Westmalle Beer Review [Liquid Art]

Westmalle(ウェストマール)ビールレビュー【液体の芸術】
Yoko, a European beer lover

Westmalleis brewed at Westmalle Abbey in Belgium.World famous Trappist beer.

especiallyThe world's first "triple" styleIt is known for.

Classic taste and modern drinkabilityThis is a masterpiece that even beer connoisseurs will be impressed with!

Westmalle's "Triple"
I actually tried it!

Westmalle(ウェストマール)のビールTripel
A calming atmosphere with a sense of history
WestmalleのTripel(トリプル)の泡
What is this? Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!
Author: Myako

When I first tasted this beer, it was likeDeep like red wineI feel that,I was surprised by the delicate and complex flavor that could be described as a "liquid work of art."!

The bubbles come out in fluffy chunks,It piles up like ice cream, and it looks fun too.

When poured into a glass,Fruity aroma like green apple and pearWhen you put it in your mouth,Sweet and sour,andThe excitement of spicesare intertwined exquisitely.

The alcohol content is about 9.51 TP3T, but it is surprisingly easy to drink.Refreshing feelingIt even feels like that.

The rich, solid flavor and gorgeous aroma are well balanced.One of the most refined Trappist beersThis is a movie that made me feel that way!

Recommendation level: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Links within the article

What is Trappist beer?

What is a Westmalle Tripel? What is the difference between a Dubbel and an Extra?

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Basic information about Westmalle

Types of beerTrappist Ale
Alcohol content4.8% - 9.5% (depending on type)
country of originBelgium
Release year1836
colorDouble: deep reddish brown / Triple: golden yellow
TasteFruity, spicy, dry and crisp
FeaturesA pioneer who established the world's first "triple" style

\ Enjoy the authentic taste of monastery-made coffee from just one bottle /

¥850 (As of 05:06 on May 27, 2025 | According to Amazon)
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What is Trappist beer?

As mentioned above, WestmalleOne of the few monastery beers that meet strict standards and are called "Trappist beers."is.

What is a "Trappist"?

"Trappist" is the name of a monastery run by monks belonging to the Strict Cistercian Order. Their activities are supported by prayer and labor, and they produce beer, cheese, bread, and other products under the spirit of "serving God through labor."

The three principles of Trappist beer

To be certified as a Trappist beer, three conditions must be met:

  1. Must be produced on the monastery grounds or in an adjacent facility

  2. Manufactured under the supervision of monks

  3. Profits are to be used for the running of the monastery and for charitable activities.
Author: Myako

Westmalle, like other Trappist beers, remains faithful to these traditions while continuing to bring the traditional flavor to the modern day.

What is Westmalle's Triple? The difference between Double and Extrateeth?

Westmalleのビール3種類
Three types of Westmalle beer
source:Official website

What is Tripel?

Tripel is a style of beer that is primarily brewed in Belgian monasteries (Trappist monasteries).

  • Origin of the name

    The name "Triple" was originally used when brewing beer.The name comes from the fact that the amount of malt and other ingredients was three times that of regular beer (triple).It is said thatThe meaning of "three times stronger" or "three times stronger"There is.

  • Features

    ・High alcohol content (usually around 8-10%)
    - The color is pale golden to deep gold
    - Fruity and complex aromas (ripe bananas, spices, floral aromas, etc.)
    A well-balanced taste that is firm on the palate but easy to drink
    ・The foam is creamy and rich

  • history

    They began to be made in Trappist monasteries in Belgium around the 1930s, and are believed to have first been made by the monks for their own use.Westmalle's triple is especially famous as the "original triple".is.

Comparison table of three types of Westmalle beer

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kindsWestmalle TripelWestmalle Dubbel DoubleWestmalle Extra
imageWestmalle TripelWestmalle ダブルWestmalle エクストラ
colorTransparent golden colorReddish brownBright yellow, almost golden
alcoholfrequency9.5%7%4.8%
Taste characteristicsThe fruity flavor reminiscent of ripe bananas is layered with a delicate hop aroma and strong bitterness, resulting in a creamy, deep flavor.
A gorgeous, rich and sophisticated beer.
The main flavor is caramel and malt. There is also a slight sweet aroma of banana.A mellow flavor with a good balance of sweetness and aroma.It is the lightest and easiest to drink. It is low in alcohol, yet has a slightly fruity and rich aroma. It goes down smoothly.Light and refreshing type.
Sweetness★★★★
bitter taste★★★★★★★★★★
Fruity★★★★★★★★★
Smoothness★★★★★★★★★
Author: Myako

Both beers are top-fermented and bottle-fermented, and have a rich flavor, highlighting the individuality and quality of Trappist beers.

The story behind the creation of Westmalle

Westmalle(ウェストマール)の当初の写真
Original photo of Westmalle
source:Official website

1. The beginning of beer brewing in monasteries

At Westmalle Abbey,1836Beer brewing began.

The monks eat simple, nutritious food to feed themselves.It all started with brewing beer as "liquid bread"is.
This beer was brewed as part of the labor essential to monastic life and was not intended for sale to outsiders.

2. Public sales and the evolution of recipes

Eventually, demand grew and beer was gradually made available outside the monasteries, and the style became more refined.
Among them, what was born was"double"or"triple"It's a style called.

  • DoubleIt evolved into a fuller-bodied, darker beer, and the current recipe is1926Established.

  • Tripleis a golden-colored, high-alcohol beer.The world's first monk was born in Westmalle Abbey in 1934.This was the origin of the "triple" style, which would later influence other breweries.
Author: Myako

Even today, Westmalle beer is carefully brewed on the monastery grounds under the supervision of the monks.Authentic Trappist Product" and has been internationally certified as such.

The meaning behind Westmalle's labels and designs

Westmalle(ウェストマール)トリプルのラベル
Westmalle Triple Label

The Westmalle labelSimple and calm designIt is characterized by:

The "W" logo in the center is the symbol of the monastery, and its modest use of color and the arrangement of the letters evoke a long history and tradition. The design avoids excessive decoration, and expresses the monastery's traditions and serious attitude towards craftsmanship.

Author: Myako

Although the label is not flashy,Monks' pride and commitment to qualityYou can really feel that.

Popularity of Westmalle in Japan and how to get it

Westmalle is becoming increasingly popular in Japan, especially among craft beer and Trappist beer enthusiasts. In particular, the Triple is highly rated by Japanese beer fans and specialist stores for its complex and well-balanced flavor.

Today I introducedAll three types are available for purchase on major Japanese online shopping sites.is.

Because of scarcityThe price is a little highHowever,A popular brand for those who want to enjoy authentic Trappist beer.is.

¥605 (As of 05:35 on May 27, 2025 | According to Amazon)
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¥572 (As of 05:36 on May 27, 2025 | According to Amazon)
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How to taste and pair with Westmalle

Westmalle(ウェストマール)トリプルのラベル裏面
Westmalle triple label back

Westmalle's delicate and complex flavor can be enjoyed even more depending on the drinking temperature and pairing.

Drinking temperature

Westmalle's Dubbel and Tripel can be enjoyed at a deeper flavor if you adjust the temperature a little before drinking. Please refer to the following for the ideal drinking temperature.

Double10-12℃
Triple8-10℃

The double is rich and somewhat thick, so it is best served at a slightly higher temperature to bring out the full aroma and flavor.
On the other hand, Triple combines freshness and complexity, so it is best enjoyed chilled a little more.

Recommended Glasses

Tulip-shaped and goblet-shaped glasses enhance the aroma and ensure good foam retention.

Author: Myako

Special glasses are also sold in Japan.

¥1,320 (As of 05:05 on May 27, 2025 | According to Amazon)
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Recommended dishes and pairings

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categoryingredientspoint
cheeseGouda, BrieA perfect match with the triple fruitiness
Meat dishesRoast pork, sausageDouble richness and flavor enhances meat dishes
seafoodGrilled mussels and white fishMatches with the refreshing taste of triple
DessertFruit tart, apricot cakeFruity aftertaste and resonance
I paired it with salmon on this day.

summary

Westmalle is a prestigious monastery beer, known in particular as the "originator of the triple style" among Trappist beers.

  • Triple has a fruity and powerful taste
  • Double is a mellow and well-balanced dark beer.
  • A work of art born from a long history and the sincere handiwork of monks

The depth of flavor and richness of aroma will bring you new discoveries and impressions every time you drink it.

Come experience the essence of monastery beer at Westmalle!

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