Before tasting a beer, I almost always look up reviews of the beer beforehand just to see what others’ thought of it.  I refrain from doing this afterward, so as not to unconsciously regurgitate another reviewer’s writing.  So, before drinking Tremens, I did the usual and looked up some opinions on the beer, and was quite shocked at the diversity in description but uniformity in like-ability.  That is, everyone seemed to be saying “this is a fantastic beer,” but they all seemed to be describing a different beer, even on objective qualities.   Case in point:  I read two reviews back to back.  Both reviews described Tremens; the small bottles.  One described a billowy five inch head, the other–a thin, white, one finger head.  Is this the same beer?  I am I missing something?

Of course, Tremens is bottle conditioned and possible towards the end of a batch of beer more yeast ends up in one bottle than another, but still…I am perplexed.  Please share your opinion after reading this review…I want to know if the beer is so dynamic, or just the reviewers.

The Pour:

I let Tremens sit in my fridge for a few days to settle.  Typically I like my beer at around 55 degrees, but out of laziness, I tossed it in–and I am glad!  The pour was an explosively carbonated froth bomb.  Even after being in 40 degrees for a few days, after opening the small 11oz bottle, a foam started making its way out of the neck.   After letting it sit for a few moments, I emptied the contents into a flute style glass in three sequential pours.  I had  massive billowy head that mushroomed a bit out of my glass.  After a bout five minutes it dissipated and left sticky spiderweb lacing on the inside of the glass.  The crisp bronze colored beverage had bits of yeast floating inside and displayed extreme carbonation.  The bubbles, as first circulated like a tornado inside the glass.

The Aroma:

This brew smelled quite spiced and yeasty.  There was a doughy bread-like aroma.  Unlike many other strong Belgian ales I’ve had, I picked up on a stronger than normal hop presence.  This must be a young bottle.  there was distinct Orange flavor.

The Taste:

This beer comes to life inside your mouth.  While I thought the aroma to be simple and subdued, there is considerable complexity in the flavor.  Clove and coriander initially hit my palate.  As the beer rested on my tongue, I found the malt to be considerably sweet, but not sickening sweet.  Tangerine and banana notes are present.  A very nicely balanced hop presence adds a comforting bitterness.  Do not be mistaken though, the hop flavor does not taste like hops smell.  The extreme carbonation burns the back of my throat a similar to soda.

Thoughts:

Overall, this is a fantastic beer.  I personally wouldn’t have crowned it world champion, as I mentioned a few days ago. I thought Delirium Nocturnum was much tastier, but Tremens was well worth the purchase.  After having spent the day on an island in the sun, this refreshing brew was just what I needed.

Nates Rating:

Overall Satisfaction:  

Among other Belgian Strong Ales:  

If you liked this beer, try:

Duvel

Piraat