Beer ReviewsNew MexicoNew Mexico Beer SliderTripel/Triple/Trippel

Monks’ Tripel Ale

Abbey Beverage Company

Monks’ Tripel Ale is brewed by the Benedictine monks of The Monastery of Christ in the Desert in New Mexico.  The monastery began brewing in 2005.  The Tripel Ale was introduced in the fall of 2012.  The monks market their beer under a separate company to ensure that proper taxes are paid and so that they can run the business as needed.  The beers are marketed as Abbey Beverage Company.  The beer is available in a 750ml swing-top bottle.

Appearance: Bright straw blonde, off-white head with good retention

Aroma: White pepper, banana, light cloves, honey, mango, apricot, grainy notes

Taste: Herbal notes, creamy mouthfeel with refreshing carbonation.  Light peppery finish, touch of alcoholic warmth.

Overall Impression: Overall, this is a pretty balanced new world interpretation of an abbey Tripel.  It does tend a bit towards the sweeter side.  I like the herbal, fruity nature of the beer.  It has good yeasty character.  Personally, I’d like to see a bit more hop character to balance it a bit more.  Not big American Citrus hops, but good European herbal/floral hop character.  It is a really nice beer though.  I look forward to trying their Tripel Reserve Ale.

Availability: Select Southwestern States and Mid-Atlantic States.  You can view their website for a more detailed list of what states they’re in with which products.

9.2% ABV

4 thoughts on “Monks’ Tripel Ale

  1. I’ve had two of their brews and have to say they were both borderline drain pours. I backed away from the sink when I thought about the likelihood of a bunch of desert wandering benedictine monks jamming Ex-Lax down the throat of a Voodoo doll of me.

    Cheers!

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