Frère Thomas, Frère Thomas, Buvez vous? Buvez vous?, Prenez une autre Tripel. Prenez une autre Tripel, De 5e Baron. De 5e Baron 🎵

The origins of trappist beers

The world of Trappist brewing is not one known for chasing trends and fads. It is rather a slow moving, traditionalist segment of craft beer that looks to longevity rather than hype. However, over the long history of Trappist brewing, it has not been unknown for their to be small revolutions that would have profound effects… ⛪️ 🍺

One such revolution focused in 1936, when the first Tripel was created at Westmalle Brewery. Before this, most Trappist beers had been darker in colour as a result of Belgian consumer preferences and also the long (8-10 hour) boils involved to get rich, deep flavours and hues. As such, when a Golden Ale was brewed, it was a little radical. 😎

As mentioned though, things move slowly in the Trappist world and it was not until 1954 that the Westmalle Tripel recipe was finally perfected by Brother Thomas Sas. In fact, the recipe has not changed since this date, yet has influenced many across the world, with Westmalle Tripel becoming the defining reference point for the entire style. 👌🏻💯

Brother Thomas : Beer Review

It is Brother Thomas’ enduring recipe that @5eBaron dedicate their own Tripel, Thomas. In an even deeper hommage, it is fermented with a blend of yeasts from Westmalle and Chimay— another classic of the genre. 🇧🇪 🍺

It opens with some estery aromas of clove, coriander and nutmeg upfront, while behind there’s some citrus and stone fruit sweetness. A dash of floral hops and a smattering of honey sweetness makes for an intriguing bouquet. All this carries onto the palate, with a very smooth, honied body carrying flavours of apricot and a touch of banana, all wrapped up with plenty of spice. It’s got a boozy kick to it but the overall sweetness and soft texture subdues this nicely, making it hugely drinkable for 9%. I can’t (yet) compare it to Westmalle, but if this tribute is anything to go by, it must be absolutely delicious! 🤤 🍯 🍑

Originally from England, Mike Davis came to Quebec ten years ago to study history. During this time he fell in love with the microbreweries of Quebec, which reminded him of English pubs. Now, he holds a Ph.D in History from McGill University, but works in the beer world as the Brand Ambassador for Microbrasserie 4 Origines.

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