Brew Bridge Tripel
The Brew Bridge

Coming in strong, The Brew Bridge serves up a Belgian-styled Tripel Ale that claims inspiration by Belgian Trappist breweries and brings it home to a Western Kentucky beer drinking contingency.

Pale gold and held in a fine yeasty haze, a frothy white crown begins to build. As the aromas of fruit, spice, bread dough and sugar cookie roll off of the foam, the first sip leads into a sweetened malt base of powdered sugar, cookie dough and fresh baked bread.

As the fruit and spice flavors awaken, its the fruits that largely frame the stronger flavor impressions on the middle palate. Pear, orange, lemon, apple and grape all fuel impressions of white wine with a creamy sweetness. Slow to fade, the malt profile remains strong and awaits a spicy rebuttal in the forms of white pepper, clove, coriander and a stern vinous spice to close out the late palate.

Full bodied and lacking the racy carbonation of Belgian varieties, the beer stays fruit-forward as its spice and hop profile doesn't quite reach that classic even-keel balance as those brewed by the monks. Heated but never prickling or numbing, the strong alcohols have a character of curacao liquor. A finish of spiced pear lingers into a faint grassy aftertaste with hints of wine and cookie remaining.