Devil's Backbone - Real Ale Brewing Company

pgfault

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Serving: draught into a standard pint.

Pours a cloudy straw color with about 1cm head, which dissipated about half way thru.

Scent is pretty strong Belgian yeast. More than expected for this Texas brew.

Taste is just what you smell, along with banana. Scent seems to go away near the end of the beer.

Overall a very drinkable a pleasant beer, albeit deceivingly high in ABV. Grab one on tap if you can.

Serving type: on-tap

10-27-2012 03:55:46 | More by pgfault

elNopalero

Texas

4.55/5  rDev +18.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Something about this latest batch of the Devil’s Backbone that I just found absolutely fantastic.

This pours a clear straw yellow in the glass. It has a light floral, almost pollen-like delicate aroma to it. Smells great!

Tastes light and delicate, with a lot of nuanced estery flavor I pictured lavender fields with a touch of honey at the end. Delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

04-09-2012 19:57:56 | More by elNopalero

JayAre46

Texas

3.35/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 2

on tap review from notes, pours a hazy yellow. very frothy, great lacing down the glass. little chill haze but it happens.

A - yeasty, bubble gum, peppery spice, banana great aroma on this one.things are starting off better than expected.

T - again the belgian yeast, clove spice, strong banana, bubble gum is bit strong for what should be, or it needs more of the peppered spices to calm it down, hops are actually present but very light.

M - great mouthfeel, medium to full, moderately carbonated. flows over the palate coating all that in comes in contacts with, best part of the beer IMO.

D - decent brew and good representation, the bar for me is set at la fin du monde and i don't care if it is canadian i think of it whenever someone says "Tripel" and thats what it will consciously or sub-consciously be compared to...the hops and the spices try to balance things out but the bubblegum is a bit strong. the bmc'ers at the bar were really digging this one. just sayin. drink it

EDIT: this beer is not good, it actually sucks sorry if i sent someone an extra of this, my mind was clouded. 9/21/11

Serving type: on-tap

07-02-2011 03:47:08 | More by JayAre46

tronester

Oklahoma

3.48/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A clear golden in appearance with a creamy white head. Smells strongly of ethyl alcohol and a hint of banana. Taste is initially candy sweetness, followed by a spicy yeast character, then a neutral bitterness and a bit of grainy wheat. Alcohol is detectable. Mouthfeel is full, smooth carbonation. Overall a good tripel, tho a bit boozy for my tastes.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2011 18:41:36 | More by tronester

Thorpe429

Illinois

3.3/5  rDev -13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from notes.

Pours a golden color with a nice white head and a bit of lacing as it goes down. The nose brings some slight spice and Belgian yeast as well as a bit of citrus and some light fruits. Taste is a bit of pale spice and light fruit. A good dose of alcohol in there as well. Feel is slightly spicy and boozy with a good body. Drinks fairly well and is better than the blonde I had from them, but perhaps needs a bit of time to mellow.

Serving type: on-tap

10-24-2010 15:58:24 | More by Thorpe429

Reagan1984

Massachusetts

2.15/5  rDev -43.9%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Had this while traveling in Texas. Was excited to try a local tripel to see how they interpreted this style. I was a bit disappointed.

Interesting that it was served in a pint glass, but I can't blame the beer or brewer for that. Thin finger of foamy head that faded quickly. Slightly hazy golden/straw in color. Not much lacing to speak of.

Aroma was sweet and of banana & yeast.

Flavor was definitely too sweet. This was more like a cross between Hefe and Tripel leaning much more towards a Hefe. The banana, clove & yeast notes were different than most triples. The hop bitterness was too low and again did not fit the style. Not quite cloying sweet, but just wrong here.

Not really crisp with a bitter finish and the mouth feel had me focus on the sweetness.

Flat out didn't enjoy this.

Serving type: on-tap

06-13-2010 17:33:01 | More by Reagan1984

GreenThumb

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a thin head that disappears quickly. Appearence is darker gold and slightly hazy.

Smell is lightly fruity and sweet with a whiff of hop twang.

The taste is thin at first, mostly resembling fruit and mild grain. As the first flavors subside, the hops emerge and give a lightly bitter flavor with definite floral notes. I noted a buttery end flavor which I enjoyed however I am unsure if it belonged in this type of beer.

Mouthfeel was denser on the tongue than I expected from a triple - this was a good thing.

Godd drinkability. I don't think I could drink it all night but two or three would be a good start.

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2010 14:04:16 | More by GreenThumb

DeathbySexyBT

Texas

4.22/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Hazy wheat/gold with a miniscule khaki head and bitchin' lacing.

S: Sweet bready aroma that reminds me of fresh Challah bread. A definite yeast overtone that is mitigated by the honey and spicy hops.

T: Orange rind, cloves, and yeast are all riding a bitter foundation that is very delicately balanced. The cloves and yeast flavors grow as the beer warms.

M: Smooth and gentle going down.

D: A very strong effort out of Blanco, TX. I am always leary of Tripels that are outside of the Trappist traditions, but this is great. I will concede a local bias, though.

Serving type: on-tap

08-12-2009 20:18:51 | More by DeathbySexyBT

Riccymon

Texas

3.83/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured on tap at the Dog and Duck Pub in Austin. A pretty orange beer with a thin layer of head after the bartender spent a couple minutes pouring out head/refilling the glass. Smell is a pretty strong blend of apple, orange, and Belgian funk.

Taste is a pungent and tasty mix of fruit flavors, candy sugar, and a touch of hops. Hop and alcohol notes are detectable, but almost entirely concealed by the standard tripel flavor. The finish is just a touch bitter, however, which wasn't expected. Mouthfeel is probably the standout area, as Devil's Backbone has a rich and creamy body that is more substantial than I've ever tasted in a tripel. The strength of flavor and ABV limit drinkability a touch, but this is definitely an enjoyable beer!

Serving type: on-tap

07-02-2009 06:27:17 | More by Riccymon

wagenvolks

Texas

3.7/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

8oz pour into a stemless snifter at the Whip-In Austin.

If the devil's backbone looked anything like Devil's Backbone, I'd probably give him a lengthy, sensual rub-down. Beautiful appearance of a golden honeysuckle body infused with a slight yeast haze. The bone-white head is sizable and stubborn, barely receding throughout the drink and etching delicate webs of lacing along the glass. Satisfying bouquets of fresh honeycomb, vanilla beans, belgian spices, ethanol, and floral hops greet the nose, supported by a devil of a crystal malt backbone.

The flavor starts well enough with some doughy pale malts and cracker crust. A quick kiss of spices, light fruits, and floral hops drop out of the middle. Could stand to be a bit sweeter, especially in the finish, where the bitterness gets acerbic and slightly harsh with booze. Body is on the chewy side of medium, with a nice carbonation level, but the aftertaste causes the mouthfeel to be taken down a notch...drinkability, too. Still, a well-crafted American tripel, and one that would probably cellar well if it were bottled.

Serving type: on-tap

06-16-2009 19:47:26 | More by wagenvolks

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.53/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a slightly hazy medium golden color with some fast vanishing, small-bubbled white foam.

Nose is pretty classical tripel. Grainy, sugary sweet maltiness with a healthy dose of alcohol. Hints of peanut butter and Caramello candy bar. Light fruits suggesting perhaps some green grapes and unripe apples.

Silky smooth and creamy sweet malts! Lightly caramel with loads of alcohol and a nice crisp bittering finish. The mouthfeel on this beer is exceptional. With maybe 6-12 months, the flavors would meld together perfectly. It is really good now, but the individual components are a bit dramatic. Very good tripel, put this in a bottle please!

Serving type: on-tap

06-10-2009 04:15:27 | More by twiggamortis420

northaustin

Texas

2.9/5  rDev -24.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

got it at uncle billys on tap

pours a clear goldish yellow with a thin amount of head (by the time i received it) with heavy lacing

smell is very malty and sweet but not as powerful as more commercial belgian tripels

taste is mild and not as sweet as i expected (a good thing) doesnt linger in your mouth. my problem with most belgian tripels is them being too sweet, this one falls somewhere in between not enough sweetness and ideal sweetness. overall a good belgian tripel but i would not recommend it for the hardcore sweet fans.

it goes down fairly smooth and as mentioned it doesnt linger in your mouth for too long.

at 4.75 a pint it was a tad expensive for me, but in the end it was definately worth shelling out the extra cash for the beer. gave me that droopy eyed feeling after a very short amount of time

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2009 08:19:57 | More by northaustin

jordanmills

Texas

3.28/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Pours a light amber with a thick head that reduces to fingers then a rim. Smells more of hops than it tastes, with a hint of sweetness. Tastes rich and sharp with lots of amber malt in there. Some complex tastes are hiding in the back, and it has a great aftertaste, combined with sharpness from the alcohol up front. Feels thinner than I'd expect from a tripel, with some cut from the alcohol. Overall fairly better than average.

Serving type: on-tap

05-27-2009 22:48:38 | More by jordanmills

bheilman

Indiana

3.63/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I sampled this at the brewery. It's nothing out of the ordinary, but tasted smooth and like I expect a tripel to taste. It was slightly less sweet than anticipated with a very gentle amount of carbonation. Of the 5 or 6 beers I've had from this brewery all have been above average. The workers at the brewery are friendly and the tour was great.

Serving type: on-tap

05-17-2009 23:10:03 | More by bheilman

jujubeast6000

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Reviewed (Draft @ Alamo Draughthouse, West Oaks, Houston, TX):

Pours a pale cloudy body, with some foamy head, dIminishing. Has a belgiany sweet aroma, flowery. Smells good. Light taste, flowery, belgiany. Clean aftertaste. Warming up...a lot of spices. Tasty. Very good.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2009 20:21:05 | More by jujubeast6000

pwsoldier

Texas

3.95/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours semi-cloudy copper with a meager head that dissipates rather quickly, leaving a little bit of lacing.

S - Lots of spice accompanied by aromas of apple, clove, and grassy hop notes.

T - The grassy hop bitterness dominates up front, giving way to spicy fruit notes. Some faint citrus flavors come through in the finish.

M - Finishes crisp and clean. Seems a tad more watery than a tripel should be.

D - Very enjoyable and a solid representation of the style.

Serving type: on-tap

02-19-2009 21:28:23 | More by pwsoldier

random

Texas

3.9/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this at the Alamo Drafthouse, served in a Duvel glass.

A- Golden, almost orangish color. Very little head, but it probably fell before it was served to us.

S- Mostly sweet, with a bit of banana and spiciness to it.

T- Sweet beer, like a tripel should be. Taste was a bit citrusy but there was a definite yeasty backbone.

M/D- Creamy and soft texture. Easy to drink. I didn't notice the alcohol.

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2008 16:03:08 | More by random

allengarvin

Texas

4.1/5  rDev +7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

In appearance, this is a burnished golden color with a moderate head of foam on top. The nose is spicy with a light fruity sweetness. Malt is moderate in the taste, accompanied by a lot of phenolic yeastiness. Moderate fruity character as well, maybe a hint of sweet citrus. Bitterness is restrained. The strength sneaks up on you at the end.

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2008 02:55:58 | More by allengarvin

Onslow

Texas

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

had on my lunch break and the next night at BoonDoggles... Lots of fruit, bubblegum, and other similar aroma's .... fruit and candy in the taste, very very delicious stuff.. Another fine beer from the true brewing professionals up in Blanco.. This was a pleasure to drink!! A wonderful tripel that I wish more people could try!!

Serving type: on-tap

06-30-2008 16:18:12 | More by Onslow

MrHungryMonkey

Texas

3.65/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Tart fruit nose.

Straw color, good clarity, mild head.

Soft tartness against soft malt. A mild alcohol background. Good bit of yeastiness that's more zesty than spicy. Creamysoft mouthfeel.

There's a quaint wheatiness that reminds me of a witbier. This is a lighter, softer tripel than I'm used to. No wild and zany phenolic fun, but oh well, it's tasty.

Serving type: on-tap

05-29-2008 23:58:28 | More by MrHungryMonkey

AChamberlain

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

I've had this a number of times over the past month and a half. I wish it were a year round beer, because it is a damn fine beer.

A: Almost perfect. Maybe perfect if poured by a skilled hand and in a correct glass. I am having this one at Flying Saucer in a Duvel glass.

S: Right on for a tripel. Everything you would be looking for.

T: Maybe a little sweet, but overall pretty great.

MF: A bit flat, could use a boost in the carbonation department.

D: Hella drinkable for a tripel. It is pretty cool that such a fine triple is being made right here in TX!

Serving type: on-tap

05-18-2008 21:42:16 | More by AChamberlain

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this on-tap during the recent craft brewers conference in Austin at a party thrown by the guys from Real Ale. Nice guys, but they didn't tell me how strong this was!

It was a hazy orange-copper beneath a full head of off-white froth. The head held well, and it left beautiful creamy walls of lace in its wake. The nose was honeyish and spicy with a bit of alcohol and some phenols that left it perfumey. The mouthfeel was bristling with tiny-bubbled effervescence, and it was medium in body. The flavor followed the lead of the aroma, but added in an orange/citrus side that was unexpeceted. The rye was clear, and it's peppery edge cut through nicely. The bitterness was moderate, as it should have been, with the spiciness of the rye and alcohol keeping it dry. It finished honeyish and dry, with lingering notes of black pepper and phenolics. It's a sipper for sure, and a pint of it during a party was not the way to really enjoy this beer. I'd much rather have had it in a quiet setting as a sipping beer. Still, I enjoyed it nonetheless, but I went back for a pale ale instead. Interesting and enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

05-28-2007 13:52:29 | More by NeroFiddled

Morris729

Texas

4.45/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a bright golden color with a bit of an orange sunrise hue and a creamy white head. Nose is floral honeysuckle along with some Belgian spice and a hint of perfume. Taste begins with fruity orange citrus (and maybe a bit of pineapple?) and honey malt followed by some biscuity notes and a bit of clove. A thoroughly enjoyable beer.

Serving type: on-tap

10-06-2006 16:37:32 | More by Morris729

beerdiablo

Texas

4.5/5  rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A flagship brewer of Ales in Texas whose quality continues to rise.

I am not a big Belgian fan, as my taste buds don't often allow me
to appreciate subtleties but from time to time, there is a ray of light
through the clouds and this beer is it.

The Devil's Backbone pours a heralding gold with a nice head with a slight
astringent bite with some spice to it. The aroma is complex, with sweet competing with astringent.

Serving type: on-tap

10-26-2005 01:33:05 | More by beerdiablo

dauss

Colorado

4/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Crystal clear amber with a hint of orange. A bone white head rests on top with light lacing.

Smell: Sweet honey malt and very light phenols and a good amount of alcohol

Taste: Very light and refreshing, with a light noble hop flavor. Lightly astraingent.

Notes: Color is off, not enough belgian funk to it. Needed to have more spicyness and possibly a little thiner on the body. Its very drinkable, but I'm not sure if this qualifies as a tripel.

Serving type: on-tap

06-12-2005 16:41:34 | More by dauss