Ommegang Tripel Perfection
This bottle of Ommegang’s Tripel Perfection came as part of a three bottle gift box that my in-laws gave me before the end of last year. The Three Philosophers has been cellared and the Belgian Pale Ale (BPA) was reviewed earlier this month.
Coming in at 8.9% ABV, Tripel Perfection may be a darn tasty beer, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it perfect by any means. I would lean more toward giving my favorite tripel that label first. When all is said and done, however, Ommegang’s offering is a light bodied, crisp and complex beer that is right up there with some of the best tripels I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy. This was definitely a beer I would try and find again.
Appearance
After a quickly fading white cap, the beer sat in the glass with with a golden amber color and light carbonation activity.
Aroma
Light fruits, subtle hops, light spice and a touch of yeast combine for a refined nose that leaves you with the impression that the beer will be crisp and clean. The higher ABV doesn’t show up initially, but comes out a bit more as the beer warms.
Taste
The taste is just about spot-on with the aroma. There’s a light funk in the mix, as well, that combines nicely with the fruit component and sweetness. Clove and a little bubblegum sit in there as well as the crisp mouthfeel gives the peppery yeast a bit of a bite. The slightly hop bitter finish leaves a warming glow in the chest due to the higher ABV.
Overall
Like I said earlier in the post, I’m not sure this beer is perfection, but it is still a damn fine beer with a complex character that, despite all that’s going on within it, is still surprisingly drinkable. The lighter body and spicy herbal presence would make this one a refreshing beverage to enjoy during an early Spring afternoon. I might just have to find more of it for just such an occasion.
Rating: 4.25/5