Karmeliet - The Three-Grain Tripel

I, Charlie Gottenkieny, and Ryan Evans co-founded Bruz Beers in 2016. When the met the prior year, we were at a beer tasting and one of the beers served was Tripel Karmeliet. It turned out that we both considered Tripel Karmeliet our favorite Belgian beer, and we exchanged stories of how we discovered it and the impressions it made on us. Soon after that, we were putting together a business plan for a Belgian-style brewery in Denver – Bruz Beers. Since then, we have referred to Tripel Karmeliet “the beer that started the brewery.”

Seven Generations of Belgian Brewing

Tripels are very big in Belgium, and Tripel Karmeliet is the most popular Tripel in that country. It is made by Brouwerij Bosteels, which also makes Pauwel Kwak. Founded in 1791 by Jean-Baptiste Bosteels, seven generations of the Bosteels have dedicated themselves to mastering the fine art of Belgian brewing. When Antoine Bosteels took his place in the family business, he longed to make an exceptional Tripel. He was inspired by a local bakery and its multigrain breads and began to work on a three-grain Tripel with barley, wheat and oats. In the 1990s, Antoine discovered a 1679 recipe from the Carmelite (Karmelieten) abbey in Dendermonde. It was for a three-grain beer and was almost identical to the recipe Antoine had been working on. Antoine’s new Tripel was named Tripel Karmeliet in recognition of its origins and it was first released in 1996. It gained popularity quickly and has become the number-one Tripel in Belgium.

The 3-Grain Tripel

Tripel Karmeliet is made using not only malted barley, malted wheat and malted oats, but also unmalted versions of the three grains. The barley gives the beer its flavor, color and body, while the wheat gives it a refreshing lightness and aroma of fresh-baked white bread. The oats give it a silky, creamy mouthfeel. Instead of the typical three weeks of fermentation, Bosteels ages Karmeliet for six to seven weeks to allow the flavors and complexity to develop naturally.

The Proof is in the Glass

Tripel Karmeliet’s clear golden color and dense white head are enhanced by its unique large tulip-shaped glass with etched fleur-de-lis. Aromas of vanilla, banana, a touch of citrus, and spicy, Steiermark hops entice the drinker to take that first sip. Spicy, with notes of orange and bitter lemon, and a touch of sweetness are enhanced by the silky mouthfeel and long, dry finish. Its 8.4% alcohol is well-hidden in this very drinkable beer.

Still Our Favorite

In short, Tripel Karmeliet is a spectacularly fine example of a Belgian Tripel. It’s still Ryan’s and my favorite Tripel. I rarely pass it up when I find it on a beer menu. If you have never had one, get ready for a unique and pleasurable experience.