Brewmaster: Chris Thorpe of Thorpy's Brewhouse
Brewing Belgian Tripel Style Beer following Thorpy's Brewhouse Method
Diving into homebrewing happened during my college days, courtesy of a festive frat brother who bagged a homebrew kit for Christmas. We loved crafting various beer styles like English bitters, European pilsners, Belgians, and even some Sierra and Anchor creations. I was invited to join the brewing and bottling process, which, as you know, can be quite laborious. But I thrived in the process and, of course, the beer tasted fantastic!
1993 wasn't the year of the craft beer movement, but we frequented a local shop, “Beers of the World,” that offered a blend of homebrew and beer offerings, still thriving today. I decided to venture into homebrewing at my first job, first experimenting with syrups and experiencing some bad hops. I eventually graduated to all-grain brewing and better ingredients, thanks to my engineering background and a love for the mix of art and science that brewing entails.
Now armed with two Spike CF15's and a HERMS setup, brewing continues to be an exciting endeavor. I owe a big thank you to Spike, as their pro-quality equipment simplifies the process and keeps the brewing fire burning!
The Awestruck Beer: Belgian Tripel
Belgians are versatile and a blast to tinker with. For the best fermenting guidance, refer to "Brew like a Monk" by Stan Hieronymus on pages 174 and 178.
It's highly recommended to use a generous amount of yeast and some yeast nutrient when brewing Belgian Tripels. Belgian candi sugar can be pricey, but it's worth it for several fantastic beer recipes. The addition of this sugar makes a noticeable difference! I also do a step mash where alpha amylase is added, which helps with conversion in the mash, but it needs to be added below 149°F (65°C) and in minimal amounts - roughly 2-6 drops.
Temperature control (if available) can be crucial for achieving the best flavor profile in Belgian Tripels.
Tripel Monk's Formula
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN
- 26 lbs Pilsner
- 2 lbs Pale Ale
- 4 lbs Wheat
HOPS
- Boil hops: 1.3 oz US Magnum 14.1 AA - 0:60 min
- Boil hops: 2 oz US Sazz 4.6AA - 0:20 min
- Boil hops: 1.2 oz Mt. Mood - K.O.
ADJUNCTS
- 2 tsp Orange Peel - 0:10 min
- 1 tsp Ground Coriander - 0:10 min
- ~2 lbs Invert or Candi Sugar - 0:15 min
YEAST
- White Labs 530 or Wyeast 3787
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 10-12 gal
OG: 1.078
FG: 1.01~1.08
IBU: ~34
ABV: 8-9%
EFFICIENCY: 75%
MASH TEMP: 128-133°F: 15-20min
2-4 drops alpha amylase enzyme
146-148 °F: 45 min
150-152°F: 45 min
158°F: Mash Out
BOIL: 70 min
FERMENTATION: 68-72°F - 1-2 weeks
Cheers,
Chris Thorpe - Thorpy's Brewhouse
Spike Unveils the Full Scoop on Tripel
What Is a Tripel?
A Tripel is a Belgian marvel, pouring a beautiful deep golden hue, and offering a harmonious blend of fruity esters, spicy phenols, and a hint of candi sugar sweetness. This full-bodied ale achieves a remarkable balance of strength and smoothness from a blend of malted barley and candi sugar, creating an experience beyond just drinking.
What sets a Tripel apart from other beers?
A Tripel distinguishes itself with a higher alcohol content, ranging from 7.5% to 9.5%, and a complex flavor profile featuring fruity, spicy, and sweet notes. Its notable effervescence contributes to a unique taste and aromatic experience.
A Brief History of Tripel
The history of Tripel harks back to the Trappist brewery of Westmalle in Belgium, where it was first brewed in the 1930s. The term "Tripel" originally referred to the beer's strength, signifying a brew with three times the malt and, consequently, a higher alcohol content than the monastery's standard beer. Other Belgian breweries later adopted the style, leading to the widespread recognition and popularity of Tripel as a distinctive and strong Belgian ale.
What does a Tripel taste like?
A Tripel typically displays a complex flavor profile characterized by fruity, spicy, and sweet notes. You may detect hints of banana, pear, and apple, and a subtle spiciness reminiscent of cloves or peppery undertones. A mild bitterness often complements the malt sweetness, and the beer's effervescence contributes to a refreshing and lively mouthfeel. Overall, the taste of a Tripel is intricate, robust, and carries the hallmark Belgian ale qualities.
How is a Tripel brewed?
Brewing a Tripel involves a blend of malted barley, water, hops, and yeast. A significant malt bill is employed, contributing to the beer's higher alcohol content. The mashing process activates enzymes in the malt, converting starches into fermentable sugars. Following mashing, the wort is boiled, and hops are added, with a focus on imparting mild bitterness and aroma. Tripels are characterized by the use of Belgian yeast strains during fermentation, introducing fruity and spicy flavors. The beer often undergoes an extended maturation period for flavor development and is commonly bottle-conditioned for natural carbonation. The final product is typically found in corked and caged bottles, showcasing its intricate taste, higher alcohol content, and lively effervescence.
Foods with Flavor, Pairing Perfectly with Tripel
A Tripel's complex and robust flavor profile pairs well with a variety of foods such as:
- Cheese: Brie, Gouda, or Camembert work wonders with the fruity and spicy notes of a Tripel. The beer's effervescence cuts through the richness of these types of cheese.
- Poultry: Tripel's balanced sweetness and spiciness make it a great match for poultry dishes. Enjoy it with roasted chicken, duck, or turkey.
- Spicy Cuisine: The beer's spiciness complements the flavors in spicy dishes like Thai or Indian cuisine.
- Seafood: Rich and flavorful seafood, like lobster or shrimp, pairs nicely with Tripel. The beer's sweetness can complement the natural sweetness of seafood.
- Pork: Whether grilled, roasted, or in sausage form, pork dishes can benefit from Tripel's complex flavors. The beer's sweetness balances the savory and salty aspects of pork.
- Desserts: Tripel can be a delightful companion to desserts like apple pie, crème brûlée, or even a posh Belgian waffle over brunch.
- Spiced Dishes: Dishes with spices like coriander or clove echo the flavors present in Tripel. This makes Tripel a good choice for pairing with dishes seasoned with similar spices.
Year-round Tripel?
While Tripel beer is not limited to a specific season and can be enjoyed year-round, its higher alcohol content and complex flavor profile often make it a popular choice for colder months. The beer's richness can be especially appealing during the fall and winter.
The Strength of a Typical Tripel
The alcohol by volume (ABV) of a Tripel generally falls within the range of 7.5% to 9.5%.
Varieties of Tripel
"Tripel" typically refers to a strong Belgian ale with a distinctive flavor profile and higher alcohol content, but there isn't a strict style guideline like you might find with some other beer categories. Breweries produce their interpretations of Tripel, leading to some variation in characteristics. Differences may arise in terms of specific flavors, malt bills, hop profiles, and the yeast strains used. However, the term "Tripel" is most commonly associated with Belgian-style tripels, and the variations within this category tend to be subtle.
Ideal Serving Temperature for Tripel
The recommended serving temperature for Tripel beer is generally between 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C). Serving it at this temperature allows the beer to showcase its complex flavors and aromas effectively.
Favorite Tripel Brands
Some popular brands include Westmalle Tripel from Westmalle Brewery, Chimay White (Cinq Cents) from Chimay Brewery, La Fin Du Monde from Unibroue, Tripel Karmeliet from Brouwerij Bosteels, St. Bernardus Tripel from St. Bernardus Brewery, Golden Monkey from Victory Brewing Company, Allagash Tripel from Allagash Brewing Company, among others.
Tripel's Glass of Selection
Yes, Tripel beers are often served in a specific type of glass to enhance the drinking experience. The most commonly recommended glassware for Tripels is a tulip-shaped glass or a chalice. These glass styles focus on concentrating the aromas of the beer and allowing for aeration, enhancing the perception of the beer's complex flavors.
Suitable for Beginner Homebrewers?
Brewing a Tripel can be challenging for beginner homebrewers due to its higher alcohol content, complex flavors, and the need for precise fermentation control. Beginners might want to start with simpler beer styles before venturing into Tripels.
For additional info, check out other articles like Beer Recipes, Beer Style Guide, Homebrewing Supply List, Craft Beer 101, and How to Brew Beer. Happy brewing!
- Chris Thorpe, from Thorpy's Brewhouse, uses high-quality equipment like Spike CF15's and a HERMS setup for his homebrewing process, believing that pro-quality tools simplify the process and foster a continued passion for brewing.
- Belgian Tripels are a fascinating beer style for Chris Thorpe, as they offer versatility in brewing and exhibit intricate flavors. Respecting the tradition, he follows the guidance in "Brew like a Monk" by Stan Hieronymus for the best fermentation results. He also emphasizes the importance of using quality ingredients like Belgian candi sugar, yeast, and yeast nutrient, and carefully controlled steps such as mashing and fermentation temperatures.
- Homebrewing can lead to the creation of delicious food-and-drink pairings, such as Tripel paired with food-and-garden inspired dishes like apple pie or Belgian waffles. As a passionate homebrewer, Chris Thorpe's recipes and cooking skills have become an essential part of his food-and-drink lifestyle.
