“In this time of self-isolation we want to ease the cabin fever with this rich brew. Aged in Cognac barrel this massive beer has a yeast-driven complexity with a noticeable malt sweetness.”

Glassware: Trappist tulip.

Appearance: Bold amber with orange highlights. It only manages a short head which slowly peels back to the rim. Decent lace as we go.

Aroma: Hella funky. Kind of has this strange soapy thing going on initially…can’t say whether it’s a byproduct of the barrels or the beer. Maybe a combination of both? It’s uniquely floral with unmistakable green grape and dry white wine qualities from the cognac barrels coming through. Undertones of green apple, dried apricots, mild esters/phenols and young oak. Still slightly undecided.

Flavour: Showing a bit more sweetness which we’re liking. Not before a short cameo of dry white wine and slightly tart green grapes though. A hint of dry woody oak is fused through the delicate notes of dried fruits i.e raisin, apricot and apple/pear leading in to an ultimately complex and warming finish with lingering cognac in the tail.

Mouthfeel: A little slippery with mild-medium body. The lack of body really exposes the burn from the 9% ABV.

Overall: Can’t say we’re at all impressed by this. Apart from the lovely cognac accents the base Tripel is quite ordinary…hardly any conventional aromas and flavours to be found. Pretty cut and dry.