Spring tends to make us feel a little bit drunk, so we have to be careful of the velvet hammer of the Belgian-style tripel ale’s strength, typically 8-10 percent, especially since they are so easy-drinking. The monks of Westmalle Abbey in Malle first to brew the tripel in 1934, dubbing it “Superbier.” The current name refers to the use of three times the malt of a standard abbey-style ale. Tripels are characterized by a relatively light color, fruity flavors, and a flowery, spicy character being more prominent than hop bitterness. Candi sugar (dextrose) is typically used to increase the alcoholic strength while keeping the body light. Belgian yeast strains contribute to the style’s complex aromas and flavors. Fruity esters of orange, banana and pineapple are commonly present. White pepper and clove spiciness from the yeast is complemented by floral hop aromas. Peaks and Pints presents five examples of the style in today’s beer flight: Craft Beer Crosscut 5.16.17: A Flight of Tripel.
Midnight Sun Panty Peeler
8.5% ABV, 15 IBU
Originally named Extreme Polar White Bier, Midnight Sun co-founder Barb Miller nicknamed it “Panty Peeler” after her free spirited and loving life attitude. In French, it translates to E’pluche-culotte, although that might also mean pantyhose. We digress. This candy-sweet tripel’s nose emits plenty of tingly clove and allspice bordered by Belgian yeast-derived bubblegum; the same clove and bubblegum coast over a white bread malt backbone on the tongue. Bottle conditioning creates the right effervescence for a perfectly heady experience.
Unibroue Fin du Monde
9% ABV, 19 IBU
The name translates as “The End of The World.” If this beer is any indication of the end of the world, bring on the apocalypse! This tripel actually reminds us of the beach with the golden orange color providing the sunset, the pineapple and nut aromas giving it a tropical nose, and the strong alcoholic taste, followed by sweetness, completes the sense of drinking on the beach, minus the cocktail and the mini-umbrella. Even with its tropical vibes, Unibroue‘s La Fin du Monde upholds its light Belgian character. A honey sweetness is tempered by a moderate bitterness that comes in late, tongue-tickling and peppery. It’s clear why this is so well-loved among craft beer enthusiasts. Exotic and etheral, it rises above the level of mere beer.
Victory Golden Monkey
9.5% ABV, 25 IBU
Victory Brewing Company has labeled this beer as “a magical, mystical Monkey whose golden soul glows with the wisdom of the ages.” We don’t know much about mystical monkeys, but we agree it almost glows. It’s a Belgian-style tripel ale, which means it is brewed with triple the amount of malts than typical Belgian ales. It’s a rich, fruity, profoundly flavored beer that sits lightly on the tongue.
Stoup Tripel
9.75% ABV, 35 IBU
Stoup Brewing might have gone far in the Tournament of Beer Washington State IPAs with its Citra IPA, but the Seattle Ballard neighborhood brewery also brews a mighty fine Belgian tripel. Stoup’s tripel is a vibrantly golden, multi-faceted beer. The flavor is surprisingly authentic for a North American tripel, with light candied sugar, Belgian yeast and dry crackery notes. It greets you gently with a hint of fruit, a touch of spiciness, and a mild malty sweetness.
Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle Tripel
9.5% ABV, 36 IBU
In 1836 the Belgian Westmalle monastery became a Trappist Abbey and began brewing beer shortly thereafter. The holy suds they produced started out as an insider-only deal — a choice beverage to be made and enjoyed by Trappists and Trappists alone, but eventually they decided to expand and opened up a public beer hall in the early 1930s. Westmalle embodies the tripel style with a thoughtful balance of sweet, fresh pear, lemon zest and a dash of peppery spice. Its flirtatious effervescence sweeps the mouth clean, while lingering lemony hops leave the mouth pining for more. It’s an exceptional beer, with a great deal of finesse and elegance and a splendid enduring aftertaste.
