Duvel Tripel Hop 2013 Sorachi Ace

This 9.5% ABV beer is from Duvel Moortgat Brewery of Belgium.  In 2011 they had a special edition Tripel Hop.  Duvel is generally brewed with two hops, Saaz Saaz and Styrian Golding. Their tripel hop adds a third, which is now changing each year. This year it is the Sorachi Ace hop from Japan, which is also added in the dry hopping.

The beer pours a slightly hazy yellow golden in color. There is a very large, bubbling head of very white foam. The aroma is grassy, floral, tangy citrus, zesty, herbal, grassy, bread dough, banana and papaya. The taste is tangy and citrus, tropical fruits, over sourdough bread. The finish is very dry with a moderate bitterness. It is highly and finely carbonated. It is amazing how refreshing and drinkable they can make a 9.5% ABV beer.