline Tavern on January 16, 2020. Traditional Tripel style golden ale that is brewed with the highest quality European malt and a Belgian yeast strain. Layers of malt are weaved with notes of citrus and spice resulting in a dangerously drinkable and balanced beer.