BJCP 2021 / 26C
Belgian Tripel
A strong, pale, spicy and fruity Belgian ale that stays dry and drinkable.
- Any age
- high strength
- pale color
- top fermented
- western europe
Serve: 44 to 50F, Chalice or tulip
OG1.120
1.075 to 1.085FG1.030
1.008 to 1.014IBU120
20 to 40SRM40
4.5 to 7ABV14%
7.5 to 9.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Pear, orange and banana from the yeast
- Peppery spice and a touch of honey
- Floral hop and gentle alcohol
- Vague
- Fruity
- Better
- Fruit, pepper and floral hop
- Best
- Moderate pear and orange ester with peppery spice, light honey, low floral hop, light alcohol warmth
Appearance
3 pts- Pale yellow to deep gold
- Clear to slightly hazy
- Dense white head with lace
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold with a big head
- Best
- Pale gold to deep gold, brilliantly clear, dense white head leaving lacing
Flavor
20 pts- Pale malt sweetness with fruit and pepper
- Pear, orange and sometimes banana
- Dry, bitter finish that hides alcohol
- Vague
- Fruity
- Better
- Fruit, pepper and a dry finish
- Best
- Moderate pale malt, pear and orange, pepper spice, moderate bitterness, dry finish with soft warmth
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- High carbonation
- Warming, effervescent
- Vague
- Fizzy
- Better
- Medium body and sparkling
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, high carbonation, soft warmth, lively
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Spice and fruit in balance
- Dry finish
Drops it
- Sweetness
- Hot alcohol
- Heavy phenols
Writing tip
Judge hidden alcohol. Example: 'Pear and orange with pepper and floral hop, dry finish. Strong yet drinkable.'
Pour these
- TripelWestmalleThe reference: spicy, dry and golden
- Cinq Cents (White)ChimayFruity, creamy and peppery
- TripelAllagash BrewingSpicy and citrusy
Often confused with
- 25C Belgian Golden Strong AleGolden Strong is lighter in body and more fizzy
- 26B Belgian DubbelDubbel is dark and fruit-heavy
Fine here
- Estery: Fruity esters belong
- Alcoholic: A warming note fits
Ruinous here
- Solvent: Hot fusels
- Phenolic: Medicinal clove
- Diacetyl: Butter
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.