Duvel Triple Hop 2016 Experimental Hop HBC 291

Product of: Belgium

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Each year Duvel’s brewers select a new third hop variety for their Triple Hop beer and for 2016 they have selected a hop that hasn’t yet been officially named but is known as Experimental Hop 291. Straight from the trial fields, 291 is said to impart black pepper, rose and lavender flavours.

HBC 291 was developed by a hop grower in the Yakima Valley in Washington State and is used along with Saaz-Saaz and Styrian Golding which are also key to the classic Duvel recipe.

First brewed in 2008, Duvel Tripel Hop has been released annually since 2010 – each year a different 3rd hop is selected by Duvel’s Master Brewer, Hedwig Neven, with each contributing its own signature aroma and flavour.

Previous Duvel Tripel Hop brews are:
• 2015 – Equinox
• 2014 – Mosaic
• 2013 – Sorachi Ace (a rare Japanese hop)
• 2012 – Citra
• 2008/2010 – Amarillo

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 17/05/2016

Appearance:

(sample BBE Aug/17) Clear, pale golden amber with thick retentive white head.

Aroma:

Yeasty brown bread just out the oven with black pepper and grassy hops. Faint clove and lavender.

Taste:

Earthy black pepper and grassy hop bitterness with slightly sweet yeasty toasty brown bread. Faint notes of lavender bitters.

Aftertaste:

Earthy and cracked black pepper notes with lingering toasty brown bread. Very long lingering, bready, earthy hop bitterness.

Overall:

Despite its heady strength, this dry but balanced ale is all too easy to drink. Retains Duvel’s signature yeasty character with black pepper bite and subtle lavender bitters notes.