Belgian Blond Ale, Tripel, Golden Strong Ale

Hard to believe a year has gone by since I've last updated this thing. Although the writing has slowed down, the quest for beer knowledge has not. I've decided to hit the books and start studying for the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) that will be held in June of next year (yeah a year of studying)! If at any moment you feel you've peaked your beereducation I recommend you humble yourself and flip through some of the guidelines on the BJCP website (http://www.bjcp.org/) and you'll realize the vast amounts of details in each style. So what does this all mean to you? We'll be taking three different (but similar) beer styles biweekly and putting them against each other to see if we can understand the differences in aroma, taste, appearance and mouthfeel. We'll try to pick styles that are appropriate for that particular month, although its Florida so there truly are only two seasons.

The first round we've chosen the Belgian Strong Ale category (http://www.bjcp.org/2008styles/style18.php) which partly consists of:















Belgian Blond Ale (right - Grimburgen Blond)
Belgian Tripel (middle - Victory Golden Monkey)
Belgian Golden Strong Ale (left - Duvel.. pronounced Doovel)

The Blond Ale tends to be the lowest in ABV of the three, but also sweeter and less bitter. It also has clean lager-like characteristics, however our tastings showed it had a malty sweetness. It is described as having a creamy head.

The Belgian Tripel has very complex aromas and flavors. Could range from spicy/peppery/clove with a little banana and citrus. Low hop characteristics. The body is very effervescent with a long lasting rocky head. Very similar to the Belgian Golden Strong, except darker/fuller bodied and slightly rounder malt flavor (although not sweet).

The Belgian Golden Strong ale is very similar to the Tripel, with some of the same aromas and flavors, but also hints of apples/pears. It shares the same spicy/peppery/clove and citrus along with a billowing head. It is also very dry and champagne-like. This style tends to be paler, drier and lighter bodied than the Tripel and slightly more assertive in hops/spiciness.

We had a special guest Jenny come join us in the tasting, so here are the ranks:

K: Duvel, Golden Monkey, Grimburgen
T: Duvel, Golden Monkey, Grimburgen
J: Duvel, Grimburgen, Golden Monkey
A: Grimburgen, (Duvel and Golden Monkey tied)
L: Grimburgen, Golden Monkey, Duvel

Duvel - Lighter color, peppery, very complex and slightly sour
Golden Monkey - Highly carbonated, lemony, slight fruit undertones (banana).. barnyard hay? peppery.
Grimburgen - Much fruitier and sweeter than its peers, smooth, slight bitter finish

This was a great style if you're looking to beat the heat, but looking for a lot more complexity and alcohol than a lager, with some of the characteristics of a Hefeweizen yet not as aggressive.

Next review will be Cream Ales, Kolsch and Munich Helles Lagers