web analytics

Tasting Notes: Tripel Triple versus my House APA

Tripel versus APA

Not sure what I was thinking about dual tasting notes of such widely varying beers. First is the Tripel Triple, a very malty tripel brewed with mexican piloncillo sugar that added a very nice touch. Second is the House APA – my house calibration American Pale Ale, brewed with high levels of sulfates and calcium and NO crystal malts for a nice sharp and dry finish.

It is actually striking to see and taste the differences. Both were fermented fairly low for good attenuation, but the mouthfeel is extremely different – largely due to widely different water profiles. The tripel was brewed to match a Belgium water profile – why the APA was pushed toward a moderately extreme (half of the Burton profile) level of sulfate.

I tried to use the Ratebeer model for a change. Probably blew it. 🙂

Ratebeer Style Tripel Triple House APA
Aroma Malty sweetness, caramel, ripe bananas, light clove and spice

8/10

Sweet Cascade upfront, light pine and lemon, citrus

9/10

Appearance Dark orange, very clear, rocky white head that falls quickly but laces. Not as clear as the APA, but acceptable.

5/5

Very clear pale yellow. White frothy head, laces in long strings. Can follow drinks down glass

5/5

Taste Lightly caramelized banana, more fresh than ripe. Very subtle cinnamon and clove. Definite yeast phenols, but not overbearing. No hop characters. No alcohol heat. Could use some complexity.

8/10

Nicely dry, classic Cascade and CTZ hop character. Hop bitterness is clean and slightly sharp, flavor lingers. Little sweetness or maltiness. Hoppier than Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – nears west coast IPA bitter.

8/10

Palate Medium body, but not heavy or cloying. Light carbonation after head falls.

3/5

Light body. Dry finish. Refreshing. Well carbonated and sparkling.

5/5

Overall Spice has lessened with age and carbonation. Better younger despite the ABV @ 9%

16/20

Classic American Pale Ale character, with a dry biscuit malt backbone. Recognizable Cascade and CTZ aromas and flavor.

18/20

I am always nervous scoring my own beers well, but these are two of my favorites and in my brewing rotation at least twice a year. Belgians are some of my very favorite styles with extreme variety of phenols and spice. I have been working very hard to nail my APA recipe and water profile, and finally have an APA worth sharing with brewer friends.

There are a few changes I might make to the Tripel to up the game that I need to think through.

As always – love a great lacy beer!

Tripel versus APA Lacing

Cheers!

 

Related Posts

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.