Confluence Belgian-Style Tripel Ale

The Confluence Brewing Company is in Des Moines, Iowa. They have been commercially available for some time on tap and in howlers sold at liquor stores, but are now starting to release some bottled specials. This 9.9% ABV Belgian-style Tripel ale is part of a limited release Virtuous Endeavor Series of bottle-conditioned Belgian Style beers (a Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadruple). 

The beer pours a dark and dirty apricot in color, dark amber, a touch hazy. There is a short head of white foam, not long-lasting. The aroma is bright, tangy, fruity, but with some underlying sweetness. The taste follows the aromas, hitting the same notes, a little more sweetness in the flavor. There is a woody note as well, and a touch of a flavor and feel that is like artificial sweetener (the candi sugar?). The beer drinks smooth, with a tingling of carbonation. The body has just a hint of being too watery for its large flavor and alcohol level. It is nicely warming, but not boozy.