For some, the end of the world is a frightful thought. Visions of destruction, chaos and death flash across their terror-filled eyes. For me, I was anticipating it, longing for it, craving “La Fin Du Monde.” In my case, though, it was simply a beer, one of Unibroue’s best in my mind. I love tripels. I don’t know where that puts me on the scale of beer drinking know-how, I just like them. It may make me ‘the man,’ sipping down what is known in the beer snob world as one of the finest styles of brews. It may, (and perhaps more likely) make me look like a wuss, like all I can handle is the sweet, caramely goodness of this too-easy-to-drink beer. I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care.
The beer poured golden caramel, a slight head diminishing to a slightly smaller one and then hanging on for dear life through the short life of the liquid in my glass. The smell was booming with grains and an almost chocolate quality. The first sip wasn’t my maiden voyage on this beer, but the taste that slammed my unsuspecting buds was definitely a new one. It was sweet, yes, but there was a cherry quality that was incredible. The initial burst of sweetness faded into a smooth thick finish that hides the 9% abv well. A slightly bitter aftertaste was apparently the hops saying goodbye.
This beer seems versatile; it is refreshing enough to cool you on a hot summer day, but complex and heavy enough to warm your belly on the most frigid of midwestern eves.
All I know is if this is the end of the world, yes, I feel fine.
ABV: 9.0%
Grade: A
Loving the R.E.M. reference. Gotta try this one.
I’d say in my short romance with beer this one is…. wait for it……..legendary-
Nailed it Michael. If you like this and this style you need to try two by Goose Island; Matilda and Pere Jacques. Both are great, local (for those of us in the Chicagoland, but then why would you live anywhere else?) perfect for the Holidays.
Interesting note, that is a Triple Karmaliete glass in the picture, another great “true” triple.
Exactly, I bought the glass right after I discovered my love for Karmeleit. I haven’t bought the glass for La Fin Du Monde, but its on my list! I have had, and enjoyed, Matilda, but haven’t gotten to Pere Jacque. I’ll have to grab it soon.
Also try:
Sofie and Juilet by Goose Island. Interesting brews.
Jacques is good. I think I have 1-2 in the fridge. I’ll try to get my take on it up soon.
I must admit, this is the one style of beer that has been hardest for me to get into. I usually end up thinking I’m drinking some kind of syrup. I’ll need to try and push the boundaries.
If I have my choice of any beer for the night, it most likely ends up being this one. Its pretty rare where I live, and have turned quite a few people on to La Fin. Its simply amazing to drink, and others agree. But then again most people where I live think bud light is the best beer on earth
I am currently homebrewing from beer-in-a-bag kits and am very happy with my first batch, the output of which I tried for the first time last night.
This means that I *perhaps* wont be shelling out the $23.00 for the (3 bottle x 4 varieties) of the Unibroue ‘Somelier Collection’ variety pack when it comes to Burnaby at Christmas time.
Oh well.
One of my current favorites. I agree with Jerry. Goose Island’s Matilda is very similar.
Wonderfully spicy and citrus aroma. First sip is suddenly sweet, but quickly fades to a fragrant floral wheat. Finish is a nice ale hoppiness which lingers and begs for the sweet second sip. Masterful craft beire in all it’s magnificence. I AM putting this beer on my short list. Excellent World Class brew!