Our Score: 75/100
Overall Score: 75/100
The Left Hand Brewing Company St. Vrain Tripel rates an overall score of 75 out of 100. Breaking it down, this Belgian-style golden ale made an impressive impact with a high aroma score of 9. However, it seemed the beer scraped just average marks on appearance (3) and mouthfeel (4), with majority of its points earned from its distinct flavor profile (14).
Aroma: A Lovely Symphony, with an Occasional Sour Note
The St. Vrain Tripel captivates the nose with its intricate, almost tantalizing, fruit and spice blend. The scent promises a complex and intriguing taste experience. It must be said however, the aroma of this brew carries a certain funk; not the good, earthy, rich kind, but rather something a bit off and rubbery. The strong ester and spice scent can border on unpleasantly pungent, somewhat denting the initial aromatic appeal.
Appearance: Underwhelming
On appearance, the St. Vrain Tripel presents itself in a rather uninspired manner. The color, head, and lacing of the beer do little to captivate or draw in the drinker’s eye. This lacklustre facade unfortunately detracts from the overall appeal of this beer.
Flavor: An Unexpected Fruit Punch
The St. Vrain Tripel showcases a surprising fruit-forward flavor profile. The distinct taste of strawberry-banana emerges in the back, weaving effortlessly with the damp earth-flavored hops and light spiced hop flavor. This unexpected flavor combination lends a unique identity to this golden ale, making it intriguingly memorable.
Mouthfeel: A Missed Mark
Mouthfeel, an essential part of any tasting experience, is where the St. Vrain Tripel lags behind. Though not overly heavy, it’s noticeably thin and slightly alcoholic. Its texture unfortunately fails to complement its unique flavor profile.
Editorial Thoughts: Vibrant Potential Hindered by Unrefined Edges
The St. Vrain Tripel shows glimpses of remarkable brilliance through its aroma and flavor. The mid-key ester with a subtle doughiness on the nose and the apple and pear hints in the sip bespeak vibrancy. Regrettably, it’s marred by some shortcomings. A body that lacks definition and a palate experience akin to a ‘blob’ suggest that this ale might benefit from some refinement.
Final Verdict
Despite its minor hiccups, the Left Hand Brewing Company’s St. Vrain Tripel holds a sweet spot for those seeking an unconventional, fruity beer experience. As it stands, this brew seems to be a diamond in the rough, oozing enormous potential with a little polish
X and bold flavor experience, with hints of vanilla, banana, clove, and a slight sour note that keeps things interesting.
Appearance: Unpolished Gold
The beer pours a slightly hazy, unpolished gold color with a thin head that dissipates quickly. While not the most visually striking, it still retains a certain charm with its traditional Belgian-style appearance.
Mouthfeel: Smooth, But Lacking Body
The mouthfeel of this Tripel is smooth and crisp, with medium carbonation. However, some may find it lacking in body as it doesn’t have a strong or lasting presence on the palate.
Flavor: Where the St. Vrain Tripel Truly Shines
The flavor profile of this beer is where it truly shines. The initial taste is a burst of sweet fruit, followed by a warming spiciness from the Belgian yeast and subtle hints of vanilla. As you continue to sip, a slightly sour and dry finish emerges, adding complexity to the overall taste.
In summary, the Left Hand Brewing Company St. Vrain Tripel is a solid Belgian-style ale with an enticing aroma and complex flavor profile. While it may not be the most visually appealing or have a strong body, it still offers an enjoyable drinking experience with its unique blend of fruit and spice notes. Overall, a solid beer with a score of 75 out of 100.
X flavor experience, with hints of banana, clove, and coriander. While there is a slight sour note on the backend, it doesn’t detract from the overall enticing aroma.
Appearance: Nothing to Write Home About
Unfortunately, the appearance of this beer falls short compared to its aroma. While its golden color and initial foamy head are pleasant, the lack of carbonation and minimal lacing bring down its score.
Mouthfeel: Smooth and Easy-Going, but Lacks Depth
The mouthfeel of the St. Vrain Tripel is smooth and easy-drinking, but it lacks the complexity and depth that one would expect from a Belgian-style ale. It’s a bit on the lighter side, which may make it more approachable for those who are not big fans of heavy, full-bodied beers.
Flavor: A Complex Symphony of Fruits and Spices
The flavor profile of this beer is where it truly shines. It brings together a delicate blend of fruity and spicy notes, with banana, clove, and coriander taking center stage. The flavors are well-balanced and complement each other perfectly, making for a very enjoyable drinking experience.
In summary, the St. Vrain Tripel from Left Hand Brewing Company is a solid choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and easy-drinking Belgian-style ale. While it may not excel in all categories, its distinct aroma and complex flavor make it a worthy choice for any beer lover. Cheers to an overall score of 75 out of 100!