Walking through the aisle of a local beer and wine store, a big bottle with the word “Tripel” on it just popped out at me. That beer was the Long Strange Tripel from Boulevard Brewing Company, a year long offering from their Smokestack Series of beers. At 9% ABV, the Long Strange Tripel could be pretty potent, but hopefully the other flavors keep it in check.

From the 750 ml bottle, the Long Strange Tripel has a darker gold color with some very active carbonation. There was a decent amount of head; well, an incredibly large amount to be exact, that calms itself about half way through. There is plenty of lacing on the glass as well. Great aromas of Belgian yeast, lemon, and a touch of apple make their way forward. The aromas were light and pleasant, with a slight hint of alcohol.

Yeast and malt sweetness mix together up front on the palate, with the apple returning and backed up by some vanilla and pear. There are some spices as well, with clove coming through before a nice crisp finish. The alcohol isn’t that present, but comes out a bit more as the beer warms. The highlight to me in this beer are the great fruit flavors, backed up by the yeast and malts. The carbonation is spot on and adds to the awesome light mouth feel of this beer.

The Long Strange Tripel really isn’t all that strange, it is simply a great Tripel. There are great fruity notes, some good malt elements, and the yeast works itself in well. Thankfully this is a year-round offering from Boulevard, so it should be easier to find if you get other beers from them in your area. This is also one that I would love to try on draft, but that will take some more searching.

Rating

89
out of 100