BJCP 26C · Monastic Ale
Belgian Tripel
A strong golden abbey ale, very dry and spicy, with soft fruit, spicy hops and noticeable but well-hidden alcohol.
Belgian Tripel by the numbers
- Alcohol (ABV)
- 7.5 – 9.5%on a scale of 2.0 to 14.0
- Bitterness
- 20 – 40 IBUon a scale of 0 to 100
- Color
- 5 – 7 SRM9–14 EBCon a scale of 1 to 40
- Original gravity
- 1.075 – 1.085on a scale of 1.026 to 1.130
- Final gravity
- 1.008 – 1.014on a scale of 0.990 to 1.040
What Belgian Tripel is like
A pale, strong, dry Belgian ale with spicy, fruity yeast complexity and firm bitterness. It's surprisingly light for its strength and highly carbonated. Spicier and more bitter than a Belgian Golden Strong Ale.
Appearance
Deep yellow to dark gold, clear. Dense, very persistent white head.
Aroma
Spicy phenols (clove, pepper), fruity esters (citrus, soft banana) and spicy hops. Soft grainy malt and some alcohol, never solventy.
Flavor
Soft grainy malt with fruit and spice, medium to high bitterness and a very dry finish. The alcohol comes through gently and the beer as a whole shouldn't taste sweet.
Mouthfeel
Medium-light to medium body, high carbonation. Soft alcohol warmth.
Where Belgian Tripel comes from
Westmalle Abbey popularized it in the 1930s, and since then the word tripel has been used for strong, golden abbey ales. Many breweries in Belgium and around the world follow that model today.
Ingredients
Belgian Pilsner malt with a significant share of white sugar. European hops like Saaz, Styrian Goldings or Hallertau. Abbey yeast and soft water.
Brew it yourself
How to brew Belgian Tripel at home
Use white sugar so it finishes dry, mash around 64–65 °C (147–149 °F), oxygenate well and pitch plenty of yeast. Start fermenting around 18–20 °C (64–68 °F) and let it rise a few degrees toward the end so it finishes completely. The classic mistake is fermenting too warm from the start and getting fusel alcohols. Carbonate high.
Food pairing
Chicken in mustard sauce, washed-rind cheeses or spicy Asian food.
Glassware: chalice, wide, so it can breathe and you can take big sips.
Classic examples
- Westmalle Tripel
- St. Bernardus Tripel
- Chimay Cinq Cents
Frequently asked questions
How strong is Belgian Tripel?
Between 7.5% and 9.5% ABV, according to the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines. That is a very high strength.
How bitter is Belgian Tripel?
It has 20 to 40 IBUs, a moderate bitterness. For reference, a mass-market lager is around 10 IBUs.
What color is Belgian Tripel?
Gold to amber: 5 to 7 SRM (9 to 14 EBC).
What food pairs well with Belgian Tripel?
Chicken in mustard sauce, washed-rind cheeses or spicy Asian food.
Which styles are similar?
If you like it, also try Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Belgian Blond Ale and Belgian Single.
If you like Belgian Tripel, try these
Classification and statistics: official Belgian Tripel guidelines from the BJCP, 2021 edition. Original text by Hacer Cerveza Casera.