Tripel Tater
Bear Island Brewing Company

an absolutely brilliant idea for a beer here, using three different types of idaho potatoes in a belgian tripel style, really delicate for what it is, and although i dont know much about brewing beer with potatoes, i think they add something special here, and they make this beer truly one of a kind. one of the more interesting, creative, and well executed beers i have had in idaho so far, they should really be proud of this one! great clarity for the style, and delicate looking for being so strong, just pale golden color and with a nice belgian looking white head on top. aroma of fresh citrus, earthy minerals, and some sweeter malts, honey and cut flowers as well, slightly hoppy for the style, summery and bright. the flavor is awesome too, not sure i really taste potato in it, but i dont know how i would, it is earthy and grounded and pretty nuanced, maybe a simple grain base made more complex with what the spuds add, i have not had a lot of beers with potatoes in the past. the yeast is right, estery and clean, well tamed here, and the finish is dry too. notes of culinary herbs, preserved lemon, and pear. this is really lively in feel and with a very light body for its higher alcohol content. very complex and interesting as an american made belgian beer, and its not from the yeast, which is familiar and even commonplace here. overall an excellent beer that in a way thats very hard to describe, is made awesome by the potatos in it. my favorite beer i had when i visited their brewery!

Tasted from a 750 ml bottle bought in the airport in Boise, ID.

L - Medium gold color and slightly hazy. Off-white head settles quickly to a thin sheet of medium sized bubbles. Dense, persistent lacing.

S - Cracked grain malt aroma, black pepper yeast note, then a flowery/herbal note that reminds me of chamomille or heather. Clean and fresh impression.

T - Flavors echo the aromas. Cracked grain malt with some warm bread. Mid-palate is dominated by the black pepper yeast character, fading into the herbal/floral hops. Fairly dry finish has a lingering earthy note that is not normal for a tripel, but adds depth. Maybe that is a hint of the potatos this is brewed with.

F - Medium body with moderate, smooth carbonation. Light alcohol presence for the listed ABV. Low to moderate hops bitterness.

O - This is a well-made tripel with strong pepperiness and a fresh floral finish. The potatos don't add an overt character, but they may be providing the low earthiness in the background. I bought it out of curiosity over the potatos, but I'd drink it again as a good example of the tripel style.

On tap at Albertsons. Pour is a bit lifeless, minimal head that disappears fast. Aroma is heading in the right direction, yeasty, musty. Taste gets better, buttery notes, with nice silky body. Shame about the head, but because this a fairly decent tripel from this young brewery