Beer expert blind tastes 16 Belgian Tripels | The Craft Beer Channel

[@dieselboii8537]

Tripel karmeliet got shafted on this one, definitely one of my more memorable beers I’ve ever had for good reasons

[@philippenachtergal6077]

Triple Karmeliet is owned by inbev now so it doesn't really work if you want to avoid to most mass market ones.

[@Amocoru]

@@philippenachtergal6077 Doesn't matter if it's mass market it's still incredible.

[@lordvoldemort4944]

Please don’t do 16 that’s gonna be even stronger generally speaking do ten at most

[@atlas5459]

The cilantro ruins this beer for me. Weird this wasn't picked up by the host of the video by the way. To people that recognize cilantro easily (and hate it) like me, this is the only thing you taste.

[@andyvanheijst8981]

It is also one of my favorite beers in the world. For triples, it's even my second favorite after Tripel D'Anvers. But somehow I just can't enjoy it when it comes from a bottle. So I don't know what they do there, but they just completely mess up the beer in the bottling process.

[@boletus2001]

St. Bernardus is just pure quality from top to bottom. Their beers are usually not the absolute best in class, but all of their stuff is right there near the top of the list on all of their expressions. I especially love the Abt. 12. Combine their quality with the ease of availability (you can get St. Bernardus everywhere) and you can never go wrong with them.

[@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232]

I'm a huge fan of the 12 too. Fun fact: they used to make the beer for Westvleteren, and it's damn close.

[@ComSat_Bornem]

​@@ismiregalichkochdasjetztso3232it isn't that close anymore..the abt12 taste more like the old style westvleteren.. fresh abt12 > fresh westvleteren all day. Btw, they have a abt12nitro now @ the brewery thats just even more faboulus

[@sleepyjoe7843]

I love the Abt 12 too but I found out that it's inconsistent. For some reason I found it to be more sweet and other times more bitter.

[@lars2894]

Costs $8/12oz bottle here, gotta be the most expensive beer I've ever seen.

[@sleepyjoe7843]

@@lars2894 Normally cost 1,8 in Belgium. Westvleteren 12 is one of the most expensive beers.

[@polartist]

“Proost” is more Dutch (The Netherlands) in Belgium it goes between “Santé” or “Schol” both are used

[@Panopticon52]

This

Why would the Belgians say "Santé", which is in French, if the vast majority of them speak Dutch?

[@polartist]

Are you serious!? Belgium has 3 official languages and even indeed the majority is Flemish we have a lot of borrowed words from French

@@polartist Ah, I was thinking about Switzerland :) Cheers! P.S. it says that 59% speak Dutch and 40% French, pretty close

[@Jannes-pj4cd]

Jonny next time you should do a blind taste test of the Belgian Quadrupels, I’m very curious to see what the result will be.

[@lordvoldemort4944]

Oh God, I don’t think he can handle that just imagine what he will be like if he was this after triples

[@bennash89]

This really needed the Tripel De Garre in there.

[@florisb1]

because it is so bad?

[@sneegeven]

Exactly. For me hands down the best tripel. True masterpiece!

[@vlamsamsam]

As a Belgian, I must admit I never had the Kasteel tripple before. Will definitely try it next weekend! Thanks for the best beer tasting video on the web!

[@howardtreesong4860]

Three Swedes came into the bar. Buddy was having the tripel, I was having the dark Kasteelbier. The Swedes also wanted one. I told them "maybe you want to try something a little bit less enthusiastic." Oh no, no no, they're Swedes they can handle their beer. 2 light ones, one dark one. "Oep ui muilke, moat!" They each had a sip and left the glass standing. It was WAY beyond their experience. Pro tip: don't start with the highest % beers first. When you have something lower after that it'll drown out the taste.

[@joricj57]

@@howardtreesong4860 Janee, I can Imagine. Especially the Kasteel donker, being so sweet and powerful, it would have kept their palets occupied for a while. Haven't tried the triple yet as i'm more of an ambre / dark beer drinker,, but will definitely give it a try this weekend when i get the chance to it.

[@RoranRock]

St bernardus is a worldclass brewery, with one of the best christmas beer, quad, AND triple !

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

They've basically won both the blind tests they've been in. Hoping to make a film with them this summer!

[@diegomfochoa]

I buy the Christmas beer anytime I see it.

[@stefanvansteenberge]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel They have a new visitor's centre with a very nice rooftop "Bar Bernard". Views are great as it is in one of the most beautiful regions in Flanders. In that area, I'd also bookmark "Auberge du vert mont" and "De Nachtegaal" for an overnight's stay.

[@Stevesulsh]

Had to rush down to Lidl and pick up the 6 pack mix of Bornem dubbel, Bornem triple, Gulden Draak, Gulden Draak 9000 Quad, Piraat and Piraat Tripel hop just to get on sort of the same page 😅

[@Jannes-pj4cd]

I love a good Belgian triple, the Westmalle, the Tripel Karmeliet and the Straffe Hendrik Tripel are my favourite beers in this style.

[@rafkuenen7257]

Karmeliet deserves better ranking buddy

[@MrHiguy455]

As a Midwest American, you've opened up my beer opinions almost every time you do a tasting, but when it's a type of beer you absolutely love, we can tell. This type is added to the list!

[@faolanirishfest]

Great video! I’m Irish living in Belgium, so will defo check out the Kasteel. Glad to see the two St-Feuillien beers so prominent as they have a fantastic range of beers. Also, I live beside the brewery and it’s named after a 7th-century Irish saint called Faolán, so I am in Heaven here. They even hold an Irish festival in the brewery called the Faolán Irish Fest. Drop by for a tour the next time you’re over

[@DmytroShashenko]

And where is this brewery, my friend?

[@howardtreesong4860]

@@DmytroShashenko It is in a place called Le Roeulx. They've been at it since 1152, we have high hopes for them that they'll get the hang of it in the not too distant future. Having said that it's not a bad time to try St. Feuillien because it really is quite spectacular.

[@kaveendravasuthevan7838]

My local doesn't have many belgian options but the two St Feuillien's. It's always my go to beer to share when bringing friend's who've never tried anything but macro lager. They always love it, glad to know it ranked well!

[@BeerReviewJournal]

Val Dieu’s Tripel needed to be in this tasting. Plus, I’ve had Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde as old as 7 years showing great complexity. Also De Glazen Toren’s Ondineke Tripel would have been great!

[@barnie6080]

we used to have Westvleteren at home back in the day. Might have some bottles still in the cellar. But as Belgian i used to make stew with Westmalle or St Bernadus 12y. Or even with chimay. This year i've visited the Leffe Company in Dinant (Belgium) so happy that i've did that.

[@ianbelanger6656]

Missed opportunity to review De Garre! it's a big at 11-12%, but I think that ranks among the elite of Tripels, though I am aware it is a challenge to track down, but adds to the mystique of the bar in Bruges. Great video, time to track down some Kasteel!

[@tinkocijan165]

Absolutely agree! De Garre is for me the best tripel out there, by far. 11% ABV hidden in elegant interplay of clove, banana and solid malt backbone that make it surprisingly drinkable and, in my opinion, give it this structured edge over all the other tripels out there.

[@nopenopenein8243]

When I was in Belgium I really tried to find it but couldn't. From what I remember it is the highest rated Belgium tripel.

[@theagetraveler]

​@@nopenopenein8243 its down a really small alley just before you reach the blood chapel, can't remember what the square is called

[@beaudwayful]

Straffe Hendrik was one of my early exposures to Belgians. 1998 honeymoon in Brugge and Brussels. Their brewery tour (in 4 languages) was amazing! Also had a great lunch there of melon and prosciutto.

[@stefanvansteenberge]

it a different brewery back then. I think now it is made by 'Halve Maan'

[@jensclarberg6419]

Straffe Hendrik are my absolute favourites.

[@stickshifter8]

So sorry your Fin Du Monde was dead. I love that beer, drink it all the time and was looking forward to see how it fares against the top belgian tripels. Great vid nevertheless!! Cheers 🍻!

[@JimMcDowell-xv5xx]

Great stuff, can’t wait for the imperial stout tasting for a proper test of stamina. Do the beers end up down the sink or is Brad in the garden finishing them off?

[@sonicfactory-uk]

Interesting! Like you, I would have skipped Kasteel's Tripel for another make. I'll have to try it again. These blind tests are amazing! Please keep doing them.

[@Curly_Captures]

Straffe Hendrik would have been my pick from that bunch. I remember thinking Bersalis Tripel by Oud Beersel was a banger too.

[@khululyp]

I like Straffe Hendrik too, great beer.

[@nodshred1]

Great review, thank you. On a recent trip to Belgium my wife bought me a bottle of the Kasteel Tripel, I didn't drink it till I came home to the UK. I wish I'd have brought more than a single bottle back. Converted, its Beautiful...Cheers

[@jasonremy1627]

My favorite beer style. Complex and yet still easy to drink.

[@justina.6769]

Belgian Trippel is my favorite beer! 😄

[@lordvoldemort4944]

Was mine initially too still great style really starting to fall back into it again but my style is quads natural progression though

[@daikidetbilisi]

I watched this alongside looking at how I rated all my tripels on untappd. Seems I had the same top 4 / 5 - with the exception of Marsedous Tripel (which you didn’t test) in mine. This is probably my favourite beer style in the world. Not sure how you didn’t end up going arse over tit out of your brew shed after all of those though! 😂

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Who's to say I didn't? I just edited it out.

[@nopenopenein8243]

Such an underrated style in the craft beer community, together with a lot of dubble, the quad and the belgian blonde. I know that like with all the great traditional beers - it is harder to beat the classics but i'd still rather drink a nice balanced dubble or tripel over all the pastry nonsense coming out.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

And since the good ones seem to taste of vanilla it would be an easily switch!

[@AdamKeele]

It once wasn’t, but sadly that’s the case now. It was pretty standard fare to have at least one on tap at breweries.

[@brentcooley935]

The Belgian Quad is my favorite style, but I love the prevalence of pastry “nonsense”.

[@TonchoBluegrass]

La fin du monde is my favorite tripel and tripels are my favorite beers besides saisons! I've had some hit or miss la fin bottlings that have challenged my love but when I get a good one there is nothing better, well i'd say the only thing that i'd say is missing for it to be the perfect beer is drinkability, and by that I mean that its alcohol content can sometimes get in the way of making a particularly "refreshing" beer. Thanks for the video I think i've tried about half the beers presented and am very excited to try Kasteel!

[@ninjin-ninja]

Any plan to include La Trappe in any of these tastings? A brewery with a very interesting history, and offer some great beers including their Tripel, but especially their Quadrupel which is stunning.

[@MatthewCallender-uu5zn]

Agreed with the La Trappe quad. My favourite of the Trappist quads. Even blind taste tested alongside Chimay, Rochefort and Westvleteren to convince myself.

[@christophehiguet7838]

La Trappe is a good beer but is not Belgian.

[@keithpetrasek9605]

Poor La Fin du Monde. I love that beer so much and I think you should give it another chance! It’s a great example of this style and one of the best outside of Belgium. Cheers from Canada, excellent video.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Absolutely will! Totally realised this bad bottle was my fault not the brewery's

[@stickshifter8]

Me too, a big fan of LFDM and disappointed that his bottle was past its prime…

[@DJChappie001]

1:30 that's the best pronunciation I ever heard a native English speaker say "Duvel".

[@Kaesekuchen002]

Lovely to see that my personal favorites also seem to be yours.

[@rcollingridge1]

As good as these Belgian classics are, I’ve definitely tasted variation between bottles at different times, some I’m curious what the result would have been on a different day

[@do365nic]

temperature is a big deal with these things. And you actually should drink a belgian beer from the glass the brewery makes especially for the beer you are drinking.

[@timgentier5087]

Well, most of the big names...everybody knows which I mean, right! Did had to adapt their output to the global demand and invested in larger equipment to produce more hectoliter per day/year and eventually needed to adapt the recipe to the new tech they installed. The brewers did struggle to find the perfect balance and eventually did. This is what you've tasted, the transition...

[@timgentier5087]

Delicious 😊 after 16 tripples you might go off as well, no pun intended 😂. Anyway, great to learn that the commercial brewers get it spot on occasionally 😊 For me personally, Ill buy a crate or 2 of kasteel triple, why not... 11°abv, vanilla at the front and the bach end. Lovely times we live in 🎉cheers 🍻

[@martyjoebarry]

la find du monde! i’m from montreal and me and my buddies got a pack of beers from unibroue with this beer in it, we’re teenagers so we hated it but of course all the beers were all high alcohol percentage so we got really drunk (that was the point). i’m going to have to give that one another try tho, i can’t remember if that was the one we liked or not.

[@OldGrandadMashup]

Found a case of Kasteel Triple that was 15 years old. All 75cls and all were brilliant to drink. Powerful beer

[@saintsgambit]

Speaking as a Canadian, I was literally chatting about the Fin Du Monde the other day with Kyle from Toronto Brewing. He's been trying to replicate it, as he thinks the recipe went downhill about a decade ago. In Ontario, you can really only get that periodically, and it's in a mixed twelve pack in 341ml screw top bottles with a decorative foil sleeve that keeps the cap on during refermentation. It's not currently up to scratch, and that oxidative character is probably a hallmark of that beer at this point.

[@davidellis6468]

There's some properly funky beers being made in Canada and Ontario just now. The world needs to know about our craft beers more!

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Ah that's a real shame. I've heard so many good things about Fin Du Monde. One day we'll make it over and explore the scene.

[@davidellis6468]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel always welcome on these shores for proper beer and poutine!

[@mtbgeologist]

For Belgian-style beers, check out the Napanee Beer Company. Geordan's Belgian Dubbel is fantastic even though it was EXPENSIVE.

[@WhatGamesAreSaying]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel interestingly, Montréal (where I live) and is only about 20 minutes from Chambly (where Fin is made) is very into the NEIPA. Unibroue is pretty unique as a brewery in Canada. I used to drink a lot of Fin in Halifax, Nova Scotia (another good beer city in Canada, probably the best imo, definitely the most underrated, but I’m from Halifax and wear my bias on my sleeve) and it’s surprisingly good from a Keg. But you can get it around every corner in Montréal, but the quality is hit-or-miss, as most corner stores do not store their beer with care. I find tue best Fin I’ve had comes from the Keg, and from what I remember it’s much spicier than in the corked bottle (where, in my experience, it’s much less flavourful).

[@cudden22]

St Mars of the Desert did a tripel last year which was hands down the nest tripel I've ever had.

[@god6384]

15:28 you are not far off its struktuur in dutch/flemish 😂😂

[@sergeyp6071]

the results may vary depending how long you aged your trippel. in my experience Kasteel and Strafe shines after a year of shelf life. before that time they quite boozy (probably as bottle fermentation goes on). Westmalle is fine at any conditions. that's why it's appreciated more by people and rating systems

[@nopenopenein8243]

Good to see Kasteel doing well. They have so many great beers and some pretty bad ones too. Straffe is just amazing. Kinda surprised to see La Guillotine there - it is more a Belgian Strong than a Tripel. Also kinda surprised to see you missing La Trappe, Gouden Carolus, Maredsous, Lefort and Zundert. All pretty classic tripels. A really underrated one that I would have loved to see you try is Leffe's tripel - surprisingly it is pretty good. This is such an interesting style - not many breweries outside of Belgium or probably Netherlands end up hitting the right notes for the style - they either end up making them like weiss beer or like a new england lemony/hazy beer.

[@amradzinovic4086]

La Trappe is not a Belgian beer.

[@friedoompa-loompa2876]

When I first tasted “La Fin du Monde” 7 years ago, as someone who didn’t really drink beers, I thought it was the best beer in the world. Today As a Québécois, I can proudly say that Unibroue paved the way for all craft brewies in Québec and we probably make the best beer in all the Americas, but of course I’m biased.

[@aboumawiyah]

Canadian beers are great. American beers are generally poor due to using the imperial system, I guess.

[@lordvoldemort4944]

@@aboumawiyah I will agree with you when it comes to non-dark styles except for sours

[@mrparsnip1257]

Very informative video as always from CBC. I was very happy with the result. Checking my Untappd check-ins as you were drinking each beer and of all the ones I’ve tried, Kasteel was my highest rated beer. Looks like I do know something!! Cheers.

[@illtronics]

This is probably nearly impossible to get in the UK but Allagash's Tripel is one of the absolute best.

[@davidh2323]

I'm sure you'll hear of the many tripels you missed. Let me throw Carolus Tripel into the mix. It is my local tipple and didn't quite determine my decision to live here but certainly helped.

[@ravenblast59]

Tasted it last week for the first time in years and loved it. Very fruits.

[@discordia013]

Very interesting comparison, especially the note about not aging Tripels. I recently found a bottle of the Westmalle and to be honest it wasn't as enjoyable as the Rochfort. Given where I found it though it's actually reasonable to assume that it had been there for 12 months or more.

[@SchaeferJamesE]

Give the La Fin du Monde another try from a fresher bottle. La Fin du Monde is near the top on my list. Kind of hard to imagine sitting for 25 minutes watching another guy drink beer, however I enjoyed viewing.

[@jasonraposo6284]

I really like that you cleared the table and went through all the beers that scored 24, but I wish you could have included the 23's also... I would have enjoyed stacking up Westmalle with this smaller group and hearing your notes, but an excellent job, definitely will be trying Kasteel again because of this. Will you still finish your Trappist series?

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I'll be doing that myself again soon, so many I should live stream it. Still can't believe the result. Oh, and yep Trappist series still in the works. Orval goes live in a few weeks.

[@Jesse_IDG]

i think the difference there was who brewed it, the golden ale is made by commercial/^private breweries and trappist is brewed by a certain kind of monk

[@mymic208]

Beers I would of added, (maybe its time for a part 2 with the 4 winners mixed in with a fresh la fin du mond?). Gouden Carolus triple, Maredsous triple, Val Dieu triple, Bush Triple, Corsendonk Agnus, La Rulles Triple, Paix Dieu, Kapittel triple abt 10, Augustijn Grand Cru, Ename Tripel. One of the best videos you've done and one I keep coming back to!

[@Risenz]

Live in Belgium (but British) here, I'm surprised Kasteel did so well because, like you, I considered their beers (specifically the Rouge) the classy choice here for people who don't really like beer. Will have to try it, not sure I've ever actually had it. It's a shame you didn't have my personal favourite (Tripel Lefort) here, would have been curious how it fared. Also Tripel d'Anvers, it's got an interesting, slightly different, character, people from Antwerp swear by it (as they do most things from Antwerp). It's also interesting how badly Tripel Karmeliet did, I'd consider that the 'classic' tripel choice, definitely the most popular where I live, but maybe I'm amongst too much of a student crowd - it's definitely on the easier to drink end of the spectrum. Strongly looking forward to/suggesting a Saison tasting next time you cover a Belgian style ;)

[@jasuindiloan]

It's clear that Karmeliet got literally destroyed after it being taken over by AB Inbev. It's just not a good a beer anymore. And it's crazy how controversial it always is to say this at loud to fellow countrymen.

[@haarlem4048]

indeed Kasteelbier to sweet

[@LXBalla4414]

Greetings from Luxembourg. We routinely drink Triple Karmeliet here, but I have a penchant for Kasteel. It’s been good to me. So appreciate the love

[@felipesparks5267]

I’m impressed you didn’t fall over in the video! My god!

[@dapotatoboy4066]

lost it at the “fuck it that’ll do.” longering is my new favourite word

[@viper29ca]

Just missing some Allagash!

[@mattknee7561]

This was great. I need to do this someday. Would be super fun. I was surprised when I checked Untappd and saw that I have checked-in 121 different Belgian Tripel beers (not all from Belgium of course). Westmalle and Karmeliet are at the top for me. Then Dulle Teve, Maredsous, De Gare, Ename, Zundert, and Finesse right behind. Followed by St Bernardus, Gouden Carolous, and Sraffe Hendrik. I have Kasteel rated low. It's been a while since I've had one, so I'll have to revisit it. I am curious how my ratings would change in a blind test. I am sure they would since I have become more serious and educated by studying for Cicerone certification.

[@LeeroyJeenkins]

Amazed by Rochefort Tripel - it has become one of my favourites because it tastes unlike the others and like a Solero to me: creamy texture with vanilla, tropical-fruity vibes. Not sure what went wrong with your bottle :(

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Interesting. I've had that beer five or six times and never enjoyed it. I've always found it thin, dry and lacking real yeast character! Palates are interesting things!

[@Comm_Cody]

Yeah as a flemish belgian i can tell you we have a beer for everyone that will become your favorite. after all we got 1600 diffrent beers in Belgium. We got strong ones,mild,fruity,non alcoholic,2x strong etc etc you name it,we have it! i'm glad you find yours ^^ We Belgians always find/drink a new one somewhere else in the region to see if it can be our favorite :) to be honest, not every Belgian has tasted all 1600 xD

[@jeffa.8976]

Chimay is my favorite triple. La Chouffe is my favorite Belgian strong blonde. Chimay Blue is my favorite dark beer. If you want to try something interesting and amazing, try a Sea Change Blonde if you can find it. Made in Edmonton Alberta.

[@gps481216]

Well, that gives me something to consider in Bruges next week.

[@TheTimuutbru]

Great video! One of my favourite beer styles. Achel actually doesn't have a tripel beer. The one you tasted was a Belgian blonde (or at least the bottle you see in te vid next to the Straffe Hendrik). Might explain why it didnt really taste like a tripel to you. Only beers I missed where Le Fort and Tripel van de Garre. Last one should be tasted straight from the draft (which is only available in de Garre brugge) truly magnificent!

[@Calumbo]

Fond memories of drinking Straffe Hendrik in Bruges. Good times

[@ShimmeringShamrockSharkey]

Why havent i seen you do La Trappe yet? Perhaps one of my favs

[@shadowsir]

Should should definitely try "Brugge Tripel" and "Gouden Carolus Tripel". My favourite tripel is definitely the Tripel Karmeliet. Of all of the Belgian Tripels it's the least "offensive". By which I mean, it goes with everything (with a meal, at a bar, at a BBQ,...) and most people like it.

[@meschadarc141]

brilliant video. my first visit to your channel. some of these tripels i've known and appreciated for quite some time now; some (about half) i've never drunk or even ever heard of. i liked your comments, revealing expertise, and indeed: don't age tripels. that said, the st-bernardus tripel can develop a pleasant hint of walnut when just past peak. i actually prefer it there. in my opinion tripel karmeliet reached a much higher level a few years ago. i quite agree with your current assessment here. kasteelbier is brewed just about in my backyard, not half a mile away in the village where i live, so i should feel honoured by your conclusion. i love the beer, drink it quite often, and i love its creamy opulence, but still: westmalle is the best tripel in the world. still. to me, its complexity is unrivaled, the hop touch included. i always like chimay, a bit rustic, so a winter beer. and straffe hendrik revives. recently it came to my attention again, and these days it's top notch. and the best beer in the world? orval, no? you múst let that one age. gezondheid!

[@Naturalhealing099]

As a Belgian, let me tell you that your ranking is right on point! We could talk about why for hours.

[@burtleboeuf1429]

The thing about Belgian beers, I find, is that it's quite important to drink them "in order". Now, that contradicts the premise of blind tasting but you dont necessarily get the real taste of a beer in the way you've done it if you are bouncing between, say, very robust Belgian beers with strong flavours - banana, vanilla, bread etc then you hit a Westmalle Tripel and the natural inclination would be to be slightly underwhelmed or jarred by the crispness. Whereas the other way round, you can savour the Wetmalle then appreciate the fuller tipel, e.g Karmaliet or Kasteel after it. That said, I think you're right in the centre of the ballpark (mixed metaphor there), Straffe Hendrik - what a beer. I just wish Westmalle Tripel had made 24 because its a thing of beauty. I can't put my finger on it, I've had many (too many) belgian beers over time but some beers stand out in the right conditions as being consistent (Straffe Hendrik) but some produce beautifual moments - Westmalle Tripel and of all things, Duvel! Duvel, with the right bottle at the right temp. in the right mood, with a tight, super smooth head is unbeatable. 1 out of 10 Duvels, may be 1 out of 20 is like this but when it is... Must try the Kasteel Tripel though, never had it.

[@trappenweisseguy27]

I first had La Fin Du Monde 25 years ago and it was incredible. Unfortunately, after changing hands I don’t know how many times, it’s nothing like it used to be.

[@adammyren8279]

Great video! I do love me a tripel as well. My favorite tripel is not even Belgian. I think Allagash Tripel, and especially the barrel and bean version is absolutely delicious! 😁

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Curieux is ace... but very different to these!

[@jasonremy1627]

One of the tops for me.

[@mymic208]

I agree with you on Kasteel I always thought their beers were a little bit too sweet, a little bit too boozy, kind of like Bush, but I like them a lot. Proof is in the pudding however, and I'm glad to see it score so well.

[@jintheooms6152]

I'm living in malle so the westmalle is my go to off course then im going for the Sint Bernardus and the saint foullien grandcru I'm always choose the kasteel as least option but deff going to try that soon again

[@thelaurens1996]

Yeah, it is worth getting it off the tap. :)

[@Tatterdash71]

Unibroue was once the top of the craft scene in Canada, like 15 years ago, I haven't seen a corked bottle of it in ages.

[@cwall9962]

Here in the Detroit area, virtually every store has stopped carrying the bomber sizes (22 oz and 750 ml). It's all 12 or 11.2 ounces now. Occasional pints, but not among Belgians. I asked my beer guy why, and he told me, "It's simple. My distributors don't sell enough of those bottles."

[@vincentr.6109]

Watching this video took me back. I remember back in the early Aughts, the owner of the beer store I was going to, gave me a bottle of Westmalle Triple for free. It was a great gesture. I really liked the beer. Back then I always described the banana notes as bubblegum. After watching this video I logged on to my old ratebeer account to see what I thought of some of the beers shown here.

[@BadgerPat]

Great exercise and I applaud you not rating an old bottle of La Fin du Monde, but you do need to rate it and Im sure it will be a top tier tripel for you. It’s the best tripel IMHO, but it’s fun to debate and compare notes.

[@MrMrFearghal]

"Tripel" was created by the monks. The story tells that they used to mark an "X" on the barrel when the beer was "OK", 2 "X" when it was good and 3 "X" when the beer was very good.

[@roussinphilippe]

I hope you come to Montreal and the province of Quebec at some points. Vermont, Oregon and Quebec are the 3 regions in the North America with the most microbreweries per capita. So many good beer here, you'll love it!

[@GruunWilliam]

I'm Belgian and my two favourite tripels are Karmeliet and Kasteel tripel ;)!

[@persephonelipuma9691]

i would LOVE if you did something on brasserie d'achouffe! they make such amazing beers

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

Well. color me surpriced. I'd never expected Kasteel to be that good, nor to see Straffe up there as well. St bernadus yes of course. They make some VERY good beer and I'd go for that any day. That and shun Karmeleit. Very interesting tasting. Cheers!

[@MK-zl7hj]

personal favorite is the triple bertimchamps, quite refreshing in comparison to other triple imo

[@aledbdavies]

I had the same experience with the Kasteel Tripel very recently, was surprised at how good it was! Westmalle is still my favourite but it has some serious competition.

[@keepitmaastricht9857]

Beers that make you forgetful, make the best memories 😂😂😂

[@god6384]

we also say "schol" instead of proost

[@Suggsonbass]

Glad to see Karmeleit lower down the rankings for a change. I've never understood why it's so popular. Too sweet and two dimensional for me. Love Westmalle and will try the Kasteel now !

[@JamesRea2]

Enjoyed the video. What is the title of the book that you were citing?

[@onyva3256]

That was brilliantly done and very funny. Like you, had never bothered with Kasteel before, always comes across as a bit supermarket own-brand. As St B and Westmalle were my previous favourites will definitely reach for your winner next time I’m in the beer aisle.

[@nopenopenein8243]

You can find their fruit beer (Rogue) in most supermarkets in Europe which really really gives them a supermarket type of brewery feel. They do make some amazing beers tho - Donker and Cuvée du Château are both amazing Quadrupels (especially the Cuvee), Filou is an interesting alternative of Duvel (I think they actually sued them?), their Blonde and Kasteel Xtra are bouth smashable Blonde beers with a lower ABV (The Xtra is only 4.5% and works as a session IPA).

[@DarkDanegan]

First and foremost - I’ll roshambo you for that Czech check shirt - it’s amazing. Second, I’m now off to find some Tripels, I want a warm Belgian glow like you had in this vid!

[@SimonC.-bv5vl]

One of my favourite styles, and this has to be one of my favourite blind taste tests yet. Glad to see you walked out at the end, rather than Brad carrying you out in a fireman's lift. Save that for the Quads, right?

[@ascotty9796]

New Belgium tripel for me here in the US. I prefer over St B. Try to track one down

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

Where is Wesvetleren 12? Or however you write it… tried it at the abbey last year dura beer trip around Belgium. Superb.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

That's not a tripel!

[@JosesAmazingWorlds]

@@TheCraftBeerChannel I know shit about beer, but pretty sure they do a tripel as well?

[@jasuindiloan]

@@JosesAmazingWorlds They don't. Their Blond is a... blonde. Of 5.8%. Great beer though.

[@stefanvansteenberge]

@@jasuindiloan That blonde is truly excellent, Let's figure something out to get some cases for the summer season :))

[@cwall9962]

I've only had five or six of these. It's a shame your La Fin du Monde went belly up on you. It's my go-to tripel. Mainly because I'm cheap. It's significantly less (here in the states) than the other labels. It is brewed just outside of Montreal, and I gotta believe that accounts for a lot of that difference. Unibroue used to put out a seasonal Black Forest Cake ale that was a great dessert beer. If they still do, please let me know (I know it was a seasonal that they shipped to the States every other year). I'm lucky. I have a great Belgian bar, complete with feather bowling about a mile away from my house: Cadieux Cafe in the northeast corner of Detroit. They have a few of these on tap!

[@HopZine]

I've always been a St Bernie guy... Westmalle is solid. I do now want to try the Kasteel. Entertaining stuff my friend. Roll on the Quads tasting 😂🎉

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

Oh it's coming. I just need to find a shoot day with literally nothing to do for a following few days.

[@gregoryjackson7903]

have you tried any beers by Mescan? A small Irish brewery from Westport, Ireland. They brew many Belgian style beers and they are absolutely stunning.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

I haven't but I am in Ireland later this month so will see if I can find some.

[@gregoryjackson7903]

amazing! @mescanbrewery5004 make sure this man gets some of your delicious brews.

[@ikke12345]

It is all in the eye of the beholder. Personal taste, you know.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

The beerholder surely!?

[@philippenachtergal6077]

I love the Kasteel triple too. Thing is, their brown one is gimmicky so it's easy to dismiss the brand. In a different genre, I also like their newer Rubus version (raspberry). I used to love the Achel, slightly less so now. I'll have to try it again. I wonder if maybe it has changed ? I love Straffe Hendrik, the Straffe Hendrik Wild is also well worth a try.

[@TheCraftBeerChannel]

We love wild! Even brewed a collab of it for a video a LONG time ago.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioaki6VugMyfY68

[@Amocoru]

It's gotta be Tripel Karmeliet or Trappist Achel. Everything Achel makes is absolutely gorgeous.

[@timschampaert3191]

A small educational addendum on your discussion of strong blonde VS Tripels is thé following: In Belgium brewery culture a single, double, triple and quadruple are arranged in the amount of malt they use in the brewing proces, the more malt, the more sugar and thus alcohol content. The example you used of Duvel (strong blonde) and Westmalle (Tripel) can simply be explained by Duvel not having a "less malt content brother" where as the Westmalle follows the complete structure previously mentioned as Westmalle exist also in single and double.

[@julialipuma8706]

you should try herkenrode's tripel. its incredible and raisiny, cinnamon-ey, and reminds me of a rum baba

[@DrQuatsch]

My personal favourite tripel is Tongerlo Prior. Not a huge fan of tripels though. I'm more of a dubbel and quadrupel drinker. And when it comes to paler beers, I go for the Belgian Strong Ales, like Duvel.

[@erichalvorsen8645]

Not a tripel, but one of the best belgian beers, hand down, is Popperings Hommel Bier. Just great. 7,5 ABV. Delicious. Must try it.

[@shadowsir]

If you love that one, try a Gildenbier. Similar sweet aftertaste.

[@mattbeerguerrilla9717]

Great video mate. Were any of the beers Lemony? 😂😉

[@felipesparks5267]

Could the difference between a Tripel and a Golden Strong Ale simply be that a Tripel is part of a series of the brewery’s traditional offerings? Single (or may be pater), dubbel, Tripel and Quad? And other breweries don’t have a line of beers or just newer and don’t do it that way?