Abbey Tripel
Abbey Tripel beers have a deep amber colour an ABV between 7.5% and 9.5% and a high bitterness.
Abbey Tripel characteristics
Tripel is a term coined in Belgium in order to describe a strong pale ale inspired in the Tripel from Westmalle—who used the word tripel in 1956 to rename their strongest beer. It is a spicy, dry and strong Trappist ale with a rounded malt flavour. Aromas are complex with spiciness and fruity notes.
Flavour tend to be spicy and fruity too, with malt sweetness in the background and sometimes a honey touch. Tripel use to be high in alcohol, but they don't strongly taste as alcohol which is usually well hidden. Tripels can be compared with a slightly strong version of a Belgian Golden Strong Ale.
What does Trappist beer mean?
- –To be considered Trappist beer, their ellaboration must follow the principles of the International Trappist Association
- – The brew must be made inside monastery walls, and carried out or supervised by the monks.
- – The brewery is secondary to their monastic style of life.
- – The brewery is non-profit, and the income is just used for covering their living expenses and the monastery manteinance.
- –Just 12 monasteries in the world are allowed to sell beer with the Trappist name and seal, including Rochefort, Orval, Westmalle, Westvleteren, Chimay, Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis, de Koningshoeven (La Trappe), Stift Engelszell, St. Joseph's Abbey, Brouwerij Abdij Maria Toevlucht, Tre Fontane Abbey and Mount St. Bernard Abbey.