Belgian Tripel is an ale-style beer brewed in the classic Belgian Trappist tradition. The flavor profile of these beers typicallyfeatures notes of clove, citrus, and banana, with a biscuit-like malt character and low hop bitterness.
The beer is usually golden in color and finishes sweet and potent. The distinct Belgian yeast strain used to make Belgian Tripel gives the beer its unique fruity and spicy aroma.
The brewing process for Belgian Tripel is very specific and carefully monitored. The grain bill consists of Belgian Pilsner and/or Vienna malts as well as Belgian Aromatic and/or Caravienna malts for a bit of sweetness.
The use of sugars, such as Belgian Candy Sugar, can also be used for added complexity and sweetness. A traditional Belgian yeast strain is then used for fermentation. These beers usually have a high fermentation temperature that ranges from 70-78 degrees Fahrenheit, which can help bring out the complex fruity and spicy characteristics.
The hopping process is usually minimally used in Belgian Tripel and typically involves Noble or Continental hops, such as Saaz, Tettnanger, or Hallertau. Many Belgian Tripels are also fermented for an extended period of time, which creates a beer that is higher in alcohol content, but tends to mellow out more in flavor.
Belgian Tripel styles also tend to use bottles conditioned with additional yeast and sugar, giving them a slight carbonation and a unique flavor.
Overall, the complex and unique flavors in Belgian Tripel come together to create a smooth, malty beer with a pleasant balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and low hop bitterness.
What is a Belgium tripel beer?
A Belgian Tripel beer is a type of ale made in the traditional Belgian style. Its origins date back to monastic brewing in the Middle Ages and its name comes from the combination of three malts – pale malt, caramel malt, and roasted barley malt.
The style is usually pale to golden in color and has a sweet malt aroma with subtle malty and fruity esters. Its flavor includes a pronounced fruitiness and malt, a signature banana and clove phenol aroma, and a complex, but delicate clove-like spice taste.
This style of beer is highly carbonated and often has a higher alcohol content than most other beer styles, typically between 7-10% ABV. Belgian Tripel beers are considered to be a refined and complex beer intended for contemplative drinking and are a favorite among beer connoisseurs.
Why is it called a Belgian Tripel?
A Belgian Tripel is a style of beer originating in Belgium and is characterized by high alcohol content and light, fruity flavors that come from the Belgian yeast used in the brewing process. The name “Tripel” comes from the strength of the beer, which is traditionally three times the amount of fermentable sugars than the typical Belgian beer.
The extra sugars create a higher alcohol content and a richer mouthfeel in the beer. Belgian Tripel also tends to be brewed with pale malts which produces a much lighter color than it’s darker, maltier cousin- the Belgian Dubbel.
Belgian Tripel’s are also generally sweeter, with a strong herbal or spicy aroma from the Belgian yeast, which sometimes includes the addition of specialty ingredients like coriander or orange peel. Belgian Tripels are often highly effervescent beers and go especially well with creamy and mellow cheese.
Why is Belgium beer so good?
Belgium beer is highly regarded for its complexity, flavor, quality, active culture, and centuries of brewing history. Belgian beers are extremely diverse and can range from light blonde ales to dark abbey ales, fruity lambics, and sour gueuze.
The varieties of yeast used to ferment them give Belgian beers an array of flavors that are unmatched by beers produced elsewhere. Belgium has some of the most stringent laws concerning the production of beer, which has enabled brewers to craft their recipes with precision and consistency and create classic, high-quality brands.
Additionally, Belgian breweries are renowned for their unique access to ingredients, such as hops and specialty malts. Belgian beer often uses spices, fruits, and other ingredients, which provides added complexity and truly makes Belgian beers stand out.
Lastly, Belgian brewers value their craft and the art of beer-making and are passionate about preserving the age-old tradition for generations to come. This commitment to high quality and passion for innovation are why Belgian beers are so beloved worldwide.
What does triple mean in beer?
Triple refers to the process of triple fermentation that certain styles of beer go through. This process is characterized by fermenting the beer with a combination of lager yeast and two types of ale yeast.
This gives the beer a complex and interesting flavor that is slightly more alcoholic than other types of beer. Triple fermentation is used in styles such as Belgian ales, Belgian-style tripels, and abbey ales.
It also results in higher levels of carbonation and foam. Triple fermentation also creates a unique flavor profile due to the combination of both ale and lager yeasts, allowing brewers to create a unique range of flavors.
The result is beers that are typically on the drier and slightly higher in alcohol. Triple beers tend to be bold and complex in flavor, featuring dark fruits and spicy notes depending on the kind of ale yeast used.
How do you drink a Belgian Tripel?
The traditional way to drink a Belgian Tripel is to pour it into a tulip-shaped beer glass. This glass shape accentuates the Tripel’s aroma and flavor and also helps to maintain a thick and lasting foam head.
Most Tripels range from 7-10% ABV, so you’ll want to pour it into the glass slowly to prevent excessive foam and spills. Once poured, take a few moments to appreciate the aroma and complex flavor notes that are typical of Belgian Tripels, including hints of caramel, clove, pear, and banana.
Then, enjoy the Tripel’s balance of malt sweetness and spicy hops. Make sure to savor the flavor and sublime mouthfeel throughout. It’s best to drink Tripels at a cooler temperature—around 45-55 degrees F—so they can be served straight from the fridge or left out to warm up to the perfect drinking temperature.
Keep in mind that drinking a Belgian Tripel is a drinking experience meant to be savored and enjoyed slowly and responsibly.
What is the difference between a Belgian Dubbel and Tripel?
Belgian Dubbels and Tripels are both common types of ale that originated in Belgium. The biggest difference between a Dubbel and a Tripel is the strength of the beer. A Dubbel is a darker colored beer with an ABV (alcohol by volume) typically ranging between 6-7.
5%, while a Tripel is a lighter colored beer with an ABV usually of 7.5-9.5%. Dubbels are usually maltier and sweeter tasting, due to the higher levels of Caramel and Crystal malt used in its production.
In comparison, Tripels are more fruity and spicy in flavor, typically using lighter malts like Pilsner and Wheat malt. Dubbels are usually described as delicate and balanced, while Tripels are described as crisp and complex.
Both types of beer are commonly brewed with Belgian yeast, making them distinctly Belgian beers.
What is the strongest Belgian beer?
The strongest Belgian beer is the Garrison Chipotle Beer, created by The Garrison Brewing Company in Halifax, Nova Scotia. With an alcohol content of 14.2%, this beer is not to be taken lightly. This beer is created from a recipe of six malts, chipotle pepper and demerara sugar, making it an incredibly strong and flavorful beer.
Its strength comes from an additional three weeks of fermentation on the chipotle peppers, allowing the beer to absorb the increased alcohol content. While its alcohol strength is what makes it noteworthy, the Garrison Chipotle Beer is best enjoyed slowly.
The taste is a complex blend of malts, chipotle pepper and sweet, smoky flavor that can be experienced differently with each sip. If you’re looking for a strong Belgian beer, the Garrison Chipotle Beer is an excellent choice.
What is Dubbel vs Tripel?
Dubbel and Tripel are two of the main Belgian beer styles, both of which are highly regarded by beer connoisseurs. A Dubbel is a dark Belgian beer originating in the abbey of Westmalle in 1896 and is now produced by many breweries of diverse origins.
It is usually dark brown in color and has a sweet, malty flavor, slightly higher in alcohol at around 6%-7%. Tripel belongs to the same style as Dubbel, but has a light straw to golden color with a strong malt flavor, and typically has a higher alcohol content ranging from 7.5%-9.
5%. Tripel is believed to have originated at the Trappist Abbey of Westmalle in 1931, and is often viewed as the precursor of the modern Belgian Tripel. Both Dubbel and Tripel are great examples of how Belgian style beer has become an iconic and beloved beer style in the world.
Why is a Dubbel called a Dubbel?
A Dubbel is a style of Belgian ale beer which derives its name from the Latin word “duplex” which means “double”. This name is appropriate for this style of beer as it is brewed with two times the amount of malt and hops compared to other Belgian ale styles.
Dubbels tend to have a higher alcohol content than other styles, usually between 6-8%. This style of beer usually has a rich and sweet malt character, with hints of dark fruits such as raisins and plums and slight notes of caramel.
The flavors are usually balanced with a low to moderate hop bitterness which helps to round out the sweetness. Dubbel is a style that is best enjoyed when served at cellar temperatures.
What is the most popular beer in Belgium?
The most popular beer in Belgium is Stella Artois. This iconic golden lager is world-renowned for its pronounced malty flavor and subtle bitterness. Stella Artois is brewed with the finest ingredients according to the centuries-old brewing tradition of its founder, the Den Hoorn Brewery.
It is one of the most exported Belgian beers and is enjoyed in over 80 countries around the world. Other popular Belgian beers include Leffe Blond, Hoegaarden, Leffe Brune, Jupiler, Kwak, and Tripel Karmeliet.
With hundreds of different beers produced in Belgium, there is something to suit every taste.
