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

TheMyers

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

Tried this during American Craft Beer Week at Meddlesome Moth in Dallas.

A - Surprisingly light for a Bourbon Barrel-Aged Beer. Pretty clear.

S - Definitely pick up on the bourbon, however, not overpowering. Other than that, just like a tripel.

T - Never had a bourbon barrel-aged tripel before, but this is a good start. Don't know if this is the best style of beer to barrel age as we are partial to darker barrel-aged beers. We like our traditional Belgian tripels. That said, this was still pretty good. Alcohol is well hidden - the bourbon hits you at the beginning and then fades to a somewhat tart tripel.

M - Very light, little carbonation.

O - Good effort for a style of beer that isn't normally aged in bourbon barrels. Would definitely try again in the future.

Serving type: on-tap

05-19-2012 02:31:57 | More by TheMyers

jaasen64

Massachusetts

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

On-tap at Meadhall in Cambridge, 8.5oz serving in a champagne glass

A- Hazy color of dark yellowish orange. About a finger of white creamy head. Average carbonation. Leaves walls of layered lacing surrounding the glass.

S- Sweet sugary citrus (oranges, lemons, etc.) with some hints of yeast, oak, and a little bit of booze.

T- Sweet citrus, lemon, orange, maybe a hint of cherries and peaches, with vanilla, oak, and finishes with a citrusy sour, bitter taste.

M- Medium bodied, goes down very smoothly, easily drinkable, very very slight burn from the booze but not bad at all considering the 11% abv.

O- This was a great tripel from Allagash. Definitely recommended if you like Belgian beers. Has a nice complex, unique sugary sweet sour taste that is very easy to drink. Could have easily had more then an 8.5oz serving.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2012 23:17:48 | More by jaasen64

natemort13

California

4.25/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed from notes, 3/16/2012.

Hazy yellow straw pour with a creamy white head that fades to a nice pocked cap.

The nose is woody and yeasty with hints of citrus. Slightly perfumy with some orange and crushed smarties as well as lemon rind and floral characteristics.

The tripel comes first with sugar coated sweet lemon. Caramelly bourbon appears on the mid palate and stays smooth through the finish. Slightly chalky yeast, alcohol is barely noticeable.

Mouthfeel is creamy and full bodied with not much carbonation. Scarily drinkable.

overall it is a magnificently balanced and complex tripel.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2012 02:08:35 | More by natemort13

jokemon

Illinois

2.83/5  rDev -33.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

To put it simply.

There is way too much bourbon flavor in this beer. It tastes like they took a regular beer and added a shot of jim bean to it.

The aroma itself is somewhat pleasant. I enjoyed smelling the beer at least.

I would reccomend this beer to try at least once, but thats about it.

Serving type: on-tap

02-06-2012 18:56:28 | More by jokemon

jbakajust1

Oregon

4.03/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into an Allagash Teardrop Tulip @ Burger N Brew in Sac

A - Pours a pale gold, w/ orange tint, thick white head that fades to a thin cap, lots of carb

S - Smells of spicy phenols, pepper, clove, pear, lemon, grassy notes

T - Much the same as the nose, pear and pepper, cloves, nutmeg, oranges, vanilla, light oakines, fruity, spicy.

M - Very light, dry, bitter finish, high carb, and a light tannic

O - Very good, deep, complex, lots of fruit and spice, drinkable, bitter dry finish, and light oak.

Serving type: on-tap

01-24-2012 20:04:43 | More by jbakajust1

unclejazz

New York

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

Thank you Sunswick for having the good stuff on tap.

A-light amber in color with just a bit of head and minimal lacing

S-bourbon, apricots, oak, and caramel.

T-same but a hot alcohol taste that hits in the middle, not bad to have it there.

M-a bit syrupy and slightly undercarbonated.

O-I really enjoy this stuff especially on tap. A real treat to have every one in awhile.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2012 13:52:37 | More by unclejazz

iadler

Minnesota

3.78/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

5 oz tasting at encintas ale house

A- pours a light hazy gold with a thin head. No visable lacing.

S- a variety of fruits upfront with banana, white grape, pear and peach, vanilla, spices, and biscuit malt. This smells like it was aged in wine barrels rather than Jim bean.

T- unripe banana, vanilla, white grape, pear, peach and green apple followed by some peppery spice, oak, and biscuit malt. Again, there seems to be a lack of Jim bean presence, with just a hint of sweet bourbon at the finish.

M- medium carbonation and light body. Finishes sweet with a little heat.

O- An interesting beer that was a good triple, but not sure how the barrel aging really enhanced this beer. Only issue was that it got a big cloying at the end.

Serving type: on-tap

12-29-2011 06:54:30 | More by iadler

tigg924

Massachusetts

3.9/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Had on tap at New World Tavern Plymouth—served into an Allagash tulip.

Appearance: 3/4 inch head, high carbonation, dark gold in color, clear

Smell: big time oak and bourbon

Taste: I got a huge dose of oak, bourbon, small vanilla, and even slighter citrus. The oak really dominates.

Mouthfeel: sweet and oaky, moderate-high carbonation, medium bodied

Overall: I do like this one due to its heavy oaky nature. That said the tripel portion of the beer I find is very subtle—almost overwhelmed by the oak. I am not sure if that is a bad thing—just different. I may go out and get this again, but there are other Allagash beers I would get first.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2011 14:38:37 | More by tigg924

ChugginOil

Illinois

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

Pours a slighty cloudy yellow/orange with two fingers of white head. Webbed lacing. Decent retention.

The nose is full of that traditional Tripel banana and clove with a sour mash-like bourbon note. Not as much bourbon as expected but pleasant nonetheless.

The flavor is much the same. Banna, spice, and clove are melded with a mild vanilla and oak flavor offered by the barrels. A nice sweetness hits right before the heat kicks in.

The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a creamy texture. A nice sharp amount of carbonation prickles the palate as the flavors strike.

Overall, pretty damn tasty but wanted more bourbon!

Serving type: on-tap

12-14-2011 04:55:04 | More by ChugginOil

kojevergas

California

3.23/5  rDev -24.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Served on-draught into a mason jar at Villain's in low altitude Los Angeles, California. Reviewed from notes. Expectations were high; I've loved the beers I've had from Allagash in the past.

A: Pours a one finger head of fair cream, decent thickness, and pretty good retention. Colour is a semitransparent yellow. I wouldn't know it was 11% to look at it.

Sm: Very fruity - melon, peach, orange clementine, and nuts. A moderate strength aroma.

T: Cream, heavy fruit, alcohol, and banana. Some hops. It's got a heavy tropical vibe - maybe pineapple and passion fruit. Lots of coconut too. Evocative of a pina colada to an extent. Complex but very strange. I like that it's bold and inventive, but it's sort of a failed experiment. Awkwardly balanced.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Generally suits the flavours.

Dr: Among the strangest beers I've tried. Everyone should try it because it's experimental; it's sort of a novelty item. Very drinkable for the ABV. Curious indeed.

Serving type: on-tap

12-07-2011 01:43:41 | More by kojevergas

Cadebro

Maine

4.18/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours golden with a few fingers of white head.

S - Smells of caramel, vanilla and bourbon.

T - Banana and bourbon. Finishes with quite a bit of alcohol flavor.

M - The body is quite heavy but it is balanced out well with a high carbonation.

D - A heavy tripel and a mighty tasty sipper. The many layers of smell and flavor make this a very enjoyable drink. This is probably my favorite of Allagash's barrel series.

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2011 02:39:07 | More by Cadebro

axeman9182

New Jersey

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

8 oz of 2007 vintage on tap last month at Rattle n Hum and served in a goblet. This review is formed from notes taken as I drank it.

The glass of four year old Curieux I'm brought contains liquid that's a bright golden to lemon yellow, with just a bit of visibility through it. There's just a tiny bit of white foam (due somewhat to the pour), and as a result not much in the way of lacing or head retention. The nose is heavy on vanilla soaked pale fruits, with bourbon and oak playing supporting roles (and the former shining through more than the latter). I'm surprised not to find any clove or pepper aromas anywhere. The flavor brings more of the same. Sweetened fruitiness opens the beer, and a bourbon presence that's a bit more prominent/aggresssive than in the aroma cuts though mid palate, before a subtle woodiness closes the beer out. Once again I'm somewhat let down by the lack of yeasty phenols, as they are somewhat standard for the style. For a beer that's firmly in the double digit ABV territory, it's got an impressive lightness of body. The carbonation is just a tad dull, but it's a minor issue. As a pure drinking experience I enjoyed Curieux a bit more than the score here would indicate, but looking at it as a triple I can't grade it too highly when it's missing one of the hallmark characteristics of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2011 02:13:46 | More by axeman9182

womencantsail

California

3.9/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On-tap at American Craft

A: The beer pours a slightly hazed golden straw color with a finger of white head.

S: Some bourbon and oak does come through, but it's more vanilla and tripel. Lots of spice notes to it with a nice banana and pear flavor. Plenty of sweet malt, mostly bread, and a bit of candi sugar.

T: As with the aroma, not the most intense bourbon flavor. Again, a decent vanilla note, though. I do get some sweet fruits (mostly banana) and a bit of spice character (mostly clove). Again, a fairly strong dose of sweet malt.

M: Medium bodied with medium carbonation.

O: Would have preferred a bit more bourbon flavors, but still very nice.

Serving type: on-tap

10-07-2011 14:46:36 | More by womencantsail

mdaschaf

Washington

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

Review from notes. Had on tap at the Pickled Pig Pub

A: Pours a hazy golden color with a 1.5 finger white head on top that has good retention, with a slow fade to a tight layer of foam on top. Some sporadic, but thick lacing left behind.

S: A good bit of Belgian yeast and some light fruit - mostly banana with a bit of bruised apple and faint citrus. There is some doughy malt and spices. The bourbon is present and there is a bit of an alcohol presence.

T: Similar to the aroma with some apples, Belgian yeast, caramel, and to a lesser extent some banana. The bourbon is less present than it was in the aroma, but there is some residual heat from the alcohol.

M: Medium bodied with light to medium carbonation. Drinks rather smooth with a clean finish.

O: A pretty tasty beer with a nice flavor profile. The alcohol presence knocks it down a tad for me, but would certainly give this one another shot. Would like to try it from a bottle to see how that changes it.

Serving type: on-tap

09-22-2011 15:55:20 | More by mdaschaf

charlzm

California

4.18/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Consumed September 8th, 2011 at BoHo, Hollywood CA.

Beer was served in a small snifter. This is a cloudy, lemon-colored brew with a copious number of bubbles rising from the bottom of the glass, streaming up to a nice white head about one finger thick. The head is creamy, almost like meringue. Good looking beer, though lighter in color than I would have expected.

Aroma is alcoholic: white wine notes compete with a bourbon bouquet. Belgian yeast character also apparent: powdery, slightly floral.

The white grape notes carry over onto the palate. Some wheat tang, a dash of white pepper and more bitter on the finish than I would have expected. Well rounded with notable alcohol warming. Bourbon is subtle to the point of negligible.

Slightly dry and slightly thick, this beer is also lively in the mouth with carbonation and carries a little alcohol heat.

Overall, this is one of the most enjoyable Tripels I've had.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2011 15:22:45 | More by charlzm

THECPJ

Delaware

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

Reviewed from notes: had on draft at the Pickled Pig Pub.

appearance: murky yellow with a 1 finger head

smell: citrus, banana, spices, bourbon,

taste: bourbon, caramel, spices,

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body,

overall: this is a delicious beer. I'm hoping the bottle I have is as good as this beer was on draft.

Cheers,
The CPJ

Serving type: on-tap

09-11-2011 15:36:48 | More by THECPJ

YumYumGumGum

Virginia

4.13/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Appearance on this was very different than what I had supposed. A dark champagne color with a nice blond cap.

S -Very light floral, reminded me of summer.

T - Awesome, nothing was overwhelming and a very distinct bourbon taste, very well done.

M - Great carbonation, medium. Very light but the hiding of the alcohol did not come from the consistency, the taste is what did it for me.

O - I'm not a big fan of tripels at all, but this one seemed worth the try on tap during an Allagash takeover of a local restaurant. Mekong in Richmond VA. The added flavor from the barrel process is to me a perfect example of how to show case that process on an already strong beer. This revived my interest in Tripels.

Serving type: on-tap

08-12-2011 15:06:58 | More by YumYumGumGum

nickthetick

Maryland

3.6/5  rDev -15.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: pours a clouded, opaque straw gold into a tulip with a finger of pure white head that dissipates slowly and leaves a beautiful lacing on the way down the glass.

S: some yellow fruits, bananas, white grapes, apricots and an amazing amount of pineapple with out a whole lot of spice or bread qualities. And the alcohol scent scares me a bit.

T: a lot like the nose the fruit smells are in the mouth in doubles, but there is a bit more of a pronounced spice and yeast quality to it then lead to believe what was possible from the nose. The alcohol is there and very noticeable but the nice flavors tone it down a bit.

MF: a tad on the side of heavy, ok effervescence, hot and dry.

O: an interesting triple that adds a new page to my previous triple experience. I would not pass this beer up if I saw it again but I wouldn't look for it specifically.

Serving type: on-tap

08-10-2011 23:07:14 | More by nickthetick

snpub540

California

3.9/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Hollingshead's. Poured a hazy orange hue with a small white head. It leaves some delicate lacing on the glass the entire drink.

Aroma seems very faint. A little spice and some earthy yeastiness mixed with a nice vanilla from the barrel.

Nice hay and grain flavors upfront with phenolic yeast notes in the finish. Spicy and tasty. A little bourbon and heat as it warms. Great flavor.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and this is crisp and refreshing. Nice drinking beer.

Serving type: on-tap

08-09-2011 20:09:24 | More by snpub540

angelogarcia3

New York

4.72/5  rDev +10.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Another of my favorite beers. This beer started me on the quest for Bourbon Barrel-aged beers. A light colored almost golden in color beer. Cloudy with a thin ivory-colored head. A very light nose of bourbon and clove. The mouthfeel is almost syrupy with slight effervense. The bourbon taste is very pronounced with hints of clove, and honey.

Serving type: on-tap

07-28-2011 22:27:38 | More by angelogarcia3

drabmuh

Maryland

3.38/5  rDev -21%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

At the time of this review, this is the #7 Tripel on beeradvocate. I wanted to try this beer for so long but the size of the bottle, the ABV, and the cost prevented me from doing so, but I will get a 6 ounce pour of it for 4$ at a local bar. Neat. Served in a tumbler for some stupid reason.

Beer is yellow and mostly clear with a lazy thin wispy head of small bubbles, some carbonation, some lacing, looks fine.

Aroma is like dilute whiskey, nothing else.

Beer is thin and watery with a strong dry finish, lots of whiskey, the whole thing is like drinking a whiskey with a little bit of bitters in it. Not very enjoyable as a beer, as the liquor character shades the entire beer. I'm glad I didn't buy a 25 ounce bottle.

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2011 11:54:43 | More by drabmuh

DCon

Missouri

4.35/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed on-tap @ Silvio's Brazilian BBQ in Hermosa Beach, CA for $9. Tapped from the Allagash Wooden Handle into a 8.5oz Wine Glass.

Aroma- Orange and citrus aroma from the start with hop in the background. A little bit of alcohol is found (with the 11%) and there is a hint of spiciness.

Appearance- Eye candy from the start! Luscious, bubbly, 1 finger head that stays around for a while and leaves a very moderate lacing. Has a deep gold body with a semi-clear body.

Flavor- Strong start with high spice and malt flavor (and possibly some alcohol). Bit of orange but only a hint and then the drink becomes bittersweet. The finish was full of hop and citrus.

Mouthfeel- Medium-Full Bodied, High Carbonation, and Leaves hop on the palate. Nothing huge happened here but it was still good.

Overall Impression- For being a 11% beer, you couldn't taste the alcohol at all or even know it was present! It was a very complexed beer with strong attributes. I would tell you to enjoy this anytime possible on tap but can't turn you away from the bottle either... The Bourbon Barrel-Aged attribute was almost never present but made the Tripel even better when it came down to it.

Serving type: on-tap

07-10-2011 04:42:06 | More by DCon

zaphodchak

Virginia

4.78/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

On draft at Brixx pizza in Charlottesville, VA.

Thin head (small glass, and not poured by me) and complex lacing, like a fractal. Clouded golden body.

Citrus and tangy hops on the nose.

Taste is amazing. Oaky, smooth, sweetish, malty-- complex and excellent on several levels. Buttery, faintly citrusy; completely balanced and utterly luxurious. This is the taste of privilege. Clean finish and almost no aftertaste.

Mouthfeel is rich and luxurious to mathc. Smooth-textured and creamy.

One of the best I've had this year. To nitpick, the smell was really unassuming, but I got a pour with a very thin head, so that may explain that. It's easy to see now why the bottles command such a high price, but it was quite reasonable on draft.

Serving type: on-tap

07-09-2011 18:42:08 | More by zaphodchak

dbmernin83

California

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

Pours a hazy straw with a freshly fallen snow head.
Smells like bourbon. A little Belgian spice on the back end.
Bourbon is toned down on the tongue, but still very present. Booze obviously there with light vanilla notes dancing in the bourbon. If you have enough of this, you will probably reek of bourbon.
This is amazing. Bourbon aged stouts? Soooo overdone! An adventurous take on the style. And just when I was getting bored with tripels.

Serving type: on-tap

07-09-2011 06:20:05 | More by dbmernin83

brew3crew

Ohio

3.9/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- clear yellow with a little bit of head

S-very strong bourbon, and little bit of yeast

T- the bourbon is very unbalanced with the beer. You can really taste it and that is not good. Would be very good if it was more mellow

M-medium body and smooth finish

O-good beer. Wish it was more balanced

Serving type: on-tap

06-26-2011 20:18:49 | More by brew3crew