Self Portrait
Rexx Rsrv

 

 

 

 

 

 

22 oz bottle into a teku.

Appearance: Pours a slightly cloudy straw color. The head is a finger high and white in shade. Retention is poor - actually, it's downright lousy. Basically, the general look is redolent of a macro lager. Yikes. That means no lacing, either.

I may have been premature. Pouring the last little bit in the teku, the head is over two fingers high, with retention that's actually decent. And look! Lacing! (3.25)

Smell: This strikes me as a light, delicate brew. I get plenty of bready malt initially - then after about 20 seconds, notes of candied sugar and white grape appear. There are also spicy and grassy hints that appear in spurts. At first, I was let down by the lack of oak...nope, that makes an appearance after this opens up. I'm damn impressed by how well layered and deep this is, without being messy or incoherent. (4.25)

Taste: There's an initial flavor of grassy hops. This will quickly become subsumed by notes of candied sugar, apple, pear, and white grape. Subtle oak and vanilla finish it off. Notes of black pepper also pop up. Just like the nose indicated, this is complex enough - and yet, there's still an element of cohesion to the beer (are you listening, The Bruery?!) This is ridiculously well balanced: everything comes together to provide a tripel that I just want to drink and drink and drink... (4.25)

Mouthfeel: Perhaps a little rounder and sweeter than a traditional Belgian Tripel (see: Westmalle), it doesn't seem to have the powerhouse carbonation of that example. Because of that, it's not as dry or seemingly clean as the best, even with the oak tannins in play. Still, this is at 8.2%, and the drinkability is still moronic. (4)

Overall: I feel that American brewers do a good job with this style. I really do. And this is another great example. Not only is the richness and complexity there, so is the delicacy - and the drinkability! I could easily down a second bomber without complaint. Great work Pub Dog, you guys nailed it. (4.25)

4.17/5: More proof that Maryland brews great beer and nobody knows about it

 

Had this at Frederick Beer Fest out at Milkhouse Brewery/Stillpoint Farm.

Learned that Rexx RSRV is affiliated with PubDog out of Westminster, MD. I found this tripel to be exceptional in nearly every way. Would like to do a side by side with some of my other favorite Belgian tripels to see how it compares. I will definitely look to find this one.

 

 

 

 

Tried both draft and bottle. Pours with medium to low tight white head. Very bright and clear. A tad sweet at first but finishes dry. Spicy, nice yeast profile with the floral fruity notes... Hint of oak in the finish. Insanely smooth for 8% and has a very full mouthfeel. Killer first beer from REXX!