Westmalle Tripel, pioneer in the tripel beer world

The iconic Westmalle Abbey and its brewing history

Westmalle Abbey: a major player in Trappist beer

Discover the grandeur of the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the picturesque village of Westmalle, located in the enchanting province of Antwerp. Deeply rooted in the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, this venerable abbey is home to a wealth of brewing traditions. With origins dating back to 1836, the abbey has expanded over the years and is now proudly associated with the Trappist brewery.

Here, amidst these hallowed walls, beer of unparalleled quality is brewed, unlike any other Trappist brewery. Immerse yourself in the masterful art of brewing beer while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Westmalle.

The origins of the Chimay Trappist Brewery go back to 1850, when they started brewing their masterful beers. Just nine years later, in an inspiring move, they also started selling their beers and cheeses. This inspiring example caught the interest of the Westmalle brewers, who decided to offer their beer to the public in 1861.

But as with many Belgian companies, the First World War cast a shadow over their activities. All production came to a standstill and the country was in ruins. A few years after the war, in 1921, the brewing tradition fortunately rose from the ashes, and the abbey even took the decision to double its production in order to meet the financial challenges of the monastic community. This led to the construction of a new, considerably larger brewery.

During this period, the monks began experimenting with new flavours and aromas, resulting in remarkable new beers. Within a short time, Westmalle Extra, Dubbel Bruin and Blond were introduced. In 1934, the iconic Westmalle Tripel saw the light of day, replacing the earlier Westmalle Blond. This decision was a huge success and Westmalle Tripel grew into a worldwide sensation, with an annual production of around 130,000 hectolitres to this day!

At Westmalle we currently offer two excellent beers, namely the Dubbel Bruin and the Tripel, both known for their high fermentation. To experience the ultimate taste experience, we recommend serving them at cellar temperature, just a little warmer than straight from the fridge, ideally between 8 and 14°C, served in matching goblets.

The Dubbel Bruin is a rich and dark beer with a beautiful mahogany colour and a lush brown head. It is characterised by a subtle aroma of malt, caramel, yeast and flowers, and spoils the taste buds with notes of roasted and toasted caramel and a hint of liquorice.

The Westmalle Tripel is a lush and intriguing brew with a beautiful golden blond hue and a lush, airy white head. This tripel offers an abundance of aromas, including soft malt, subtle notes of banana and refreshing citrus accents. The taste is complex and balanced, where refreshing, bitter and softness come together harmoniously.

It is worth mentioning, however, that there is also a third beer in the Westmalle range, called Westmalle Extra. This special brew is only produced twice a year and is exclusively for internal use within the abbey. It contains slightly less alcohol and has a more subdued character, which fits perfectly with the simple and pure lifestyle that is rooted in the principles of Benedict, the founder of monastic life. If you ever have the chance to taste this beer by joining the abbey, be sure to let us know and leave us a review, because we are extremely curious and would love to get a taste!

Luckily, the Tripel is available at Thuisbier.nl, available in handy 33cl bottles. Westmalle beers have a well-earned reputation as perfect companions for a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, tuna and roasted vegetables. If you are hosting a BBQ event, the Westmalle Tripel is an excellent choice, as the smoky flavours harmonise with the caramel notes in the beer.

Another notable feature is that these beers can be stored almost indefinitely. As with Trappist beers such as Orval, you can even cellar them for years after their expiration date. Some avid beer lovers have reported keeping Westmalle Tripel for up to 20 years, noting that the taste becomes more refined over the years, with a rounder character and a higher alcohol content, as the yeasts continue to ferment in the bottle.

In short, Westmalle beers are valuable gems in the world of craft beer and are among the best-selling classics on our website!