Hougly Beer Review: Affligem Tripel.

[nicknicksiren]

Also, I definitely noticed the aftertaste of pepper in it as well (so you aren't going crazy :P). It gives the beer a definite bite in the aftertaste, and it is a great balance overall for the sweetness of it. The last thing to mention is how much I agree with you about how it does not smell like/taste like alcohol whatsoever. This is a very deceptive beer indeed, and it is just a testament to how smooth and complex the taste of this beer is. Deceptive isn't a cheap and easy trait to attain.

[nicknicksiren]

This is an absolutely phenomenal beer. I have to say, though, I did not notice the banana nearly as much as you did in the video -- in fact, I don't think I even noticed it at all until you mentioned it. I really don't think it's as prevalent as you said it is, though maybe it is because the other wheat beer you referenced has a banana taste associated with it. I did, however, realize the sweet, almost smooth and fruity taste/aftertaste it gives.

[jacobssandy]

I'll say, I liked all three of these. Unfortunately, here in Ontario you can only really get Leffe as far as Belgian beers throughout the year, only at Christmas time do they bring in lots of gift packs with different abbey beers like Chimay for example. Something you might like to try - I didn't see a review of, a Canadian beer in this style, Quebec's Unibroe - sadly owned by Molson now I think - makes one called "La Fin du Monde", not sure if it's where you live, but very good.

[elharlock]

Yeah, those Unibroe beers look damn awesome. Sadly, they don't seem to get out this far East.

[fraginat0r]

@elharlock i wouldnt worry too much about them unibroues, they taste kinda funky, this stuff however is some of the best beer in the world

[nicknicksiren]

@jacobssandy

Aye, the first time I experienced Affligem was last Christmas when I was given a gift pack of the three types (plus an extra blond) and the chalice as well. I checked back at the LCBOs around town to see if they carried it but they said it was only seasonal thing basically, and that they did not carry it throughout the year apart from that.

[jacobssandy]

You mention the alcohol content is off, one thing I've discovered is that lots of brewers alter the final alcohol content depending on the market. I'm not sure what the reason is, I think in certain countries the taxation is calculated based on alcohol content or in some places something over a certain level can't be sold just in grocery stores and so they alter it depending on the place.

[elharlock]

Interesting. Thanks for that. This is something that's been bugging me for a while now.

[scottg936]

haven't had the tripel, but if you see the blonde, take it like you would a hot blonde. affligem blonde "abbey" is right on point if you like a beer that is similar to a fine champaign. small bubbles, smooth as silk. far lighter then leffe. the lightness makes it better. doesn't overwhelm you with texture. all flavor. great beer.

[vik589]

btw i'm having a Tripple belgian style ale....by new belgium. The smell is soo bananna bubble gum like....if there was such a thing. And its so true the alcohol content is well concealed....you dont realize how potent this is till you get a good buzz.

[vik589]

Lamp shade on the head and pissin in the punch bowl?....hahaha...thats classic

[fraublucher]

LOL at pissin' in the punch bowl. That is the thing about quality tripels. They go down so smooth and the alcohol is well concealed amidst the flavors. I usually space a few strong ales in between my low alcohol "session" beers. I mean, I still get smashed but you know, I pace myself.

Beer Advocate is awesome but I've noticed a few discrepancies in the beer info as well.

[Depnick]

...just wish i never 'so' that many times lol.....what a clutz!

[Depnick]

I've been meaning to buy these afligem beers,(their currently on my ('beers i want to try')list. So these reviews are an ideal info source.. so thanks for posting these vids

Cheers

[elharlock]

No prob. I'm hoping the Affligem Dubbel becames a regular on my liquor store's shelf, as it was pretty good. The blond was for a while.