Judge's Review: 83 Rating - Triboulet by Arches Brewing

Triboulet by Arches Brewing is an Imperial Pale Lager, judged as BJCP Category 21B, Specialty IPA. This particular variation of IPA is notable for the absence of esters and other yeast expressions expected in highly hopped beers; the difference is striking.

This beer's aroma has an initial burst of fruity hops and is momentarily indistinguishable from many IPAs. Shortly afterward, the aroma remains hoppy but is also resinous, herbal and spicy. "Herbal" is this beer's defining characteristic, becoming full bore in the flavor. There are minty, spicy and resinous flavor hop notes too. The malt character is bready, true to this beer's pale lager roots. The mouthfeel is crisp but, even so, its medium-full body makes this a pretty filling beer. Overall, the sharp hop character of this beer impeded drinkability.