Corsendonk Agnus / Abbey Pale Ale - Brouwerij Corsendonk

leokbelo

Florida

4.4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a semi hazy golden on a chalice. Soda like carbonation, making a somewhat creamy head. However it dissipated quickly afterwards.
Sweet spiciness on the nose, fruits, a bit of alcohol.
Very devious on the tongue, sweet and innocent at first, then the alcohol creeps in, warming the body.
A great way to spend a chilly evening!
A great triple, highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

09-30-2011 02:15:14 | More by leokbelo

dudelove7485

New York

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

The beer pours cloudy and golden with some visible sediment. Thin, small-bubbled eggshell head leaves almost no lacing behind. The aroma is spicy (definite coriander), citrusy and fruity (apple among others). The taste is lemony upfront and then sweet, champagney and very fruity with a bit of malt. The mouthfeel is crisp and medium bodied with med-hi carbonation. Dry, bitter finish. The sediment leads me to believe that my bottle may have been a bit out of date. I owe this beer another shot.

visit my blog for more beer reviews, book reviews, music and more

selfhatinghipster.com

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2011 01:50:17 | More by dudelove7485

janubio

Spain

3.78/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Very dense head that holds for a while but leaves no lace when it fades. Hazy pale golden colour, smell of spices (clove?), mango (most of all), citrus, banana. It feels dry on the palate, fuzzy. Taste is the same of smell, only more citrus in this case, orange peel dominating. Bitter finish.

Serving type: bottle

09-27-2011 21:20:54 | More by janubio

thedoubler55

New Jersey

3.88/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Nice golden hue in color that leaves a nice finger of head at the top with almost no lacing at all.

S: Smell is nothing crazy, floral notes and bits of spicyness, and bits of bitterness from the hops.

T: Little bit of bitterness up front, but aftertaste is floral with lots of sweet fruits all around and nice lingering bitterness from the hops.

M: Strong carbonation but medium bodied.

D: Highly drinkable, pleasant beer for a nice summer day, I enjoyed this one.

Serving type: growler

09-06-2011 18:56:21 | More by thedoubler55

TheBeerAlmanac

Kentucky

4.72/5  rDev +18.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into a plastic drinking glass (it's all I had, what you want)

A: Pours a delightful golden hue with an adamant amount of eggshell foam head.

S: Smells spicy with coriander, thyme, and a dash of cumin along with English ale-like bitterness, saison crispness and a touch of heavy fruit.

T/M: There is a medium amount of carbonation with that saison crispness on the forefront followed by traditional Belgian fruitiness, all in a very well balanced and light package (considering it's a "tripel").

As far as beer goes, this is an incredible brew that is perfectly balanced with complex and full flavors that don't overpower. As far as Belgians go, this is probably the best I've ever had. I realize that's a bold statement, but I said it.

TheBeerAlmanac.com

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2011 01:46:51 | More by TheBeerAlmanac

rarbring

Sweden

3.1/5  rDev -21.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

The beer is light amber, has noticeable flakes, small bubbles, an off-white high head, some lacing and good curtains.

Earthy aromas, stable, dirt, lemon peel. Rather musky and dusty.

The taste is a mixture of acid old vinegar, lemon peel, then some old cheese and dirt. A moldy character.

High carbonation, small intensive bubbles, a dry finish.

This was a 2007 bottle, had already peaked. Must try a younger, better stored one.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2011 19:30:34 | More by rarbring

Samp01

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice golden / pale yellow with a nice white fluffy lasting head. Aroma has a nice citrusy hops with lemon and orange peel fruity notes. Taste is a nice sweet citrusy hops lemon and orange peel with some nice malt and yeast. Nice lively carbonation and nice medium body with a nice crisp mouth feel on the palate. Finish is sweet citrusy hops with some lemony orange peel, some light grapefruit and pineapple notes ending with a nice yeasty malty character. Overall a very good flavorful crisp and refreshing brew. I would drink this again, very nice

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2011 17:49:44 | More by Samp01

fuquan

New Jersey

4.18/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served in a Tripel Karmeliet glass.

Hazy light amber body with 3 finger head (medium sized bubbles). Not getting much on the nose, maybe some coriander and yeast. Very spicy on the tongue, and as it warms I get more of the bright, fruity flavor (banana, orange, a bit of lime perhaps). The yeast is also apparent, adding that nice bread-y quality. The beer is a bit dry and very carbonated. Overall this is a great tripel. Not as heavy as some I've had either.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2011 00:25:24 | More by fuquan

Daredevil

Switzerland

3.8/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

glass used: Riedel Vinum Extreme Chardonnay

appearance: golden, very foamy head

smell: tripes, toilet

taste: very dry, foamy, notes of toast bread, quince, créme brûlée, a very light bitterness in the aftertaste

the glass is ideal for the taste (as it emphasizes sweetness in this very dry brew), however it fortifies the, sorry, awful smell ...
would be a classic with a better nose ....

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 21:04:30 | More by Daredevil

infi

New York

3.83/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into Corsendonk tulip.

A clean, transparent, golden-color that shows a white, fizzy head of loose bubbles and resolves into the liquid quickly. Grandiose amount of carbonation releasing from nucleation site of glass. Aromas dictate a great amount of apple cider and bananas, with a thin amount of Belgian yeast-driven breadiness. Minimal amounts of peppery, coriander-like spice tickle the nose as well. Exactly what a tripel should smell like.

Taste carries a banana-filled booziness, alongside the Belgian yeast and pale malt. Unripened, green apple skin gives this tripel a thin pugency, but not like in a wild ale sense. The finish has a very slight metallic undertone. Kinda like a champagne meets a weizen. Personally, this is reminiscent of Brooklyn's Local 1, due to the banana and heat resonating on the palate. Very interesting, considering they are different beer styles, but parallel in flavors, nonetheless.

Mouthfeel is crisp and clean. Light-bodied with good amounts of that bubbly feel. A very nice beer! Definitely consider pairing this with some food or drink with leisure. A nice, round-year bottle for opening.

#4 of 9.

Serving type: bottle

07-18-2011 22:14:34 | More by infi

gfreed

Massachusetts

4.7/5  rDev +18.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A category that, in my view, suffers from great abuse, a good tripel can look like bilgewater but still taste wonderful. Or it can look appealing but taste like bilgewater. Rare is it, then, that I get to drink a tripel that both looks *and* tastes great. As well-behaved as any Belgian beer, you'll find all your favorite tripel characteristics presented in a well-balanced, polite and understated manner. No ham-handed orange-juice yeasties here, nor will you be dehydrated from over-hopping as is so common these days. Dare I say that this is... uh... refreshing? Well, almost. Puts most other tripels to shame.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2011 15:35:12 | More by gfreed

CuttDeez

Virginia

4.08/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a bottle into my snifter.

A - A somewhat clear but haze golden yellow pour with orange notes. A firm and frothy white head that sticks slightly.

S - A great bready smooth nose that mixes honey sweetness on the front and a slight peppery spice and fruit combination on the back. The floral notes are there as well but only light.

T & M - A sweet honey yeasty front end, then comes a combination of smooth sweet fruits and pepper and spice. I also love the floral qualities of the beer. The beer was medium bodied for sure and it had a zingy carbination aspect that cut through the deep flavors in a nice way.

O - A fantastic beer with complex flavor and great feel. An old brewery just does it the right way!

-Cheers

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2011 02:19:09 | More by CuttDeez

srandycarter

California

4.05/5  rDev +2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Pours beautiful slightly murky straw, with a huge pillow of a head. Fine bubbles like champagne come from every corner upwards. Looks promising.

S - Lemon, straw, a little funk.

T - Light but solid malt, interrupted by sharp slightly lemony bitterness. Green apple and only slightly grainy malt and yeast finishes.

M - Bubbly as all. malt and bitter battle several times, balance very appealing.

D - I am happy it's a 750 :)

Serving type: bottle

06-22-2011 04:31:45 | More by srandycarter

THECPJ

Delaware

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

reviewed from notes:

appearance: golden yellow orange with a 1 finger white head

smell: honey, sweet, malts, caramel, spice

taste: spices, honey, sweet,

mouthfeel: mild carbonation, medium body

overall: a nice example of a belgian tripel. will try it again if I come across it.

cheers,
The CPJ

Serving type: bottle

05-30-2011 15:18:46 | More by THECPJ

r0nyn

New York

3.63/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a bottle into my Chimay chalice.

Yellowish apricot hue into the glass, as is standard for most good tripels. Wispy white lacing settles into a foamy head. Tiny particles of yeast sediment can be seen suspended in the beer, despite my overly cautious pour. Smell is sweetish, with a definite banana overtone, with hints of clove, spice and ginger. Slight bit of tart funk as well, which is par for the course with an authentic Belgian brew.

Yeast notes coupled with sweet banana esters kick things off taste-wise. It's very subdued though, lacking the punch of other tripels I've sampled. There's also an underlying bitterness that washes over the palate and provides a complement to the sweetness of the initial flavors. Aftertaste is ephemeral, with no hint of alcohol. Mouthfeel has a distinct creaminess to it, but not as full-bodied as I was hoping for. Still makes for easy sipping though.

On the whole, a decent enough tripel. Would have preferred a bit more robustness in character and feel from it, but it's by no means a bad beer. I'd revisit La Fin or St Bernardus before this one again, though.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2011 02:57:16 | More by r0nyn

Wegomlegging

Virginia

4.45/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

One of my favorites, I'm always happy when it's on the menu. Pours beautiful light clear gold, with excellent lacing. Scents of light yeast, sweet straw, and flowers, just nice. Very pleasant flavor, more so than its darker sister beer, light sweetness with just the right amount of bitterness and yeastiness, hard water background adds to the experience nicely. Very carbonated, so pour with care. Drinks easy, so bring extra money. Overall one of the best around.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 01:20:16 | More by Wegomlegging

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.7/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to WhyBeNormal for sending this bottle to me in the N00B BIF. Served in a Hill Farmstead wine glass.

Pour brings a light golden color that is mostly transparent with a several-finger white head. Good retention and quite a bit of lacing as it goes down. Thin cap and a good collar. The nose brings hay and some light earthiness along with some grain and a bit of floral hop character. Flavor is light and refreshing with hay and grain plus some mild bitterness and a bit of a floral quality. Pretty clean, yet fairly uneventful. Mouthfeel is a bit thin with good carbonation. Good beer overall. Quite nice. Thanks again.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2011 00:43:20 | More by Thorpe429

Cannoneer

Ohio

4.33/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A very solid example of the style, though not my favorite due to skew toward the lighter/sweeter taste.

Pours lemony golden color with nice, solid head. Overwhelms with fresh citrus aroma with cantaloupe and grass overtones. Drinks easy - this can be had as a summer session beer despite the high alcohol content. Great overall, however at one point I noticed that it started to taste almost like a lighter blond style - a bit too much citrus and winey sweetness and a bit too little grainy/bready heartiness.

Nevertheless - a wonderful brew and the one I come back to.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2011 02:16:41 | More by Cannoneer

JMforman

Tennessee

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4.5

A- Honey-golden body with a massive head that dissipated quickly.

S- Honey, pecans, raisin, caramel, with a touch of cinnamon.

T- Caramel, honey, pecans. Very sweet.

M- Medium. Not a lot of carbonation. Definitely lacking here. Could've just been a bad bottle.

D- Very much so. One of the best tripels that I've had.

Serving type: bottle

02-21-2011 02:16:15 | More by JMforman

KenC

New Jersey

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Dull yellow, slightly hazy. Fabulous, thick white head that dissipates to a thin layer. No lacing to speak of.

S: Honey, hops, and something I just can't put a finger on.

T: Just like it smells.

M: Light to moderate maybe a little dry. Finishes with honey and that same thing I don't have a good description for.

D: Great for an after dinner brew. Well crafted, but one was enough for an evening.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2011 15:47:42 | More by KenC

BeerNinja007

New Hampshire

3.48/5  rDev -12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Single 330mL bottle acquired as part of a make-your-own 6-pack ($10 total) at Wegmans in Clay, NY. Split three ways with my parents, served in a small canning jar. Best by 05/05/12 G 08:30.

A: Bright yellow brew, slightly hazy, with a fizzy white head that settles quickly to a thin stable layer and clings a bit to the glass.

S: Moderate spicy ginger, clove, and honey.

T/M: Thin, light and fizzy brew with a sharp bite of carbo and hop. Flavors same as the smell. Finishes with some lingering honey sweetness and ginger spice.

D: I find myself swirling it a bit in an attempt to dissipate the carbo.

Serving type: bottle

02-12-2011 02:17:42 | More by BeerNinja007

JoEBoBpr

Missouri

4.03/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a tulip glass from a 750ml bottle.
Lot: 8809

A - A gentle pour produces a gigantic aggressive pillowy white head about 2 inches tall with very dense bubbles. The beer color is nice and straw yellow with some active carbonation flowing to the top of the beer. Very nice looking.

S - Aroma starts off with some delicious malt grain and then followed by some nice clove sweetness with some slight banana as well. There is some nice Belgian yesaty funk with some corn husk and some horse blanket aroma that blends well with the sweet.

T & M - Taste starts off with some nice fluffy notes of yeast mixed in with some nice malt sweetness. There is some slight clove and mild funk as well as some nice vinous notes. Good light flavor that is enjoyable. Mouthfeel is crisp and fluffy with nice clean flavors and an easy to drink but well crafted.

D - Delicious and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2011 02:17:15 | More by JoEBoBpr

crossovert

Wisconsin

4.18/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 4

33cl bottle, best before 09/08/11.

It pours a slightly hazy orangeish gold with a huge bright white head. It recedes to a lot of nice lacing.

The smell is fruity all over. It smells like fruity pebbles, candied orange peel, coriander, citrus, apple, and clove.

It tastes similar, the fruitiness subdues a little bit. Along with it is some nice malts and even a touch of hosp in the finish.

The mouthfeel is noticeably prickling, perhaps too much so, but it isn't overly offensive.

A solid brew, through and though.

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2011 05:13:26 | More by crossovert

JohnQVegas

Tennessee

3.83/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle into The Bruery tulip.

Pours cloudy gold, the result of a slightly sloppy pour, with a fluffy, one-finger white head, good retention and lacing. Nice stickage.

Nose carries apple and pear, crisp white pepper, along with faint vanilla and a wee bit of yeasty doughiness. Delicate honey sweetness mixes into the pepper subtly.

Taste falls just short of the nose. Honey sweetness is there again, bit of candy sugar, and a light spiciness that has just a bit of a peppery bite. Again, pears and apples come through clearly, though unlike the nose, there's an almost soapy quality that is distracting. It's faint, and doesn't come close to ruining a very good beer, but it's just enough to knock it down a peg. Finish is long, dry, more delicate pepper and raw sugar.

Mouthfeel is nice - sparkling almost, tiny bubbled and crisp, with a filled-out medium body that works very well. Alcohol is well hidden, hinted at in the flavor more than felt, with no real bitterness lingering on the finish. Well built, in that way that so many native Belgian beers are.

Very nice beer; were it not for the faint soapiness, would have been received even more favorably.

Serving type: bottle

01-04-2011 02:31:55 | More by JohnQVegas

dmamiano

West Virginia

3.63/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Extremely effervescient on the pour. The 11.2 oz bottle over flowed pretty gig on a sixteen ounce goblet.
hazy straw color with a large white head that fades fast but did leave some lacing.
Metallic, bready yeastiness is dominant in the nose. Belgian malts and not much notice of hops.
Taste is a nice mix of hops and malt.
The hops really stand out more in bitterness than much else. i think the Belgian yeast character over shadow the hop flavor/aroma.
Very interesting beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2011 23:56:10 | More by dmamiano