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Buyer's Guide for Beer Lovers

Continental Ales

Exploring a Rich Foamscape of Ales

Abbey Tripel

Monastic, or abbey, ales are an ancient tradition in Belgium, in much the same manner as wine production was once closely associated with monastic life in ancient France. Currently, very few working monasteries brew beer within the order, but many have licensed the production of beers bearing their abbey name to large commercial brewers. These “abbey ales” can vary enormously in specific character, but most are quite strong in alcohol content, ranging from 6 percent alcohol by volume (ABV) to as high as 10 percent. Generally, abbey ales are labeled as either “dubbel” or “trippel,” though this is not a convention that is slavishly adhered to. The former conventionally denotes a relatively less alcoholic and often darker beer, while the latter can often be lighter or blond in color and have a syrupy, alcoholic mouthfeel that invites sipping, not rapid drinking. The lowest gravity abbey ale in a Belgian brewer’s range will conventionally be referred to as a “singel,” though it is rarely labeled as such.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range Quality Band
96-100 points Platinum
90-95 points Gold
85-90 points Silver
80-84 points Bronze
Less than 80 Not Recommended
Legend
  • = Brewpub
  • ABV = Alcohol by volume
  • Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

92 Tripel Horse, River Horse Brewery (NJ). 10% ABV (4/09)
Deep hazy golden amber color with a high, fine foamy head. Interesting aromas of turkey bacon, brown sugar and nutmeg follow through on a round, velvety entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with spicy pepper jelly, custard and candied peach notes. Finishes in a long, chewy fade of peppery spice with seared fat and earth accents. Great, saison-like food beer.

92 Tripel Dipsea Belgian Style Ale, Marin Brewing Co. (CA). 9.2% ABV (5/10)
Bright pale amber color. Aromas of waffle cone, dried nectarine and delicate spices follow through on a round, satiny entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with excellent balance and surprisingly subtle depth. Finishes with a long, citrus soufflé and earthy hops flourish. Brilliantly flavorful and drinkable.

91 Brother David’s Triple, Anderson Valley Brewing Co. (CA). 10% ABV (5/08)
Brilliant deep amber color with a lacy head. Peppery aroma of nougat, molasses and banana nut bread follow though to creamy, tangy medium-full body with orange marmalade on buttered caramel rye bread, dusty spice, dried peach and nutshell flavors. Finishes with a chewy banana custard and citrus hop fade with mouthwatering acidity. A zesty, flavorful tripel to pair with artisanal cheeses.

91 Nectar des Dieux, Bastone Brewery (MI). 9.5% ABV (4/09)
Cloudy orange amber color. Circus peanut, dried pineapple and marzipan aromas follows through on round, supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with flavors with a chewy banana taffy, kiwi, mossy stone and peppered mango on the finish. A tasty tripel!

89 Samuel Adams New World Tripel, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 10% ABV (5/10)
Pale amber color. Aromas of glazed fruit custard danish, banana cake, delicate baking spices, coriander and crystallized ginger follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with very good depth and zestiness. Finishes with a long, citrus curd, honey, peppery alcohol and spice bread fade.

89 Ménage À Frog, Issaquah Brewhouse (WA). 10.2% ABV (5/10)
Deep golden amber color. Pure and delicate aromas of honeyed ginger, toasted lemon poppy seed muffin, herbal soap and delicate spices follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with praline and green peppercorn notes. Finishes with long, slightly prickly, toffee, peppery spice and astringent earth hop accents.

88 Abbey Triple, Sprecher Brewing Co. (WI). 8.4% ABV (5/10)
Deep golden amber color. Honeyed toasted biscuit and apricot marmalade aromas follow through on a round, supple entry with very good depth and balance. Finishes with chewy, lemon bread and peppery spice accents. A very fruity and crowd-pleasing version of tripel with great drinkability.

84 Three Ridges Tripel, Devils Backbone Brewing Co. (VA). 8.5% ABV (5/10)
Bright golden amber color. Aromas of Denver omelet, crystallized ginger and delicate spices follow through on a supple, chewy entry to a fruity sweet full body with pomegranate molasses, sour cherry butter and honeyed nut notes. Finishes with a long, warming, pink peppercorn and tart Meyer lemon zest fade. Interesting.

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