Allagash | Curieux 11% ABV

I do hate to be the person sitting in a pub smelling my beer, but I loved the soft vanilla and sylvan aroma of this award-winning hazy, orangey gold Belgian tripel style ale. Allagash Brewing Company’s Curieux offers the distinct peppery taste of Belgian yeast byproducts but I found this beer somewhat unusual.

This tripel ale is aged Jim Beam bourbon barrels for eight weeks but has . Ester flavors were mostly of citrus and pit fruits, complementing medium high noble hop bitterness. The malt sweetness recalls biscuits or toast.

At 11% ABV this vintage is slightly stronger than past incarnations and while ethanol flavor is apparent it doesn’t taste like burning. For me the clove-y, pepper-y Belgian yeast flavors really make this beer. My verdict is: age it even longer!

Presentation:

• By the fireside

• But in the woods, not the seaside

• Maybe the Pacific Northwest because I sort of assumed all PNW people are super outdoorsy.

Pairing:

• Fresh air, ancient redwoods.

• An inexplicable rash.

• A thoughtful caption

• Because you’re in a breathtaking photo of misty woods on Tumblr.

#review