Is this just a rebranding of their James Bean beer or is it a whole new beer? I always thought of James Bean as Curieux with coffee, but it was called a “strong golden ale” while Barrel and Bean specifically calls itself a Tripel. If it’s the same beer, I’m surprised I can’t find any info stating that. If it’s not the same beer, kind of strange that they would release two beers that are so similar.
It is the same beer, but it I agree that it seem confusing. We heard this straight from the source at the brewery. When we "discovered" James Bean, the people at Allagash told us about it - it was the "extra" in the flight back when they did that sort of thing. Said it was Curieux with coffee beans added to the barrel process. So when they had this rebranding as Barrel and Bean to be available year 'round, we asked if it was the same beer and were told yes indeed. One does call itself a BSPA, and one calls itself a Tripel and honestly we never even noticed. The taste buds say it is the same beer as well - it's a favorite in our house, right behind Curieux...
Is it me or does curieux taste different since switching to 12oz format? Noticeably sweeter imo and barrel character taste cheap
I never tried the large format curiex but I drank a few off the 12oz bottles months ago. It was almost like drinking bourbon neat. So much barrel flavor.
