This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, brewing.com earns a commission at no cost to you. How we pick products
Beer · Guide
How to Brew a Belgian Tripel at Home
| Pick | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Inkbird Dual Stage Temperature Controller | Tripel is a temperature recipe as much as a grain recipe | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| CONCORD Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Stock Pot with Weldless Fittings | Brew kettle | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Brewing Hydrometer Alcohol Tester Kit: USA-Made Beer & Wine American-Made Specific Gravity ABV Test Pro Series Traceable & Borosilicate Glass Test Tube Jar & Brush | Hydrometer | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Fermtech Mini Auto-Siphon | Siphon and racking cane | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Fastrack Twin Bubble Airlock and Carboy Bung (2-Pack) | Airlock and bung | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| FERRODAY Malted Grain Mill, 2 Roller Stainless Steel | Grain mill | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Five Star Star San, 32 Ounce | Sanitiser | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| Priming Sugar 5 oz, Two Packages | Bottle conditioning | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
| FastRack Amber Beer Bottles 12oz, Pack of 24 | Bottles | Check price ↗ (paid link) |
Prices come from Amazon and refresh nightly. A pick shows “Check price” when we do not have a current figure for it.
Introduction to Belgian Tripel
For more beer tips, check out our beer brewing guides.Belgian Tripel is a classic beer style known for its complex flavor profile and golden color. Originating from Belgium, this style of beer is brewed by Trappist monks and is characterized by its fruity, spicy, and hoppy flavors.
Equipment List
- 5-7 gallon brew kettle
- Fermenter
- Hydrometer
- Siphon and racking cane
- Airlock and bung
- Grain mill (optional)
- Bottling equipment
Tripel is a temperature recipe as much as a grain recipe
Inkbird Dual Stage Temperature Controller
Why it fits
Belgian yeast produces the clove and banana phenolics and esters a tripel is judged on, and it produces them in proportion to fermentation temperature. Many tripel schedules deliberately start cool and free-rise several degrees, which is a schedule you cannot run without control in both directions.
Limitations
It switches whatever you plug into it; the cooling still needs a refrigerator or chamber, which is the larger cost.
Brew kettle
CONCORD Stainless Steel Home Brew Kettle Stock Pot with Weldless Fittings
A tripel is a high-gravity beer, so the pre-boil volume and the boil-off both run large. Valve and thermometer are already fitted.
Hydrometer
Brewing Hydrometer Alcohol Tester Kit: USA-Made Beer & Wine American-Made Specific Gravity ABV Test Pro Series Traceable & Borosilicate Glass Test Tube Jar & Brush
The previous pick here was discontinued, and this is the closest current listing in the same class at a comparable price. It fills the same slot: Hydrometer. We have not tested it, and the specifics below come from the listing rather than from us.
Siphon and racking cane
Fermtech Mini Auto-Siphon
One stroke to start, and the standoff tip keeps the intake clear of the yeast cake.
Airlock and bung
Fastrack Twin Bubble Airlock and Carboy Bung (2-Pack)
Vents CO2 without letting air back in, and holds its water seal through temperature swings.
Grain mill
FERRODAY Malted Grain Mill, 2 Roller Stainless Steel
Step 1 above is milling. Crush gap is the first thing to adjust when a big pale grain bill comes in under its expected efficiency.
Sanitiser
Five Star Star San, 32 Ounce
No-rinse at working strength. A pale beer with months of bottle conditioning ahead of it has a long time for a small infection to become obvious.
Step-by-Step Brewing Guide
Step 1: Malting and Milling
Start by malting and milling your grains. For a Belgian Tripel, you will need a combination of pilsner malt, wheat malt, and specialty malts like caramel and biscuit malt.
Step 2: Mashing
Mash your grains at a temperature of around 152°F to extract the sugars. Sparge with enough water to reach a pre-boil volume of 6.5 gallons.
Step 3: Boiling
Boil your wort for 60-90 minutes, adding hops at different times to achieve the desired bitterness, flavor, and aroma.
Step 4: Fermentation
Transfer your wort to a fermenter and pitch your yeast. Allow the beer to ferment at a temperature of around 65-70°F for 7-10 days.
Step 5: Conditioning and Bottling
After fermentation is complete, transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter or a keg and allow it to condition for several weeks. Bottle the beer and allow it to carbonate for several more weeks.
Pro Tips
- Use a high-quality yeast strain specifically designed for Belgian Tripel, such as Wyeast 1214 or White Labs WLP500.
- Monitor your fermentation temperature closely to avoid over- or under-attenuation.
- Use a combination of hop varieties to achieve the desired flavor and aroma profile.
Bottle conditioning
Priming Sugar 5 oz, Two Packages
Step 5 is conditioning and bottling. A tripel is carbonated higher than most ales, so measuring the priming sugar rather than estimating it matters more here than usual.
Bottles
FastRack Amber Beer Bottles 12oz, Pack of 24
Note that a tripel carbonated to Belgian levels puts real pressure on glass. Use bottles rated for it and inspect for chips before filling.
Looking for more brewing resources? Browse our find local breweries or visit our brewing equipment for more tools and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the ideal fermentation temperature for a Belgian Tripel? A: The ideal fermentation temperature for a Belgian Tripel is between 65-70°F.
- Q: How long does it take to brew a Belgian Tripel? A: The brewing process for a Belgian Tripel can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, depending on the specific recipe and brewing method.
- Q: Can I brew a Belgian Tripel with a kit? A: Yes, you can brew a Belgian Tripel using a kit, but it is recommended to use high-quality ingredients and follow a tried-and-true recipe for the best results.
Shop this guide
Brewing Hydrometer Alcohol Tester Kit: USA-Made Beer & Wine American-Made Specific Gravity…
