Beer Name: Cerberus

Brewery: Thirsty Dog Brewing Company (Akron)
Beer Style: Belgian Style Tripel Ale
ABV: 10%
IBU: 30
Size: 12oz Bottle
Beer Advocate: 85 (The Bros 94)
RateBeer: 89

There are a few perks of helping run the family bar, and one of these perks happens to be free samples! My Heidelberg sales rep dropped off a few beers for me to try (and who am I to say no?), and amongst the beer she dropped off I noticed that one of the beers was wrapped in gold along the top, catching my eye. I went in for a closer look to see Cerberus, a Belgian-style tripel by Thirsty Dog Brewing out of Akron. I’ve had this beer before, but that was before this website existed, so I’ve been looking forward to reviewing it for you guys and gals. Sidenote: For those of you who aren’t familiar with the name Cerberus, click here. Thirsty Dog also makes a dubbel called Orthus. I really like the play on the names aligned with dogs of mythology and styles of beer.

Cerberus pours a clear, yellowish orange (that is until I accidentally poured the bottle sediment, then it became hazy as you can see in the picture) with an almost nonexistent  soapy head. Immediately I could smell the fruity esters of this beer. I picked up smells of peach, pears, and a little citrus. The taste is very similar to the nose fruit esters up front with a slight hint of hops that quickly give a way to malt finish that balances the beer out nicely. As I finished the beer, I noticed a slight bit of lacing still on the glass.

Initially I was worried that Cerberus coming in at 10% ABV was going to have an over-powering alcohol taste/burn, which sometimes upsets my stomach, like I’ve experienced with other tripels, but it was pulled off well and the alcohol burn never distracted me from enjoying the beer.

Ratings:

Sessionability: While I enjoyed the beer coming in at 10% ABV, I don’t know that I would have more than a couple. 2-pack.

Overall: I though this a pretty decent tripel: the alcohol was well hidden and it was flavorful. 5-pack.

Would Best Be Consumed: With some pungent cheese, like a Maytag blue or Blue Stilton.