Zagora Major
Company Brewing

 

Bought on a beer run to Woodman's Kenosha and made the mistake of buying a 6-pack. My mistake because rarely have I had an American tripel that is worth drinking six. But to make sure I'm not guessing, I went on BA's Top-rated 100 tripels of which I've had 35 (I like the style having chalked up 96 or 3.1% total BA uniques.) Of those 35 in the Top 100, a mere 4 from American brewers would I buy a 4 or 6-pack.... and 3 of the brews are Allagash renditions. My point is this: the tripel is a difficult style and amping up the ABV is not the best way to learn the style's subtleties.

Zagora's main problem is the alcohol is in my face. There are other problems created by a limited yeast and not being a Belgian inspired brewery and, thus, having a low learning trajectory to start with. But the unconcealed ABV is an effort to conceal that the brewer has not figured out the style.

Zagora is my second from Company Brewing and I gave them my micro-review already. But the advice I give now is more important: stick to you knitting as a brew-pub and can those successful recipes. Don't insult potential customers who happen to like Belgians and think you will draw them into more business. You won't.

5/22/22 I edited the above review as it was a bit harsh while drinking a second can. But, I'm giving away the other four.

I’m newer to Belgians and new to rating beers. Found this at a local shop and gave it a try. Date on can is 10/27/21 and poured into a pint glass in March/April 2022.

The aroma and flavor of this is really nice—floral, sweet, yeasty.

It doesn’t hide the alcohol too well and comes across a little medicinal.

The mouthfeel and overall experience of this one is nice. I’d probably buy it again since there aren’t a lot of good options for tripels locally.