Apr 22, 2015

Lickinghole Creek La Calavera Catrina

Tequila is one of those liquids that can do strange things to humans. Just the right amount and it’s usually fun in the sun. Too much has your roommate heaving a “wooden robot” — coincidentally neither wood nor a robot — out of your second story apartment window, smashing onto the common area below. Not that said events actually ever… uh… happened…

Anyways, Lickinghole Creek’s La Calavera Catrina isn’t a tequila, but this tasty Belgian-style tripel (the Three Chopt Tripel to be exact) was aged in oak barrels that once housed the Jekyl and Hyde liquid. And, thankfully, no wooden mechanical devices of any kind were involved in the reviewing of this 11.3% treat.

Much like the bourbon barrel aged variety of this beer, the brewery has one-upped the base triple with the tasting influence of wood and tequila. And again, just like with the other variety, the result is neither domineering or overwhelming — all of the elements of aging come together cleanly and smoothly, complimented one another instead of drawing too much attention to themselves.

Appearance

La Calavera Catrina pours a slightly hazy, orangish-amber in color with a soft, pillowy cap of foam.

Lickinghole Creek La Calavera Catrina photo

Aroma

You certainly can pick up the tequila as a decent bit of woodiness, soft yeast, lime zest, grain and a hint of caramel all creep in.

Taste

An outstanding flavor. The triple comes through wonderfully with earthy hop notes as tequila and wood rest comfortably in the background. A hint of lime zest peeks in from time to time, as well. The beer is comfortably warming, yet still refreshing with an appropriate level of carbonation and touch of sweetness.

Overall

Lickinghole Creek has done a wonderfully job using barrel-aging to influence and not override the base beer. The tequila and wood compliment the yeast and hop character, never overwhelming the tastebuds on their own. This is the type of big beer that I could thoroughly enjoy in the coming hot Virginia Summer.

Rating: 4.25/5

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