Not sure what I was thinking about dual tasting notes of such widely varying beers. First is the Tripel Triple, a very malty tripel brewed with mexican piloncillo sugar that added a very nice touch. Second is the House APA – my house calibration American Pale Ale, brewed with high levels of sulfates and calcium and NO crystal malts for a nice sharp and dry finish.
It is actually striking to see and taste the differences. Both were fermented fairly low for good attenuation, but the mouthfeel is extremely different – largely due to widely different water profiles. The tripel was brewed to match a Belgium water profile – why the APA was pushed toward a moderately extreme (half of the Burton profile) level of sulfate.
I tried to use the Ratebeer model for a change. Probably blew it. 🙂
| Ratebeer Style | Tripel Triple | House APA |
| Aroma | Malty sweetness, caramel, ripe bananas, light clove and spice
8/10 |
Sweet Cascade upfront, light pine and lemon, citrus
9/10 |
| Appearance | Dark orange, very clear, rocky white head that falls quickly but laces. Not as clear as the APA, but acceptable.
5/5 |
Very clear pale yellow. White frothy head, laces in long strings. Can follow drinks down glass
5/5 |
| Taste | Lightly caramelized banana, more fresh than ripe. Very subtle cinnamon and clove. Definite yeast phenols, but not overbearing. No hop characters. No alcohol heat. Could use some complexity.
8/10 |
Nicely dry, classic Cascade and CTZ hop character. Hop bitterness is clean and slightly sharp, flavor lingers. Little sweetness or maltiness. Hoppier than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – nears west coast IPA bitter.
8/10 |
| Palate | Medium body, but not heavy or cloying. Light carbonation after head falls.
3/5 |
Light body. Dry finish. Refreshing. Well carbonated and sparkling.
5/5 |
| Overall | Spice has lessened with age and carbonation. Better younger despite the ABV @ 9%
16/20 |
Classic American Pale Ale character, with a dry biscuit malt backbone. Recognizable Cascade and CTZ aromas and flavor.
18/20 |
I am always nervous scoring my own beers well, but these are two of my favorites and in my brewing rotation at least twice a year. Belgians are some of my very favorite styles with extreme variety of phenols and spice. I have been working very hard to nail my APA recipe and water profile, and finally have an APA worth sharing with brewer friends.
There are a few changes I might make to the Tripel to up the game that I need to think through.
As always – love a great lacy beer!
Cheers!
