From the nether lands that is The Netherlands and into my sampling stein comes a kumquat Tripel * from Rotterdam like no other. Which is probably a good thing for us COM because when it comes to Tripels we’ve had their number. We deep sixed a Lake of the Woods special, and the La Fin du Monde Tripel wasn’t exactly what I would call the end of the world. This is my third Tripel review, and I’m hoping third time’s the charm.
No run of the mill, dime a dozen, garden variety Tripel this one. No siree. This is a Piranha Triple! Stads Haven ** tell us that they “cut through the water, straight up the Amazon weaving past the red-bellied piranhas to find the freshest fearless fruit.” I’m not sure how fresh that freighter fruit would be by the time it got back to Rotterdam. Sounds like some provocative truth telling to me, but at least we both got an alliteration out of the journey. Fearless brewers they call themselves, far better than beerless brewers I say! Time to wade into the Amazon with the kumquats and the piranhas for a beer and a bite.
A kumquat pour (golden orange)**, hazy with bubbles and an almost not quite there bright white head. The aroma is a creamy malt, strong, but I’m not sure where all the fruit is they say I’m supposed to be smelling. First taste is mild juice, with a creamy malt mouthfeel, and a flat fizz of a dry finish. No real carnivorous (or omnivorous for that matter) bite yet. *** A bit of stone fruit stepping up now with a very mildly boozy back bite finish with a touch of spice. Lots of fruit now, minimal spices, no hops detected. It quickly became a nice tasty after supper super sipper.
I think it’s the fruit that makes this one special. Belgium Tripel cream spice is not for everyone but pile on the kumquats and mangoes and Bob’s your uncle, you’ve got yourself a Tripel even a cranky old man can enjoy.
Even though I was sipping this one, it was too gone too soon. Looks like third time is the charm when it comes to Tripels.
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