Allagash Curieux (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tripel) - Allagash Brewing Company

ThisWangsChung

Maryland

3.74/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Portion of a 750mL bottle poured into a Duvel tulip.

A: Pours a cloudy light gold color betraying strong carbonation behind the hazy body. The head is a one finger white shade that retains itself nicely for 11%. Also, it never fully fades away.

S: The bourbon influence is moderate here. It really comes across as oaky more than anything, though you do get subtle vanilla and coconut qualities in the aroma. The tripel qualities that pop up are very neutral - not really sweet, but not bitter smelling, either.

T: Sweeter than the aroma. The base tripel comes through more strongly here, as well. Initially, there's a neutral oaky tannin quality (which pops up in the finish as well), while most of the tripel flavors appear in the midtaste. Tons of candied sugar occupy the aforementioned middle of the palate. Finish is a combination of bread-like malt, spicy yeast, and oak tannins, while the bourbon contributes a subtle presence throughout. I'm amazed how well the booze is hidden given its dryness. While that disappointingly doesn't give it the dangerous drinkability it could have, it really gives it a sense of finesse. Sure, a sliiight heat is evident, but this isn't hot at all - if you told me this was 7%, I would have believed you completely.

M: A bit heavy and sweet - but when the booze is hidden this well, it doesn't really matter. Dry at first, but the syrupy nature builds up after a while. Healthy carbonation tries to aid drinkability some, but the thick, sweet flavor renders this a slow sipper.

O: I don't know if its better than La Fin Du Monde, but it's really damn good regardless. The booze is hidden (almost) so brilliantly I can't help but applaud - especially given its BA roots. Is it worth $18-20? Not really, there isn't quite enough Holy Shit Quotient in the flavors here. Then again, I'm not a massive fan of the style. Having said that, it's an excellent choice for those who love tripels and bourbon barrel aging.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2013 03:03:20 | More by ThisWangsChung

liquoredgoat

California

4.9/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Pours a rich metallic gold with a snow white one finger head that has foamy latte retention. Great lacing. The beer is replete with quickly ascending bubbles.

S: Ripe pears, candy, spiced peaches, alcohol, wet grass

T: Great Tripel character. Dried fruit. More peaches. Slight woodiness. Alcohol hides in the background, being much less present than the ABV would suggest. A dry finish that suggests an enjoyable pairing with a sharp Irish cheddar or a similar cheese.

M: Silky and light, but with gravity. Expands and fills the mouth. A creamy rather than an overly carbonated character. Carbonation is very light.

O: This is a great Tripel that is given an enhanced and slightly different flavor profile thanks to the barrel aging. The balanced mouthfeel and taste is extraordinary, avoiding the extremes of being either too heavy and boozy or too fizzy and dry. It rests in the middle with the mouthfeel gravity and character of a fat balloon and classic Tripel taste with added unique dimensions. Among those of the style I have yet tried, this is second only to Chimay Blue, or maybe even better.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2013 06:59:45 | More by liquoredgoat

streetcommander

Virginia

4.9/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Served at 58F

This is perhaps the best beer I've ever had. Many times the product can't match hype and propaganda, but this is the impressive exception we all painstakingly drink so many beers searching for.

I'm not generally a fan of high gravity beers or the state of Maine, but I give a sincere hat tip to the folks at this brewery, they are true artisans.

Cold crisp and refreshing. No booze taste, no sweet syrups, no chemical adjuncts, just simple perfection, just as Almighty God intended it.

My only consternation is the price. A craftsman is due his craft's market value, that I will never deny him, but damnit, this stuff should flow from fast food fountain drink dispensers with free refills...in my Utopia. The price of admission is steep, at $15 per 22oz. At $50 per 22oz, it would still be worthy.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2012 00:44:14 | More by streetcommander

Tucquan

Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on 2012-12-27 in Columbia, PA. Bottled in July, 2011

A - Moderatley clear, golden with a 2-finger white head that settles quickly to 1/2-finger with sheeted lacing.

S - Fruity phenolics from the yeast, oak, very light bourbon, vanilla, raisins, touch of malt. Very pleasant and balanced.

T - Oak, peach, bourbon-soaked pear, vanilla, bit of white pepper, reasonably sweet initially but dries well. Alcohol is in the background. Finshes with oak, fruit and just enough light bitterness for balance.

M - Medium-heavy body and medium carbonation. Smooth and thick; not cloying. Very nice.

O - This is a very elegant beer. I like it quite a bit more than their normal Tripel. They got the barrel-aging just right; present, but doesn't dominate. Big thumbs up.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 18:27:37 | More by Tucquan

DJoe

Massachusetts

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A -Poured crystal and golden, with a thin head

S - Light scents of bourbon, but also some fruity aromas. Reminds me of a good cider in some ways

T - Taste is mildy of bourbon. I drank it about six months after bottling and i sense less bourbon than in some other reviews. Very crisp and fresh for a high ABV beer.

M - Very, very nice and clean with just the right carbonation. Even on the light side.

O - Overall I am very impressed. Crisp and clean with oak/bourbon hints.

Serving type: bottle

12-21-2012 01:14:16 | More by DJoe

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

4.4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottled on Feb 23, 2012. Poured in to tulip.

A -Slightly hazy golden yellow with half a finger of bright white head.

S - A big oak aroma dominates with bourbon notes present as well as a light funk aroma. Some bready malts, sweet honey and raisins in the background.

T - The barrel qualities really shine though with huge oak and bourbon flavours present. Lighter notes of sweet honey, cereal, apple and pear from the base beer are very much secondary.

M - Medium body. Dry. Light carbonation.

O - I normally like to see more balance between the barrel and the base beer. The barrel dominated this one but it was still an amazingly complex beer that drank way too easily for the ABV.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2012 01:40:12 | More by TheSevenDuffs

jbertsch

Massachusetts

4.2/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottled January 26 2012. Consumed November 3 2012

Poured into a snifter

Appearance: light amber in color. Little haze. White head is sudsy, one finger in size. Dissipated to a ring.

Aroma: new wood, oak. Dried banana, not ripe banana. Hint of vanilla and chai spices. Little sweetness tucked behind an otherwise dry woodsy aroma.

Taste: fresh oak is first noticeable followed a little banana sweetness. Then the flavor fades into a little candied sugar with some heat and a touch of bubble gum. Bourbon finishes it, but the heat is tamed and never takes over or ruins anything. Overall, this is elegant and simple, with a few strong flavor notes that are all in equal volume. I never thought a bourbon infused strong ale would ever come across as clean, but this does in a way.

Mouthfeel: carbonation is fine. Smooth. The pour from the second half of the bottle has a little fluffier feel than thenfirst half and inked the second hald better for that. But it's smooth and a little fluffy at the same time.

Overall: bourbon is nicely mellow and doesn't overtake this beer. It was a good idea for allagash to blend the bourbon barrel aged version with some fresh triple. The blend works well. The flavor is unique, some may not like it but I say it's a great success.

Serving type: bottle

11-04-2012 00:11:23 | More by jbertsch

rudzud

Massachusetts

4.4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Picked up a bottle of this last year at the ghoulschip release, bottled September 2011, poured into my dogfish head tulip.

A - Poured a crystal clear golden hue with a nice one finger head that left a nice light lacing and a thin blanket.

S - Aromas of light barrel and bourbon with some sweet malts and light typical tripel notes. No banana though.

T - Taste is very very bourbony this is just awesome! A year has aged this wonderfully and is so freaking tasty. Now, the bourbon overpowers the tripel flavours but it is so delicious alcohol isn't that noticeable either!

M - Mouthfeel is very very nice with nice solid amount of carbonation with the alcohol not really noticeable.

O - Overall I was really impressed with this beer. Truthfully I did not want to crack it but I noticed the level in the bottle.had dropped so I had no choice. A damn damn good beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-24-2012 01:51:42 | More by rudzud

cvm4

Mississippi

4.08/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottled March 15, 2012

A - Pours an opaque yellowish orange. Nice one finger fizzy head that dissipates quickly.

S - Smells of dried banana chips and tropical fruit. The wood & vanilla from the bourbon lingers in the background.

T - Honey & mild fruit upfront. Loads of belgian esters/flavors. The bourbon comes in at the end & leaves you with a vanilla woodsy finish.

M - Lighter body & full carbonation. Pretty wet on the mouth.

O - Just a carefree beer that joins two things I'd never think to meld together. It's great & not overdone or boozy.

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2012 01:45:56 | More by cvm4

chugalug06

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Cloudy, banana colored, foggy brew. Medium body. Head is large and soapy-foamy white.

Spicy Banana. Awesome aroma. VERY light vanilla barrel is noted, not heavy, very light.

Perfect heavy carbonation plays perfectly into the spice and fall time fruits of the belgian flavors. Wet, refreshing, damp, carefree, unique and perfectly roughed-up by a solid bourbon barrel. Lots of great heat burn a few seconds past your last sip.

This brew is belgian greatness. Normally, I hate heat burn, but with this brew it's so flavorful and deep. Highly recommended and well worth the $16 price paid. I cannot wait to trade for some more of this stuff! I need a southern trading partner...

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 00:29:20 | More by chugalug06

CheezyBlaster

Massachusetts

4.73/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very attractive pour. White-golden, clean, enormous, bright, fluffy, white head. Lovely, slinking lacing.

I like to lump it all together when I'm in love. N,T,M:

Excellent. Just great. White grape juice. Green apple. Pear. Fresh baked bread. Vanilla nip, especially in the nose, and bourbon sweetness -just a kiss. Slightly tart. Remarkably complex in taste -I can't even! Clove and coriander are there but just a small part of this dance. Alcohol is present and welcome; the way it coats and mildly burns off leaving a bourbon nip at the end. Wonderful. The edifying yeast is almost forgotten with all the flavor -but the funk of 40,000 years slides around, controlling the Belgian character. The body is just divine. Medium cloy-free body, with the punch of a heavy. This beer is art. This is just a notch below some of the best seasonal/limited release mind-blowers I've had.

I have read this in reviews for this beer: perhaps not for those new to craft. I agree. I would not have liked this when I was just getting into craft. Also, if you're into bourbon barrel aged beer, try this, but don't expect the characteristics of the barrel to come forward the same way they do in a stout, for example.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 22:58:02 | More by CheezyBlaster

ricchezza

Massachusetts

4.33/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 5

Distinct pilsner malt base with noticeable candi sugar (or similar). Although there is no mention of this being a Belgian-style Triple on the label it is clear upon tasting it that that is exactly what this is (I should have expected that from Allagash!).
Consumed while cold the sweetness of both the grain and sugar is prominent. There is also what I perceived to be a lemon-esque zing.
After allowed to warm a bit the flavor became fuller. The bready yeast character that I was missing before is clearly more distinct now. Slightly dry finish.
The oak barrel character is smooth and balanced nicely as opposed to overwhelming the core Triple characteristics.
Overall impression is that Allagash has yet to disappoint me. Excellent beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 14:31:52 | More by ricchezza

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.55/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours hazy and the color of honey. Head is very small. Not a complete layer.

S-I was really expecting more here. It's not very intense. The barrel aging didn't do much for the nose. Of course, the oak is there, but boy is it soft. On the contrary, I really enjoyed how the nose is not violently yeasty like most Tripels. It has its goods and bads.

T-Pretty good. Pale fleshed fruit, honey and moderate spice. Again, happy that there isn't an excessive yeast boom. Sweet. Barrel aging again comes up short. Just mild notes of oak, vanilla and Bourbon.

M- Light for the ABV. Dry with some booze. Sweetness lends a sticky feel.

O/D-I have actually been waiting to try this for quite a while. I am disappointed. Lacks a hearty barrel-influenced flavor. I enjoyed its rather mellow degree of Belgian yeast, but the flavor is still a bit bland. High potential, low yield.

Serving type: on-tap

10-03-2012 00:53:12 | More by VelvetExtract

MEsoJD

California

4.38/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

[poured into Gouden Garolus glass]

I: I've had the pleasure of enjoying this brew for a long time ever since my first encounter with it at the Black Boar bar in Eagle Rock. I've also enjoyed bottles with friends, but only recently have I had the opportunity to give a review.

B: [11.0% ABV. 1 Pint. 9.4 Fl. OZ. May 25th, 2012Release] I love the presentation of this bottle. Gives off a high quality/classy feel to it with the authentic an feel of the label texture to it's minimalist artwork/design. Some may not even assume that it's beer at first glance. All the information you can ask for is fit into one label. I really appreciate that you can clearly see the bottle date on the front of the label(many brewers make it hard). Overall, one of my favorite bottle presentations.

A: Light orange/golden body transparent body with white carbonated head(fast dissipation) and decent lacing(note: I suspect my pour may have been too aggressive or due to age (never had it this old)).

S: Smells of orange citrus, Belgian yeast, bread malt, oily/alcohol aroma. Reminiscent of some Belgian triples.

T: Orange citrus, some apple, light bitterness, spicy smokey/woody presence(due to the bourbon barrels), sweet bread malt complimented by warming alcohol. Alcohols presence increases with each sip.

M: Smooth slick/oily finish, low/med carbonation, full body, and apparent alcohol(sipper).

O: One delicious beer with a sense of calculation. What I love about this beer the most is with each sip the alcohols presence becomes more bold thus also enhancing the other flavors. I wouldn't recommend to newcomers, but this will truly be something appreciated among the experienced palate. Beer lovers should at least buy one bottle to store/age, and others should find it on tap. At $20.00 a bottle, it's something to have on special occasions. Savor Good Beer!

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 23:31:00 | More by MEsoJD

MDDMD

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A-hazy golden color with a nice white head and some lacing

S-banana, malt, hints of yeast and bourbon

T-bananas, yeasty bread, malt, vanilla, bourbon

F-medium body with moderate carbonation, smooth, alcohol well-blended

O-a delicious triple, the bourbon barrel adds nicely to the overall taste and balance

Serving type: on-tap

09-29-2012 22:53:18 | More by MDDMD

abrand

Illinois

4.43/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

2009 bottle poured into a snifter. Served at room temp

Pours a golden color with a big 2 finger white head that never fades. Very nice brightness to the pour. Good clarity as well. Smells of dough, yeast, bourbon, and some funk. A lot going on with the nose. Taste is surprisingly smooth for the big abv. Some fruit comes through with sweetness. Mild notes of bourbon left in the 3 year old bottle. Mouthfeel is medium bodied and still well carbonated. Overall this is complex and great. Ages very nicely with the alcohol balancing with the sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 00:37:04 | More by abrand

MinorThreat

Colorado

4.38/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Patrickbrusil for the rocking extra. Poured from C&C to Duvel Tulip

A- Straw golden with subtle haze and ridiculous white pillowy head

S-Subtle vanilla, oak and bourbon play well with the sweet citrus-y and yeasty notes.

T- Wow, perfectly integrated sweet bourbon vanilla and oak with orange peel and cereal grain. The greatest compliment that I can give a beer is being assertive with restraint; this beer is the perfect example. All of the flavors are clean and bright without being overpowering or one dimensional. This is so well executed.

M-Viscous yet bubbly, very silky

O- Thanks Patrick, this was a huge win. I only wish I had a few dozen more.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2012 03:31:30 | More by MinorThreat

jtd1969

North Carolina

4.83/5  rDev +12.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A - mirky golden with a hint of orange. lacing and good carbonation

S - sweet fruit with bourbon. some yeast

T - bourbon, slight banana , some pepper, (not hot), subtle sweetness

M - smooth and mellow, good bourbon mouth burn, yet mild. ABV is noticeable in my opinion.

O - Really really good. A delight to drink anytime, but especially after a long day at work.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2012 23:48:37 | More by jtd1969

mgironta

New Jersey

4.98/5  rDev +16.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

The label on the brew said that this was from the October 2010 batch and 750 cases were bottled. The brew poured with a one finger white head into my Rogue chalice. Every time I use these glasses, I think that are darn heavy. Anyways, the head dissipated and didn’t leave any lacing on the glass. The color is a light yellow with a hint of orange and presents with moderate carbonation. The body is clear. On the nose, I got a lot of bready and yeasty notes. Then, I get some golden fruit and sugars. I don’t smell much of the oak that I thought I would from being aged in bourbon barrels. On the taste, the first thing I say is, “Damn, this is a good beer.” There is a lot going on with this. There is a definite wood/vanilla characteristic, then the fruit, then some breadiness and spices. The alcohol, which is hefty at 11%, really only makes itself known on the finish, when it really warms the throat. There is light carbonation on this brew, which is perfect. The brew itself is lighter than I thought and not really syrupy. I love this brew.

Serving type: bottle

09-17-2012 01:26:15 | More by mgironta

RuckusDu

Colorado

3.98/5  rDev -7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - The foam on this is almost three fingers tall and a little off-white, slight yellow. Some good lacing. Body is a mostly clear wheat color.

S - A nice sweet to this, almost cotton candy like. A little vanilla and banana. Very creamy.

T - I can't figure this thing out. A truly unique experience. The bourbon is there and forward (along with some alcohol). I guess it fits what it is going for, a bourbon barrel aged tripel. Vanilla, slight banana, a little clove, and some pepper.

M - Alcohol burn, drying, great carbonation and body, and goes down easy. Even though there is that alcohol burn, it still drinks very easy.

O - Like I've said, this is weird. But it is so drinkable and pleasant, that I can't put it down.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2012 00:21:13 | More by RuckusDu

ThePaleRider

California

5/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A- Golden yellow with a white head that sticks to the glass and stays there.

S- a beautiful mixture of whiskey and ale.

T- in my opinion this triple has no equal. The perfect blend of triple and barrel aging is seamless. Honestly not sure what more a whiskey lover would desire in an ale. Amazing balance that really leaves you wondering if this is really %11.

M- so smooth for %11. The after taste really leaves you wanting more and leaves the tongue saturated in Jim Beam.

O- best beer of all time, especially for beers that aren't seasonal. Bottle or tap, I've never been disappointed.

Serving type: on-tap

09-13-2012 21:38:16 | More by ThePaleRider

tdm168

North Carolina

4/5  rDev -6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Village Draft House. Served in a chalice.

A - hazy orangish yellow with no head

S - coriander, pepper, fruity, funky, a hint of orange

T - fruity, spicy, banana, bubblegum, orange peel, serious booze

M - boozy, warm, full bodied, well carbonated

This is a really solid Tripel. The flavor is fantastic. There is no mistaking the alcohol content here though. You know what you've gotten yourself into. At some points I thought the booze overcame some of the more subtle flavor notes. Otherwise, this was a really good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

09-13-2012 09:33:13 | More by tdm168

heymikew

California

4.5/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

one of the better efforts from Allagash
Tripel
Rich golden color
Heady/Yummy dark fruit nose
Heady and intense
Banana and pear fruit with a nice Bourbon (barrels from JB) presence, bit of vanilla.
Smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

Good for a late evening beside the fireplace

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2012 03:36:43 | More by heymikew

matttttYCE

Arizona

3.65/5  rDev -14.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

July 2011 bottling. Bone white head of about 2 fingers. Creamy. Medium lacing. Slightly hazy golden yellow straw colored liquid.

Fruity/estery, pear, lemon zest, bready notes, candy sugar, clove, slight white pepper, banana, with oak, vanilla, and light bourbon mingling in the background. Much less oak and bourbon than I expected.

Much the same as the nose. Fruity and estery, lemon, pear, Belgian candy sugar, light clove and banana, hints at white pepper from the nose, and again very light bourbon, oak and vanilla way in the background. How do I coax them out more?

Nearly round carbonation works well with the light-medium body and soft consistency. The finish lingers with almost a sour note, and some of the fruity notes, along with some oak.

I don't know if I just aged this too long or what, but the bourbon barrel aging is so close to non-existent it's not even funny. I thought this was heavy on the bourbon and oak so I aged it a while, but what I'm currently drinking is like a Trippel that had maybe 10-20% aged in barrels. A little disappointing that there's so little bourbon because I think a strong showing of that would work really well. But, this beer still is pretty good. I was just looking forward to more bourbon.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 07:09:10 | More by matttttYCE

vfgccp

New York

4.53/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Special thanks to Frank for bringing this over.

A - Pear gold. Fine white head. Nice lace and retention.

S - Oak, white table wine, caramel, and vanilla. Soft and well integrated.

T - Silky and incredibly smooth. Mellow booze elevates caramel, Chardonnay, oak, and a fantastic vanilla bean note. Oak, vanilla, and honey linger through the finish.

M - Medium/full body with a soft and super smooth frame.

O - Stellar.

Serving type: bottle

09-01-2012 23:52:39 | More by vfgccp