Westmalle Brewery

Tripel: Westmalle Tripel Beer fans call it the mother of all tripels, and it still earns the title. The Trappist monks of Westmalle brewed their first tripel in 1934, and this is the bottle to judge every other one by. It is clear golden and 9.5%, soft and creamy on the tongue, with ripe banana and hops in the nose and a long, dry, bitter finish. Try it beside a Duvel to learn the difference between the two strong pale styles: the tripel is fuller, spicier and more yeast-driven. Let it warm a few degrees from fridge cold before you judge it.