Wooden Rooster

A big bready, wheat-like, sweet aroma backed by vanilla from the barrels and light cherry and apricot esters is found in the nose. There is some haze in an otherwise pale copper liquid with firm, small tan bubbles hugging the edge of the glass. The flavor is bold with substantial alcohol presence mixed with a wheaty, bread-like malt backing. A complexity of esters (reminiscent of Juicy Fruit gum) and wood character (again, vanilla and hints of tannins) builds significant structure in the flavor. The wood/vanilla carries through to the finish. The body is medium-full, almost syrup-like, and slightly cloying. The alcohol warmth and strong carbonation help balance the heavier-than-expected body and keep it from becoming too cloying. The combination of wood-aging in a Belgian Tripel base is intriguing and quite good. This is a sweeter-than-expected finish for a Tripel, perhaps a little more like a Belgian Golden Strong Ale. Regardless, if you like wood-aging and big, Belgian-style beers, give this brew a try.