Westmalle Tripel

4.4/5

AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 18/20

750 ml bottle into chalice, best by 07/28/12. Pours hazy golden straw color with a nice a creamy 1-2 fingers of white head with outstanding retention that reduces to a thick cap that lasts. Tons of carbonation streaming from the bottom of the glass. Some nice thick lacing clings to the glass as well. Aromas of white pepper, spices, lemon, grape, herbs, bread, grass, and other light fruits. Very nice and complex aromas here. Taste of big lemon, grape, pepper, spices, bread, herbs, and a yeasty tang at the end. Lingering notes of huge pepper, spices, light fruits, and breadiness. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied, with a very creamy and nice mouthfeel. No alcohol really noticed at all other than a slight warming after the finish. Overall, an outstanding Tripel with tons of balanced flavor and smooth drinkability for the alcohol level. Best one I have had for sure.

It has taken me this long to finally try a classic of the style. I think it is time to revisit some other Trappist ales and have the ones I have not had yet, soon.