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

Dope

Massachusetts

4.39/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle dated September 13th, 2012.

A: Pours a hazy golden-amber with an enormous effervescent and fluffy off-white head. Fades at a moderate pace with great head retention. Nice island of foam refuses to dissipate. Nice thin spiderweb-like lacing left behind.

S: A bit of bourbon booziness but not as big as a lot of barrel-aged stuff (like BCBS or other big stouts). A little caramel, vanilla and oak I would say. Tripel character stands out nicely. Get some yeasty biscuits, grass and some crisp citrus. Spicy too, mainly black pepper. Get a whiff of coconut here and there too.

T: Definite caramel from the barrels up front, mixing with some grass and light citrus. Yeasty breadiness with some earthy spices kicks in in the middle. Get some vanilla in the middle and then some coconut as the flavor progresses into the finish. Lingering oak, coconut and black pepper in the aftertaste with just a pinch of yeast. A bit of boozy bourbon lingers between sips.

M: Pretty heavy but higher carbonation and bourbon cuts it decently.

O: Top notch tripel, one of the best ever in my opinion. Not a super strong, overpowering bourbon barrel character but it does add some nice complexity. I think this makes sense because it would probably overpower the crisp and yeasty flavors of the tripel (like a Jackie-O's Kentucky Monk). Having said all of that, it shouldn't be surprising because the base beer is my favorite tripel of all time (I gave it a 4.45 but that was before quarter-point scores). Honestly I'm not sure if this an improvement or not. It's different for sure, but noticeably heavier and boozier. Definitely more complex, but loses some of the crispness that really makes the base beer wonderful. Close call. Allagash definitely has the market on tripels locked down though, nothing else comes close in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2013 05:44:13 | More by Dope

angrybabboon

Rhode Island

3.41/5  rDev -20.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Many thanks to Goblinmunkey7 for sharing this beer. Purchased at the brewery in August, 2008. I don't remember what I bought on that day, so I assume I drank it soon after.

Appearance: Cloudy light amber, somewhere between light brown and dark orange, with some gold - small, off-white head - not surprising considering this bottle is four and a half years old - still leaves a wall of lacing

Smell: Mild bourbon and pale malts - light caramel malts, candi sugar, light bread - some hints that this was once a tripel, including banana esters, and some yeasty spices - for this particular bottle, both the bourbon and tripel aspects have mellowed considerably

Taste: A mellow tripel with a strong backdrop of bourbon - oh, Jim Beam, you remind me of a number of bad decisions - even with over four years of aging, the bourbon is still quite potent - vanilla, wood - pale malts, with some caramel, and some yeasty bread - bananas, cloves, and other typical yeasty aspects - mellow overall, due to the bourbon barrels and subsequent cellaring

Mouthfeel: On the heavy side of medium, smooth, with some woody stickiness (I swear this is a thing), low carbonation

Overall: Many years ago, I loved this beer.

The first time I had this beer, I loved it. Then I had it again, and it just wasn't the same (perhaps, too fresh). Now, I have an old bottle, back when from when it really blew my mind. And it's just not the same. Too much Jim Beam, not enough Allagash Tripel charm. It kind of breaks my heart. Cue Taylor Swift:

Loving [this beer] is like driving a new Maserati down a dead end street
Faster than the wind
Passionate as sin, ended so suddenly

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 07:23:41 | More by angrybabboon

Goblinmunkey7

Massachusetts

3.39/5  rDev -20.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.25

Purchased August 2008 at the brewery. July 2008 bottling. Split with angrybabboon.

Appearance: Deeply hazed golden brown. Small bright-white head drops to a wispy cap and small, tight collar. Moderate carbonation on the pour.

Smell: Tiny hints of bourbon. Deeply breast and biscuity. Half-cooked dough. Some vanilla and toffee. Slight hints of oxidation add some sherry notes. Cooked and caramelized malts. Banana and a hint of banana jam, because it must exist. Touches of alcohol and a backing yeasty spiciness.

Taste: Ripe banana and some.minor peppery clove. Belgian yeast. Bourbon pushes small layers of vanilla, oak, and toffee. Deeply caramelized malts. Bready. Undercooked biscuits. Some pale malts as well. Bourbon still kicks a bit after the years. Slight push of jammy sweetness. Layers of oak and bourbon. Solid malt base. Some pithy bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Smooth. Medium body with a moderate to light carbonation. Relatively clean finish.

Overall: A mild curiosity. Probably wouldn't appear in you're average curieux.

Age dampens the bourbon A good bit, but it's still kicking. A solid bass triple that gets a bit more depth with aging in barrels and a cellar. I'm thinking 2 years is prime.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2013 07:04:30 | More by Goblinmunkey7

SHerninko

Pennsylvania

3.94/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

From an aged in my basement bottle, original purchase: Whole Foods (Mile Post Pub)

Appears: Very striking gold, champagne, cloudy. Looks classy and expensive.

Smell: Fragrant, very nice on the nose, sweet and bready.

Taste: One of the best of its style, the bourbon adds complexity, a different sweetness than a typical tripel. Very slight vanilla and carmel flavors though, not overly flavored, very subtle. Very slight pepper and alcohol taste, but at 11% it hides it. Very drinkable.

Mouthfeel: solid, not too thin, not thick, it swirls around with a bit of stickiness.

Overall: Great example of the style and more flavor from the bourbon adds to it. I thought a lighter beer (not a stout) would have a much stronger bourbon characteristic, but they've melded the two to compliment each other and not overpower the base beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2013 16:28:27 | More by SHerninko

AlexFields

Tennessee

3.95/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to N8DAGR8 for sending me this as an extra.

Aroma is unique, lots of wood, mild bourbon, dominated by malt character, something 'old' smelling that is hard to place, like the malt profile of an old ale maybe? I don't really get the pear/apple/yeast aromas that are typical of the style and that other reviews mention.

Taste is pretty similar but a little better. Lots of wood/bourbon character from the barrel, but it's a pretty unique barrel character, very different from the way bourbon barrels usually interact with stouts for example, much more subtle. Again, an unusual and complex malt character that reminds me in some ways of an old ale.

A very good and unique beer. This pour was somewhat different from how I remembered the beer, would like to revisit this review after I try it again.

8.0/10

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 20:41:44 | More by AlexFields

WankelEngine

Illinois

4.29/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a 750ml corker and caged bottle into a snifter

A: Pours a lightly hazy orange-gold color. There is a huge, soft, bright-white head which fades moderately quickly to a thin cap and thick ring of foam. Lacing is moderate but really sticks to the glass.

S: The aroma is light and sweet but potent. Overtones of clove, fruity esters and to a lesser extent, banana define the aroma. Light, crystal malt/sugar sweetness give a little depth and a light touch of alcohol, especially as the beer warms.

T: The attack is classic tripel. Candi-sugar provides a light sweetness to contrast the spicey, earthy clove note that develops to prominence in the mid-palate. Only now to I detect any bourbon. It is a dry, alcoholic bourbon flavor that complements the already dry, alcohol flavor of the beer. The finish is moderate in strength and length, showcasing the bourbon in contrast to the earthy clove.

M: Fairly thin with notable but pleasant alcohol heat. Good for the style. Low but effervescent carbonation and slightly oily/sticky.

O Great beer. Excellent, earthy tripel. Bourbon is well integrated. Pleasure to drink, intent to get another bottle to cellar.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 03:53:12 | More by WankelEngine

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

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

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

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