Farmhouse Tripel
Hermit Thrush Brewery

 

The appearance was a hazy dark bronzed burnt orange color with a one finger white foamy head that quickly dissipated and left no lacing. The smell started off with leathery wood running into the normal tripel aromas of "iced apples," Belgian spices, light peaches, sweet freshly cut grassiness, funk is there but super light, and a delicate herbal to semi-earthiness rounding it all out. The taste was moderately sweet, the funk is pretty light along with the sour level being really light. Woodiness comes back to dry it all down into the aftertaste but leaving a semi-sticky "tripel"-esque feel on the finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body with a nice sipping to semi-sessionable feel, alcohol seems a bit weak in the feel, hmmm...I wish there was a date on this thing. Carbonation is barely there, but that doesn’t bother me, as the stickiness of the normal "tripel" feels take the lead and make everything seem right. Overall, weird, but if anything I really super like this for me despite it being a bit more off than a tripel.

Poured from a 16oz can (no freshness date, but around 1 year of age) into a Belgian balloon glass.

A - Pours a sunset orange hue with a 1-2 finger's worth of a frothy white head which dissipates quite quickly. Despite a non-nucleated glass, active carbonation streams upwards creating a constant film of the same white, frothy head. (4.25)

S - The aging process, both in the barrel and in the can has generated some wonderful aromas that are quintessentially Fall...think Apple Pie a la Mode. Vanilla, Apples, Pie Crust, Spice (cinnamon perhaps?) and Oak are all dancing together in harmony. (4.75)

T - Although Hermit Thrush ferments with wild yeast captured in and around their facility, the funkiness is subdued allowing the barrel aging to win out...the vanilla from the barrel, fruits (Granny Smith apple, green grape, pineapple and overripe citrus) imparted by the residual Chardonnay and the essence of honey takes center stage. (4.75)

M - Medium body with a lively, yet diminishing carbonation as it warms (a bit too quickly for its strength). A tannic, dry finish makes this a barrel aged Tripel with high drinkability. (4.5)

O - I have sampled Hermit Thrush Farmhouse Tripel over the course of a year, and it has made for a remarkable journey. In opposition to the trend, time on this beer has mellowed the "funkiness" of the yeast and brought out more of the malt and residual barrel characteristics. Next to White Monkey (Victory Brewing...currently retired), this is a beautiful beer. I hope they release it again in the future. (4.75)

A - Golden orange, hazy, almost opaque, with a short white head that fades to a rim. Some nice lacing.

S - Sour apple, plum, honey, floral notes, and a wee note of funk in the back.

T - Following the nose, with granny smith apple skin and bright plum flesh, banana flesh, clover honey, coming to crescendo of acidity that drops away to subtle malt and sour apple in the close, with a touch of minerality and wood.

M - Bright, mild carbonation, with a slightly slick and spiky close.

O - This is a lovely take on a tripel, with a lot of fruit esters and flavors combining with a tart acidity. Yum.

16oz. can served in my New Belgium Globe tulip. Pours a burnt orange hue with a hazy clarity and a rocky, two-inch, bright white head that gradually settles into a consistent 1/8th inch cap. Swaths and spots of lacing coat the glass between quaffs. Nose reveals stone fruit, ethanol notes and the merest hint of the barrel. Taste consistent with nose; however, there's also a distinct tangerine quality and buttery notes towards the back. Mouthfeel is light in body with a pleasant, even carbonation and a kiss of acidity. Overall, a pretty solid tripel and the barrel-aging adds a nice nuance.

 

 

 

Had on tap at The Farmhouse in Burlington VT.
A - Pours a hazy golden with a small head.
S - Banana on the nose.
T - Flavor is banana and a little sour.
M - Light and low carbonation.
O - A very interesting, mildly sour tripel. Different and tasty. I would buy this again.