Gouden Carolus Tripel

I carefully pried off the crown and poured with more caution than normal, knowing how these beers behave when left unguarded. Despite the gentle discharge, a moussy, tight head formed rapidly and authoritatively. Maybe I should have used a dirty glass. Foam is, of course, important, but a massive cap does mean a delay in the tasting process. Perhaps this is a good thing.

While tripels are generally defined by the big phenolic nose, around which the language is in need of some massaging, this beer was quite different. The nose here is highly floral. Highly. Had my lilacs still been in bloom I would have sauntered over and done a side by side, because I’m pretty certain the aromas are parallel. Underneath are some light citrus esters and the layer of expected phenolics, but they are light, and entirely eclipsed by the floral aromas.The carbonation here is dialed back slightly, lacking some of the harder carbonic bite of its peers. Perhaps the gentle lilac simply creates the illusion of softness.Malt is gentle and crackery, again overshadowed by the floral nose. It’s a dry finish, with medium resilience, and that floral quality hangs on. Interesting beer.

9% ABV
30 IBU
Tripel
Brouwerij Het Anker, Mechelen, Belgium