Tripel

When the De Ranke brewery opened in 1994 as part of a new wave of Belgian microbreweries, its first beer was a beer inspired by Westmalle Tripel, Orval, and brewer Nino Bacelle’s love of hops.

One of Belgium’s most distinctive tripels leans in a more bitter, aromatic direction. Inspired by Orval as much as Westmalle, De Ranke Guldenberg is a contemporary classic. Here, Joe Stange speaks with cofounder Nino Bacelle about its origins and makings.

Golden-blond with a lithe body, lively mouthfeel, resilient foam, and sneaky strength—equally at home on the dinner table or next to your easy chair—here are a few of our favorite tripels.

A 20th-century invention made famous by monks, this strong but elegant ale of hospitality is built from the simplest of ingredients—yet it’s among the most challenging to brew well. Jeff Alworth explains its origins and context.

We bring you the sordid tale of a love triangle: One brewer, two beers, and a lot of feelings. C’est la vie.

We reached out to brewers’ guild directors and asked for recommendations on light-colored ales (from a state other than the one they represent) that have tickled their fancy. Here’s what these proponents of craft beer reach for when they travel.

GABF gold medal–winner and Two Rivers’ Head Brewer Josh Bushey recommends using less oak and tequila than you think will be necessary. The recipe here gives you a modest start.

Spiced with lemon peel and ginger, this beer is a clean, crisp Belgian-style tripel with complex, fruity, and spicy aromatics and flavor.

Here is an attempt to create something almost, but not quite, entirely unlike Brouwerij Dilewyns Vicaris Tripel.

As a follow-up to his “Make Your Best Belgian Tripel,” Josh Weikert shares his award-winning recipe.

Choose your twist(s) on this Westmalle Tripel-inspired beer.