Sun King Brewery's unique Caramel Apple Tripel (judged under BJCP category 29C, Specialty Fruit Beer) is a curious fusion of styles, methods, and ingredients that work surprisingly well together!
The beer pours medium-gold, with low, dense, off-white head. The apple hits your nose immediately, followed by a light spicy character that is equal parts fermentation character and alcohol, and a blend of fruity notes. The caramel is subdued in the nose, but that's OK, because there's quite enough going on already!
The flavor is a real riot as well, and adds substantially more caramel and a good deal of sweetness. Here, too, we have a spiced apple impression augmented by significant alcohols. There's a moderate amount of body, along with a prickling sensation on the palate. The finish is sweet - as is the middle, beginning, and aftertaste, but oddly it doesn't seem cloying to me!
This isn't a beer for everybody, but there's no doubt that it does what it sets out to do. This tastes for all the world like a solid Belgian Tripel, aged in a bourbon barrel, with caramel and apples added. If that sounds good to you, you'll love this beer!