Allagash Tripel Ale - Allagash Brewing Company

cindyjeffsmith

Georgia

4/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: yellow, hazy. Creamy off white head, huge on the pour receding to a respectable layer.
Smell: Fruity and spicy with strong malty sweetness.
Taste: just as the nose presages. Balanced with a slightly bitter finish.
Overall: nicely carbonated, fine representation of the style. Likey.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 23:53:58 | More by cindyjeffsmith

Samp01

New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a trappist glass with a golden yellow and a medium white slowly dissipating head. Aroma of sweet spicy fruity notes, some ripe apple, Belgian yeast, light biscuit malt and sweet alcohol esters fill the senses. Taste is Belgian yeast, light biscuit malt, light banana, spicy fruity notes, with some spicy hops bitterness. palate is a medium body, crisp with very nice carbonation. Finishes with some sweet spicy fruity notes, Belgian yeast, with some nice spicy hops for balance, ending is a slightly dry finish with a bit of lingering nutty notes. Overall a very good,well balanced, flavorful and tasty brew, an all around solid tripel.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2012 18:33:57 | More by Samp01

WankelEngine

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz bottle into a snifter

A: Pours a lightly hazy golden color. There is a white head of one finger which fades fairly quickly to nothing.

S: The smell is a mixture of bready yeast, alcohol and spices. Coriander and clove. Mild citrus notes.

T: The first thing I get is Belgian spices. Clove, coriander and a hint of bananas. Some flavor of orange zest. Fairly clean finish, but mild bread and alcohol linger.

M: Fairly thin and crisp, with mild carbonation and a notable alcohol presence as the beer warms.

O: Decent Belgian tripel. Standard spices and moderate alcohol presence.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2012 00:03:25 | More by WankelEngine

divineaudio

Michigan

3.73/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

flute glass.

a - pours a hazy, pale yellow shade with tons of streaming bubbles visible. gave me a thin cap of white head that quickly calmed to a thin film. leaves some thin wisps of lacing in the glass.

s - spicy with clove and banana notes, toasted bread.

t - bready malt character with a nice, present spiciness. typical clove/banana flavors and maybe some nutmeg. has a tangy sort of bitterness that stings the back of the tongue for a second then fades away. well balanced and no trace of the alcohol content in the taste.

m - medium body, lots of carbonation, coarse co2 profile, faint alcohol warming.

o - a pretty tasty beer, but not going to blow anybody away. surprisingly drinkable for 9% abv. got this one in trade, but i'd buy some if i came across it.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2012 04:56:53 | More by divineaudio

chodinheaven

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Just slightly hazy and bright straw yellow in color with tons of bubbles up from the bottom. Pillowy, unmoving shock white head on top that dissapates extremely slowly, leaving a ring a thick lacing behind. The aroma has a pleasant musty fruitiness to it, orange rind coming to mind. Slight soft sweetness of honey is also notable combined with soft tones of spices such as coriander and clove. Not incredibly aromatic, but pleasant.

The taste is equally as pleasant, with that zesty but subdued orange and lemon rind flavor coming through, a slight must to it. Not quite ripe orange also comes to mind, the dryness of the spices and alcohol keeping the juiciness at a subdued but balanced level. The spice is subdued as well, taking on subtle hints at banana and clove. Takes on more of a vinous feel as it warms to cellar temps (I poured it at fridge temps). The second half of the bottle is just a bit more lively in carbonation, with slightly more kick to it in the hop department. Even with this extra bit of carbonation, there is a long dry finish. It cleanses the palate adequately and leaves behind a pleasant dry fruity aftertaste.

Fairly big beer, but hidden by a very high drinkability and excellently subtle tastes that hide the alcohol masterfully. Well worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

04-26-2012 04:01:23 | More by chodinheaven

bubseymour

Maryland

3.63/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A= has a yellowish wheat/witbier hue with lots of carbonation flowing from bottom of beer to top. One finger head but excellent retention thanks to the heavy carbonation.

Smell - Smells just like the witbier I had last night. Yeasty and lemony.

Taste - Interesting for a tripel. Definitely notice the belgian yeast in the flavor. Has an almost pilsner crispness to the finish however. Not as sweet, floral or complex as other well crafted Belgians, but somewhat dry. Definitely seems lighter in ABV than 9%.

Mouthfeel - for 9% its actually slightly watery.

Overall - a good beer for a beer. A very average/below average Belgian Tripel IMO.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2012 00:15:03 | More by bubseymour

SawDog505

New Hampshire

3.68/5  rDev -11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured 750 MP bottle in a 20 Duvel glass. Poured slowly down the center and got a huge 4 inch fluffy white head, that sticks in clumps to the glass, beer is a yellow orange. Smell is banana, clove, bread, and earthy hops. Taste is huge clove and banana, with hints of the other flavors from the nose, alcohol is hidden well. Body is medium large, plenty of life, not overly dry, and goes down with ease. This is not my favorite style, but this is a very nice example of a triple. Exactly why this company is known for its Belgian beers.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 00:25:37 | More by SawDog505

ONUMello

Ohio

4.15/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml bottle poured into a snifter
A: Pours a hazy dark orange/light brown with a one-finger lingering head.
S: Tropical fruit, bread, spice, a hint of citrus- very complex.
T: Sweet malt and fruit with balanced alcohol and a hint of spice/hops.
M: Smooth, medium-bodied with just a bit of kick from the carbonation.
O: A well-made, easy/enjoyable to drink Tripel. I wish Allagash distributed to Ohio.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 23:22:03 | More by ONUMello

Holland

Pennsylvania

4.2/5  rDev +1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: pours a cloudy orange straw color. Kind of dull, but it might be my fault for putting it in the fridge for almost a week. Still great head and retention.

S: orange, sweetness, pepper and spice

T: incredible taste, and unique for a tripel. It has some woody flavor along with very strong tripel flavors like spice, and orange and fruit. The spice is very pronounced, but then it leaves a malty dry finish.

M: medium body with heavy carbonation makes it become fizzy and fluffy in my mouth.

O: unique tripel from Allagash. I have been on a tripel kick lately and this is one of my favorites. At $9 per 750 ml bottle, it's not bad, and it compares decently with the Trappist versions.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 23:08:52 | More by Holland

Drinkerofales

California

4.05/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A cloudy gold fills the goblet, capped by a medium sized fluffy head that stays until finished and leaves a whole wall of lace.

Smell is of a bit of bready malt, hint of the yeast, and some fruitiness as it warms.

Tastes similar to the smell, as it's lightly fruity, a bit of yeasty tang, and a hint of spice on the finish.

Very carbonated, explodes on my tongue as I drink it. This effect mellows as it airs out. ABV is well hidden, and this beer is quite drinkable.

Quite a nice beer, easy to drink for the big alcohol, pretty good flavors.

DOA

Serving type: bottle

04-02-2012 18:42:02 | More by Drinkerofales

DrFayhee

4.6/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Golden color with medium-thick head. Slightly hazy.
S: Apricot, soap, straw, raisins, orange peel, and birch bark.
T: Pretty classic tripel flavors actually. Fruity up front with a nice malted hoppinness that carries through the sip.
M: Medium bodied, perfect medium carbonation, a slight oiliness.
O: I've never tasted an American beer that so perfectly captures the essence of a Belgian tripel. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2012 04:20:55 | More by DrFayhee

Arithmeticus

Maryland

4.48/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured at basement temp in flared glass

A: semiclear orange; great head and great lacing; wonderful bloom of head
S: grape and grapefruit; citrusy and light
T: classic Belgian trippel; very spicy: nutmeg, allspice, and a hint of banana

Overall, a fantastic trippel; cheers!

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2012 01:44:01 | More by Arithmeticus

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.45/5  rDev +7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Review from 4/2011 notes. Poured into a Black Raven pint glass. Pours a hazy orange amber, lots of carbonation. Big white head and massive lacing, a beautiful presentation. Aroma of wheat, Belgian yeast and spicing and light fruit with some suggestions of orange and apple. Good body, bitter with light fruits, Belgian spicing and sweet malt. Spicy finish, which is a bit astringent, but the overall progression and flavors come together very nicely. This is a very well made and enjoyable tripel

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2012 03:27:12 | More by LiquidAmber

Tschnab

New York

4.23/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- a golden color with a huge fluffy head and some random patches of lacing.

S-strong bready malt character along with spicy ethol yeastiness, banana, clove, citrus peel. Well balanced.

T- the bready malt really makes this beer a very balanced beer right in the front of the palate. After that the classic belgian tripel flavors come in, as well as honey and oranges.

O- i really enjoyed this one, a great well balanced triple with some good malt presence and a citrusy brightness.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2012 18:52:54 | More by Tschnab

billnet

Georgia

4.23/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: light golden appearence with a about a fingers worth of froth

S: a little malt, a little citrus

T: Apricot citrus flavors with just a hint of hops

M: just right for any occasion

O: A great beer for just enjoying life indoors or outdoors. Will go with anything.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 21:23:52 | More by billnet

axeman9182

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

750 mL bottle, batch #176. This one was served in my Bruery tulip.

Allagash Tripel pours a mildly hazy light orange. Three fingers or so of airy white foam pile on top of the beer to form a nice looking head. Retention is just OK, but there's a fair amount of lacing left stuck to the inside of the glass. If I could, I'd give it a 4.25 for appearance, but as it is it doesn't warrant a 4.5. The nose has displays some very aromatic phenol notes. There's a very peppery clove aroma, that I wish was played against more fruity esters than the little bit of pear I find. There's definitely a little bit more ester presence in the flavor, with a touch of apple showing up besides the pear. The beer's still definitely headlined by the pepper and clove phenols though. The mouthfeel is very nice, with a creamy yet light body and a high, expressive level of carbonation. The body could probably stand to be a touch lighter, but that's a minor quibble. Allagash Tripel is a very nice, classic rendition of the Tripel style, and one of my favorite American versions.

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 01:47:06 | More by axeman9182

mschind

California

3.73/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A- 12 oz bottle poured into a chalice yielded a three inch foamy head which gradually faded. Hazy, deep yellow color.

S- Spicy with banana and yeast.

T- Mild pepper up front with a warm and slightly sweet finish when the alcohol comes through.

M- Medium to light body that is on the fizzy side.

O- A good tripel, not very complex but still enjoyable.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 00:01:24 | More by mschind

kojevergas

California

3.45/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Labelled "Allagash Tripel Reserve" Batch 176. 1 pt 9.4 fl oz brown glass bottle with hood and wire cap over a cork served into a plastic cup (a proper transparent one, not a dixie cup or anything). Reviewed from notes. Expectations were high given the brewery, from which I've yet to have a bad brew.

A: Pours a five finger head of fair cream and thickness, and good retention. Colour is a hazy orange.

Sm: Honey, coriander, clove, yeast, orange citrus esters, and light warm alcohol. A mild strength aroma.

T: Honey foundation with bright orange fruit esters. Some yeast. Mellow. Some pleasant well balanced spices. Quite enjoyable.

Mf: Smooth, wet, and light on the palate. Suits the flavours.

Dr: Very drinkable and mellow. Hides its ABV well. I like it. I'd like to try it on draught or bottle aged. I imagine it would age quite well. Might be worth picking up a few for the cellar.

B-

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 04:41:27 | More by kojevergas

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

4.22/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My final LIF brew; thank you once again, Stankonia. And this Allagash Tripel is one that’s been on my list for way too long. All the way from Portland, Maine…bottoms up!

Brewed about two years ago (looks like March 11, 2010 from the “1070” on the bottom of the bottle).

A: Beautiful! As I pour, a velvety head appears, smoothing out over two-and-a-half fingers of stark white cream; a pillow of gorgeous bubbles that leave thick, unbroken lacing in their wake. There’s a heavy, constant stream of bubbles coming up from the bottom of my glass, so it retains an inch of foam over the golden body for as long as I’m drinking it. It’s actually more of a light straw-yellow with a hint of golden shine. Reminds me of Duvel.

S: Aromas of Duvel, too: banana, clove, biscuit dough, and phenolic yeast. It’s a sweet smell, one that culminates in notes of banana bread and fruit (kiwi and passion fruit) with cream. Lightly herbal, too, with a backbone of crystal malts. These scents are straight out of Belgium, and very well-done.

T: It’s a powerful palate, spicy and thick from first sip to last. Its flavor front is rich vanilla pudding with bananas over smooth, grassy hay. The bitters pop with fruity, spicy Belgian hops, and an astringent pepper flavor. There are some complex tastes underneath: baked apples, herbs (clove and rosemary), honey, French toast, light licorice, and citrus. Dry and a bit syrupy in the aftertaste. This beer has a great palate.

M: This does not drink like a 9.0% beer: it’s light and creamy. Lightly astringent, as a good hoppy Belgian should be, though it’s a fleeting bitterness.

O: This has to be one of the best representations of a Belgian style from an American brewer that I’ve ever tried. Rich, drinkable, and definitely memorable – an experience that I wish so many other brewers could replicate.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2012 05:39:03 | More by BarryMFBurton

PatrickSwayze

California

4.6/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Poured bright golden translucent in color the looked gorgeously filtered to perfection. Thick frothy head complemented the color.   

S: Not really dominating or distinguished in aroma. Was left hoping for more. 

T: Holy crap this beer is so beautiful. Light crisp and unreal clovey banana that is just amazing on the taste buds. Best american belgian style beer I've ever had.

M: Really dry and unreal crisp but heavy in flavor. Just pure and simply perfect.

O: You really need to try this beauty. I want this beer inside me at all times. Do not pass up the opportunity to try this one. Shes amazing.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2012 05:48:52 | More by PatrickSwayze

nhindian

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into an Allagash cervoise.

A - Pours a crystal clear straw color, with a ton of carbonation swirling like a vortex or funnel which feeds the 3-fingers of ivory head. Of course, the head has the consistency and retention of other Allagash beers; that is, frothy and thick, like cream, and a long-lasting presence. The lacing is great as well with foam covering most of the sides.

S - The nose is heavy with spice and fruit, more specifically clove and banana. There is actually quite a bit of depth here, with strong yeast phenols, lemongrass, crushed black pepper, and citrus. A touch of alcohol astringency arises near the end, but overall this is an addicting beer.

T - The taste is a melange of flavors, from sweet, to spicy, to somewhat sour as well. A citrus profile leads the way, with oranges and tangerines, before a strong clove, honey, and wheat influence cuts it short. This lingers for a while, before ending with a spicy finish. Each sip brings a new aspect to this beer, with more and more enjoyment stemming from the results.

M - Mouthfeel is medium-light bodied with high carbonation. Prickly yet clean on the palate, this finishes dry to whet the palate even more.

D/O - Drinkability is high. This definitely ranks high up on the list of my favorite Tripels, especially ones domestically produced. It has all the subtle complexities of an authentic Belgian while being more accessible (however, living in Pittsburgh with no Allagash distribution, authentic Belgians are easier to come by). My final thought at the end of the glass was: "A 12oz bottle isn't enough for a beer this good". I am kicking myself for not buying the 750ml one.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2012 04:21:21 | More by nhindian

J23hc

New Jersey

4.43/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured into snifter, a hazy yellow orange body with small white bubbly head. Lots of fruity notes on the nose, including banana and mango, a little vanilla too. Mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and full. Lots of bright fruity notes, mostly a modest citrus character. Big wheaty body, some hop bitterness in the finish. A fairly complex sipper, solid

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 02:39:52 | More by J23hc

mdaschaf

Washington

4.05/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a hazy golden/straw color with a thick white head that reduces rather quickly. Thin lacing forms all around the glass.

S: Light fruit, a little banana, lemon zest, and a little orange. There is some coriander and pepper in the middle. Slight hint of alcohol at the end.

T: Very grassy with a nice level of spice, some clove, coriander, and pepper. Light fruit, orange, lemon, and a little bit of banana.

M: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Very easy drinking and smooth. Even though there was a hint of alcohol on the aroma, it does not show up in the flavor profile.

O: Really nice tripel, dangerously drinkable. Another solid beer from Allagash.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 03:58:24 | More by mdaschaf

TheBigE5

Georgia

4.1/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Golden yellow with a slight haze. A finger of off-white head.

S - Citrus, honey and a little yeast notes.

T - Sweet up front with honey flavors. Cloves and subtle yeast flavors also come through. Finishes with grass and hop flavors.

M - Creamy with a warm finish.

O - Great beer overall. The smell and taste compliment each other so well. Nice drinkability and mouthfeel for an abv 9.0% beer. The combination is wonderful.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 00:17:49 | More by TheBigE5

ryan1788a5

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle decanted into a Unibroue chalice.

A: Pours a hazy golden-yellow. Effervescent. Bubbly white head has great staying power. Sticky, patchy rings of lacing decorate the glass.

S: Biscuity malt, green apple skin, white pepper, perfumey esters, faint alcohol. Chalky yeast. Light grassy scent?

T: Chalkiness and yeasty tastes open. Green apple skin and spicy phenolic tastes follow. White pepper and clove. Quick spike of alcohol. Cracker malt. Another wave of pear and apple tastes wash over the palate. Finishes with cracker malt and musty, chalky yeast.

M: Medium bodied. Very highly carbonated, as expected. Foamy and fluffy in the mouth.

O: A very solid tripel, though I don't feel that it belongs in the ranks of the elites.

Notes: A bit rough around the edges compared to my favorites within the style. Still a very respectable offering.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2012 20:41:55 | More by ryan1788a5