Reserve Tripel - Chardonnay Barrel-Aged
New Realm Brewing Company

A really good Tripel from New Realm. I had my daughter purchase two crowlers of the more expensive Barrel-Aged beers from New Realm for Father's Day. Neither one disappointed!!!. The Barrel Aged Tripel pours a slightly hazy light copper color with a small bubbly/fizzy white head. Head retention is less than average and there is no lacing on the sides of my Chimay goblet. The color and carbonation are plusses for the appearance of this beer. Aroma is quite strong and pleasant. Apples and pears, yeast, and a little candi sugar are the most prominent aromas. Flavor features the same but aspects of barrel aging show up in the taste. There is some oak bitterness and a vinuous aspect from the Chardonnay barrels. The flavor is great, the fruit really plays up with a lot of complexity from barrel aging. One thing I didn't notice is pepper spicing which is part of a lot of Tripels. Mouthfeel is typical Tripel, the alcohol is very well hidden although there is some alcohol warming. Carbonation is good and the mix of traditional Tripel flavors and oak/wine barrel aging provide a real treat. A very good take on one of my favorite styles. Well worth the money.