Ashton Cabinet Belicoso and Petrus Gouden Tripel Ale: Review

Petrus Sampler Pack Series

The Ale
The Petrus Triple Ale is a 7.5 abv. that is described as, “mild and easygoing, with a flowery hoppy taste that is balanced between the bitterness and sweetness and a smooth mouthfeel.” (Globalbeer.com) For me this ale rates a 3.5 on my strength scale for beers.

Globalbeers web site says, “Triple Style, which means that the brewer used three times the normal amount of malt to brew this higher alcohol ale.”

This beer always pours a perfect two finger head for me. The head is a beautiful white foam that dissipates fairly quick. The pale cloudy golden body always has a little yeast sediment floating around. It is a living beer after all, meaning they add extra yeast at the time of bottling. The carbonation is just wonderful to make a truly refreshing triple ale. Which, personally I think this ale is misunderstood. People see ‘triple ale’ and they think, big malty, super sweet with some hops in the game. Read the description, “mild and easygoing.”

This ale has a nice citrus tartness of lemon and orange along with some red apple sweetness. Speaking of sweetness the malts are dancing on the palate as well. Then, I notice a little herbal spice, they call it flowery hoppy, whatever!

Here is the best part – The balance between malts and hops is just right. The style is smooth and refreshing. The crisp and dry mouthfeel does not overwhelm the palate. For food pairings think of salads, fish, any veggie meal or mild meat – like veal chops.

The Cigar
Wrapper: Ecuador, Connecticut
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
Size: 5 x 52
My Strength Rating: 3
The Ashton Cabinet Cigar is a sophisticated smoke. In today’s world people want bolder, spicier, peppery and in your face smokes. It is time to relax and truly enjoy a classic. Really, sit back and enjoy this cigar. Cigar smoking is about enjoyment. Take the time to experience the quality. So, I have to say that this cigar, like the Petrus, is misunderstood.

The feel of the wrapper is silky smooth, like lingerie. The taste is smooth and creamy. Really, take your time to enjoy this experience. I enjoy the mild pecan like woodiness, white pepper and toasted wheat bread notes. Some pecan wood smoked salmon would be perfect with this cigar. The cigar holds a strong salt and pepper looking ash and bellows out some wonderful clouds of white smoke.

The Pairing
The pairing is TOP SHELF. Top shelf action that is misunderstood. Both are mild and easy going,' if you remember that you will not be disappointed.

Your fuller cigars will overpower this ‘mild and easygoing’ ale. The cigar with too much black pepper notes or coffee or chocolate or other strong spicy notes is going to interfere with your experience.

The smooth and creamy style of this cigar compliments the ‘mild and easygoing’ nature of the triple ale. The smooth white pepper notes from the cigar mix well with the herbal spice of the ale. The citrus profile from the ale works well with the woody qualities of the cigar. I have enjoyed both the Petrus Tripel and the Ashton Cabinet many a times, by themselves, and I have to say, neither one takes away from the other. So, you get to experience the flavors of each of these, during your tasting, as they are meant to be.

If you are going to pair up a cigar with this Petrus – the Ashton Cabinet will help to maximize your pleasure.