Straffe Hendrik - Belgium (ABV 9%)

A magnificent Belgian Triple, brewed to a traditional recipe by a family owned and operated brewery in Bruges. If you ever visit Bruges, make the effort to take the brewery tour and taste their magnificent "Bruges Zot" blond  and "Straffe Hendrik" tripel

‘De Halve Maan’ (or half moon) brewery in Bruges is a highly regarded traditional family run brewery that prides itself on the continued use of traditional  "Bruges" recipes and brewing techniques. This version was first brewed in 1981 following a demand from the mayor for the brewing of a strong blond beer to celebrate the inauguration of the statue of Sint-Arnoldus (the saint of all beer-brewers). The beer, brewed to a traditional Bruges recipe, proved hugely popular so continues to be brewed today. "Straffe Hendrik" translates as "strong Hendrik" and at 9% ABV this is no misnomer.

This beer pours  dark orange/amber with a fabulous chunky white head. It has that archetypal Belgian yeasty aroma and flavour with a slightly bitter initial taste and a surprisingly almost sweet malty finish. This is a very, very good Belgian Tripel!