Tripel Karmeliet (Brouwerij Bosteels, Buggenhout, Belgium)

For the Brown Bag Blind Tasting by the Better Beer Society, I received four glasses for my second place finish on the day.  For each glass, I decided to drink each beer in its glass in appreciation for the gift.  Beer number one: Tripel Karmeliet.

Effervescent light golden ale bubbles up continuously to the lingering, frothy white head.  Apple, sugar, light malt and spice in the nose.  Taste bubbles off the tongue with a peppery and yeasty spice over a full bodied sweetness.  With completely unapparent alcohol, this perfectly balanced beer is a classic of the style.

One of the first times we had this beer, Gloria and I were at the Minnesota Food and Wine Experience.  Whoever was pouring TK for the importer gave us a super secret tip--that I'm guessing he told everyone.  He sent us to the fresh chocolate cookies two rows over and this spectacular combination works well  for newbies and geeks alike.

Tripel Karmeliet is a world class example of the style that's a must for everyone, especially since it's one of those rare beers that is truly wonderful for all types of beer drinkers.