BJCP 26A · Monastic Ale
Belgian Single
The beer Trappist monks drink themselves: blond, light, dry and well hopped, with the fruity, spicy character of abbey yeast.
Belgian Single by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 4.8 – 6.0%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 25 – 45 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 3 – 5 SRM6–10 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.044 – 1.054on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.004 – 1.010on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Belgian Single is like
A pale, dry, bitter Belgian ale of moderate strength, meant for everyday drinking. It's hoppier and lighter than a Belgian Blond Ale, with a fruity, spicy yeast profile. Think of it as a smaller, more refreshing Belgian Tripel.
Appearance
Yellow to light gold, clear. Dense, long-lasting white head.
Aroma
Light grainy malt, fruit from the yeast (citrus, pear) and spicy phenols, with medium to high spicy or floral hops.
Flavor
Soft grainy malt and fruit and spice from the yeast, with medium to high bitterness and a very dry finish. No residual sweetness at all.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body, high carbonation. No noticeable warmth.
Where Belgian Single comes from
Trappist abbeys have long brewed a lighter beer for the monks' own consumption, known as patersbier or enkel. Until recently it hardly ever left the abbeys, and the BJCP guidelines added it as a style in 2015.
Ingredients
Belgian Pilsner malt, sometimes with a little sugar. European hops like Saaz, Styrian Goldings or Hallertau. Abbey yeast, with low to moderately hard water.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Belgian Single at home
Mash low, around 64–65 °C (147–149 °F), to leave it very dry, and ferment at 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) with abbey yeast. Use good-quality spicy hops for both bitterness and aroma. The classic mistake is leaving it with the body and sweetness of a Belgian Blond Ale. Carbonate high.
Food pairing
Salads with cheese, grilled fish or a Spanish potato omelet (tortilla).
Glassware: chalice, wide, so it can breathe and you can take big sips.
Classic examples
- Westvleteren Blond
- Westmalle Extra
- St. Bernardus Extra 4
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Belgian Single?
Between 4.8% and 6.0% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a moderate strength.
How bitter is Belgian Single?
It has 25 to 45 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Belgian Single?
Straw to gold: 3 to 5 SRM (6 to 10 EBC).
What food pairs well with Belgian Single?
Salads with cheese, grilled fish or a Spanish potato omelet (tortilla).
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Belgian Blond Ale, Belgian Tripel and Saison.
If you like Belgian Single, try these
Classification and statistics: official Belgian Single guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.