Better Know a Beer Style: Belgian Tripel

Beer Style 18C: Belgian Tripel

Overall: Complex earthy spice and hops aroma with light pils malt. Moderate fruity esters. A rounded malt flavor, but not sweet. Light to deep gold color with dense white head. Phenol clove and pepper character. Substantial carbonation and bitterness lead to a dry finish.

Similar Styles:
-Belgian Blond Ale: Sweeter than a tripel, similar strength but a little weaker on average.
-Belgian Golden Strong Ale: A Tripel is slightly darker and more full bodied.
-Belgian Dark Strong Ale: BDSA is darker and maltier, stronger esters with dark fruit.

Recipe:

10# Belgian Pilsner Malt
1# Caravienne
1# Belgian Candi Sugar

1.5 oz. EKG (5%AA) @ 60 minutes
Belgian Trappist Yeast

OG: 1.075
FG: 1.012
SRM: 6
IBU: 37.5
ABV: 8%

Case Study: Victory Golden Monkey

Its nice and fairly smooth, but tastes like its missing the candi sugar. There;s a sweet complexity missing here, the flavor is all on the golden grains. Still, this beer really hides the alcohol to the point of being a little dangerous. Just remember it's not a session ale. It's tasty and smooth enough to put you on the floor.