Good evening all. My exam season starts tomorrow (with a well-placed Polymer Chemistry exam at 18:30!) so I'm naturally slightly nervous. To hopefully quell the anxiety, I've opted for a robust Belgian Tripel from St. Bernardus, purchased yesterday at the Utobeer stand in Borough Market. As my mind is still in revision mode, I can't think of anything else to add, so it's time to get on to the review....
St. Bernardus Tripel (8.0% ABV) pours a light amber colour with a decent white head that dissolves to a white halo around the inside of the glass and some patchy covering on the surface of the beer. The aroma is very phenolic, with a respectable amount of candy sugar supporting the spiciness. No significant alcohol presence and no discernible malt characteristics. The taste is just as phenolic and sweet, with a light bitterness during drinking that dissipates before the finish, which is spicy, smooth and slightly dry. The aftertaste is reminiscent of citrus fruits, but this is rather subtle so I can't be too certain. The mouthfeel is slightly thick and relatively carbonated. This is a wonderful example of a Belgian beer that exemplifies everything great about the region and the style- one wonders how a fairly large ABV percentage and such complex flavours can be married together so perfectly to produce a thoroughly drinkable, balanced beer experience. Highly recommended!
Until next time....
