Style: Tripel
Brewery: De Halve Maan
Origin: Belgium
Size: 75cl
Alcohol: 9%
Price: 129kr
Systembolaget: 50731
Award won: Gold Medal (Belgian Style Tripel class) – European Beer Star 2023.
In 1981, Henri Maes and his daughter Véronique followed the demand of the mayor and created a strong blond beer for the inauguration of the statue of Sint-Arnoldus, the saint of all beer-brewers. However, the beer became so popular, that the demand for the beer continued. It was given the name of Straffe Hendrik (Strong Hendrick), since it was a rich and strong beer. This is the last authentic Tripel Ale produced in Bruges. I had always seen this on the shelf, but I had never tried this before the tasting. I had heard such good things though, so it seemed liked a given it would be awesome, and it really was!
This poured with a lovely long-lasting bubble style head atop a heavy blonde coloured body. There were the expected notes of overripe banana, cloves, spices and a touch of pear found in the aroma. In the taste, the banana and wheat rose to the front, along with straw, honey and citrus as minor notes. The aftertaste was found to be quite short, but left the palate refreshed with its high carbonation and thick body.
This was a classic example of how a tripel should take. The banana, wheat and spices all worked together perfectly, with the touches of pear added another dimension. Maybe this bottle would be slightly too big to drink on your own, but it would be perfect to be shared as an alternative pre-drink. A simply fantastic beer.