BJCP Beer Judge Training (Trappist and other strong Belgian ales)

After a successful class led by Ed Measom, from CFHB, we are continuing with Trappist and other Strong Belgian Ales. Ed calls this class “Angels and Devils”. Come out and join the fun with our joint meetings with CFHB!

Angels and Devils

Trappist Ales must be brewed in Genuine Trappist Monasteries, so unless you plan to become a Monk at a Belgian Trappist Monastery then you are making Trappist-Style beer. These beers may be brewed by Monks but with their high attenuation, high carbonation, and strong yeast character you might think that these beers were brewed for the devil himself. So be prepared as we journey through the Trappist Ales of Belgium!

BJCP 2015 Style Guidelines

Dubbel 26A

Overall Impression:  A deep reddish-copper, moderately strong, malty, complex Trappist ale with rich malty flavors, dark or dried fruit esters, and light alcohol blended together in a malty presentation that still finishes fairly dry.

Commercial Examples: Affligem Dubbel, Chimay Première, Corsendonk Pater, Grimbergen Double, La Trappe Dubbel, St. Bernardus Pater 6, Trappistes Rochefort 6, Westmalle Dubbel

Tripel 26C

Overall Impression:  A pale, somewhat spicy, dry, strong Trappist ale with a pleasant rounded malt flavor and firm bitterness. Quite aromatic, with spicy, fruity, and light alcohol notes combining with the supportive clean malt character to produce a surprisingly drinkable beverage considering the high alcohol level.

Commercial Examples: Affligem Tripel, Chimay Cinq Cents, La Rulles Tripel, La Trappe Tripel, St. Bernardus Tripel, Unibroue La Fin Du Monde, Val-Dieu Triple, Watou Tripel, Westmalle Tripel

Strong Golden 25C

Overall Impression: A pale, complex, effervescent, strong Belgian-style ale that is highly attenuated and features fruity and hoppy notes in preference to phenolics.

Commercial Examples: Brigand, Delirium Tremens, Dulle Teve, Duvel, Judas, Lucifer, Piraat, Russian River Damnation

Dark Ales 26D

Overall Impression: A dark, complex, very strong Belgian ale with a delicious blend of malt richness, dark fruit flavors, and spicy elements. Complex, rich, smooth and dangerous.

Commercial Examples: Achel Extra Brune, Boulevard The Sixth Glass, Chimay Grande Réserve, Gouden Carolus Grand Cru of the Emperor, Rochefort 8 & 10, St. Bernardus Abt 12, Westvleteren 12