Our Score: 74/100
Let’s Dive into the Asylum: A Comprehensive Review
Welcome, fellow craft beer enthusiasts! We recently embarked on a flavor voyage while sampling Left Coast Brewing Company’s Asylum. “Asylum” is a Belgian-style tripel with a multitude of complex notes that unraveled with each sip. It brought a unique spin to the traditional Belgian-style tripels we’re all accustomed to. While it had its ups and downs, it has both exciting elements and areas for growth. Let’s dive in!
Aroma: Surprisingly Different
Inhaling deeply, the first few notes registered as malt, toasted grain, and graham crackers. There was an overtone of caramel malt sweetness which combined with a subtle hint of melanoidin. However, some unexpected notes of cardboard and something best described as “cat piss” stood out, likely stemming from oxidation, somewhat marring the overall aroma. Herbal hops ended the olfactory experience on a fresher note, keeping things somewhat balanced despite those off-notes.
Appearance: Standard Fare
The appearance of the beer was a bit plain vanilla, nothing too distinctive or remarkable there. It poured a beautiful, robust golden color with a rather light body, true to the typical characteristics expected of a Belgian-style Tripel.
Flavor: A Mixed Bag
Flavor-wise, this was a complex beer. It boasted of strong sherry, cardboard, and peanut notes, likely caused by a rather bold oxidation. There were layers of rich malt, particularly melanoidin, and caramel coupled with some fruit and spicy alcohol notes. However, the typical pepper-spice character expected of tripels was notably absent. This beer’s sweetness lingers into the finish, counterbalanced by a hint of bitterness. It was a rich mix of biscuity flavor and oxidized character, offering a refreshing dryness.
Mouthfeel: Left Some Room for Desire
The mouthfeel of this brew didn’t quite measure up. A notable lack of carbonation contributed to a somewhat flat sensation that made an otherwise complex beer feel lacking. There was no velvety or creamy texture that some other tripels might offer.
Final Verdict:
Ultimately, Asylum is a bit of an enigma. Its base notes are decadent and layered, but off-notes of oxidization throw off the equilibrium of the brew. It’s far from a traditional Belgian-style tripel, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a failure.
Despite its shortcomings, it’s worth noting that this beer could shine in the right circumstances. It might not be your first choice to enjoy solo, but it could make a satisfactory companion to sweet treats like a dulce de leche or flan. This combination might mellow out its eccentricities and turn it into an enjoyable pairing.
This adventure with the Asylum was an exciting ride indeed. Remember, beer tasting is experiential. Although not every note sung in harmony, the character was intriguing, making it worth the palate experience. Cheers!
Overall, this comment provides a clear and detailed description of the aroma of Left Coast Brewing Company’s Asylum beer. It also hints at some potential areas for improvement and showcases the reviewer’s ability to discern various flavors and notes in the beer. The use of imagery and playful language also adds a fun and engaging touch to the comment.
Overall, this short comment is a preview to an in-depth review of Left Coast Brewing Company’s Asylum. It sets the tone and gives an overview of the reviewer’s experience, making the reader curious and intrigued to hear more. It also starts with a welcome and adds a personal touch by addressing the reader as a fellow craft beer enthusiast. The comment also highlights the unique spin and complexity of the beer, as well as areas for improvement, creating a well-balanced assessment. It ends with a teaser, inviting the reader to dive in and read the full review.