Before I begin, I must admit a bias: I love Ringwood ales, and I love Middle Ages Ringwood brews especially. That said, I was rather perplexed the first time I tasted a bottle of Middle Ages Tripel Crown. Just what the heck is this beer supposed to be, after all? The name Tripel implies a Belgian style brew, right down to the spelling. But the label says this beer is “British Style”. Fair enough, if somewhat confusing. Let’s see what Middle Ages says about the beer.

From the carton:

In the spirit of American craft brewing, Middle Ages Brewing Company combines two of the old world’s greatest brewing traditions in one original beer. Tripel Crown is made using British brewing methods and ingredients, yet has many qualities familiar in Belgian Golden ales. Tripel Crown is cellar-aged, subtly complex and deceptively strong (10% ABV).

A hybrid, then. OK, I’m all for experimentation. But how does it work here? Let’s taste the beer and see, shall we?

Middle Ages Tripel Crown pours to a hazy golden color with a light creamy head formation and big buttery malty nose. The palate is rich with crisp and toasty biscuity malt flavors, a decided malt sweetness, buttery-earthy Ringwood yeast notes, and a pronounced peppery hoppiness that increases into the finish. As you might expect, there’s considerable alcohol warmth, too, especially in the finish.

Overall, I like Tripel Crown. It’s a tasty little high-alcohol Ringwood ale. What I don’t get here, however, is a resemblance to a Belgian styled tripel, other than in alcohol content. An integral component to most Belgian ales is the yeast. It throws off a distinctive profile and adds a unique character to the beer.

Here, Ringwood certainly adds its own flavor. But its not really flavor that calls to mind the tripel style. As I said, I’m all for experimenting, though in this case, I don’t think the experiment worked. And that is not to say this beer is not worth trying. It’s tasty enough, though there are other Middle Ages beers I prefer, Impaled Ale foremost among then. As a tripel, though, Tripel Crown misses the mark.

When I’m in the mood for a strong Ringwood ale, Middle Ages Druid Fluid Barleywine would be my preferred choice. You just can't make an authentic tripel with Ringwood yeast.
 

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