Day 3, 1.3.11, Arend Tripel

To observe the 24 anniversary of the birth of my younger brother John, I supped a beer last night that he'd REALLY like. I stopped by Bloodhound (a bar that I really liked) in San Francisco and tried Arend Tripel.
I found it to be a truly delightful beer in a style that I don't usually prefer. It's medium golden in color, and it's cloudy, with enough body to back up it's bold flavors. On the nose, the beer offers an incredible, complex fruity and slightly floral aroma. Banana, peach, herbs. I feel like I could enjoy this beer just sitting and sniffing. But then there is the palate. It starts quite sweet and fruity but finishes slightly sour and dry. There are musty spice notes too that remind you to go back and find them in the aroma as well.
It's really just lovely to drink. It's around 8%ABV which makes it nice and drinkable without kicking you in the pants like some tripels. A really awesome beer. 9 out of 10.