Green’s Gluten Free Tripel Ale

Green’s Gluten-Free Tripel Ale by Green’s Gluten Free Beers was judged as BJCP Category 31A, Alternative Grain Beer.

The aroma is prominently fruity and also has a bubblegum character. There are underlying flour-like and doughy aromas, which, although not expected in a Belgian-style ale, are a natural byproduct from alternative grains used to create a barley- and gluten-free beer. It pours a light copper color, which would be dark for a traditional Tripel, but an alternative-grain beer isn’t expected to adhere strictly to a classic style profile. It has a solid white head that lingers. This beer’s flavor is also fruity, with noticeable pear and red apple. The flavor is rich and has a sweetness. It is peppery and nutty. The finish is dry with substantial ethanol warming and some higher alcohols.

Unfortunately, these flavors combined create a cough medicine-type impression in the finish. This beer is highly carbonated and crisp, with a medium body that feels a notch full for Belgian styles. Overall, this beer checks many boxes of a Belgian-style ale, but the medicinal character is distracting, though luckily not overpowering.