Tripel

Tripel is a term used by brewers mainly in the Low Countries, some other European countries, and the USA to describe a strong Belgian pale ale, loosely in the style of Westmalle Tripel. The origin of the term is unknown, though the main theory is that it indicates strength in some way.

It was used in 1956 by the Trappist brewery, Westmalle, to rename the strongest beer in their range, though both the term Tripel and the style of beer associated with the name (strong Belgian pale ale), were in existence before 1956.

The style of Westmalle's Tripel and the name was widely copied by the breweries of Belgium, and in 1987 another Trappist brewery, the Koningshoeven in the Netherlands, expanded their range with a beer called La Trappe Tripel, though they also produced a stronger beer they termed La Trappe Quadrupel.

The term spread to the USA and other countries, and is applied by a range of secular brewers to a strong pale ale in the style of Westmalle Tripel