Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale Review

Name: Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale
Style: Tripel
ABV: 9.5%
IBUs: 32

You know, it's been a while since I've reviewed a good Tripel and I just recently discovered that Dark Horse makes one called Sapient Trip Ale. According to the dictionary, Sapient means someone or something that is either a human being or is related to humans. Interesting name, but that doesn't explain why there's a cloaked figured riding on a mail box post on the label

Appearance - Very cloudy dark yellow color with some light carbonation. The head starts out about one finger in width but fades away to just a white ring along the sides of the glass with some sparse lacing left behind. Not to sound picky, but there's a LOT of sediment in here too and you can even see it in the photo.

Aroma - Belgian yeasts and cloves, with some toffee malts and biscuit notes. I'm also getting some light floral hops and a bit of caramelized brown sugar.

Taste - Cloves and strong toffee malts upfront, followed by some Belgian yeasts towards the middle. In the back, I'm picking up on some bitter hops and light caramelized malts with just a touch of spices. For what it is, the aftertaste is on the drier side, save for some light bitter hops that linger for a few moments along with some light boozy notes.

For a Tripel, it's alright if not a bit too malt focused for my liking. For the asking price I've seen for this, you're getting your money's worth but there are better Tripel-style ales out there but if this is the only thing available, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try out.

Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale  - 7.5/10