Alongside its rich cultural heritage, Belgium is renowned for brewing up a scrumptious selection of beer styles. Among these, the Dubbel and Tripel stand out as true gems in the world of brewing. But what’s the difference between the two?

In this article, we’re delving into the very soul of Belgian brewing to explore the origins, characteristics, and brewing traditions of these two legendary beer styles.

Origins of Belgian Dubbel & Tripel beer

The origins of Belgian Dubbel & Tripel beers can be traced back to the rich brewing traditions of Belgium, particularly within the walls of monastic abbeys.

Dubbel beer

The origins of Dubbel beer can be traced back to the Trappist Abbey of Westmalle, where monks experimented by brewing stronger, darker ales. As other breweries in Belgium saw the success of Westmalle's Dubbel, they started to adopt and adapt the style.

Tripel beer

The Tripel beer also finds its roots in Belgian abbeys, once more with the Trappist brewery of Westmalle. The Westmalle Tripel without doubt set the standard for Tripel beer.

What makes a beer a Dubbel or Tripel?

The main theory of where the names “Dubbel” and “Tripel” come from is that they refer to the strength of the beer. The story goes that within the Trappist breweries, barrels were traditionally marked with X's to show the beer’s strength. So, “XX” would mark the abbey’s Dubbel brew while “XXX” would mark the Tripel.

The characteristics ofDubbelbeer vs. Tripel beer

Here are the main differences between Dubbel and Tripel beer in a nutshell:

Dubbel

Malt

A robust malt profile with a blend of caramel malts and sometimes darker specialty malts.

Dark colour

From deep amber to dark brown (due to caramelised and roasted malts).

Alcohol content

Moderate to high ABV, typically between 6-8%.

Fruity & spicy notes

Think dark fruits like raisins, plums, and figs, along with hints of spices.

Tripel

Malt

A strong malt backbone, yet generally lighter than a Dubbel.

Light colour

A light colour, ranging from pale gold to deep amber.

Alcohol content

A high ABV typically ranging from 7-10%.

Fruity & spicy notes

Fresher, fruitier notes than a Dubbel, including citrus, banana, and other light fruits alongside classic hints of spices.

How are Belgian Dubbels & Tripels brewed?

The traditional brewing method of Belgian Dubbel and Tripel beers is a meticulous process. Each style uses special yeast strains, multiple fermentation stages, and precise temperature control (see this article to learn more about yeast fermentation).

One main difference in the process is that Dubbels are often brewed with caramel malts, resulting in a medium-bodied beer, while Tripels use a lighter malt for a lighter body.

When it comes to similarities, both styles incorporate candi sugar to up the alcohol content and give a dry finish. They also both use Belgian ale yeast, resulting in fruity and spicy notes, although Dubbels typically ferment at lower temperatures. Either style benefits from maturation, and carbonation often occurs naturally through bottle conditioning, producing the unique and complex flavours we’ve come to know and love.

Nowadays, modern breweries honour these traditions while experimenting with new and innovative techniques to push those beery boundaries even further.

What foods go well with Dubbel beer?

The caramel and toasty malt flavours of a Belgian Dubbel complement the sweetness and richness of lots of dishes, particularly roasted meats like beef or pork. The fruity and spicy notes from Belgian yeast also work great with Belgian-style stews, grilled sausages, and duck. Additionally, the slight bitterness of a Dubbel can cut through the richness of creamy or sharp cheeses, making it an ideal choice for pairing with a cheese platter.

What foods go well with Tripel beer?

A Tripel also pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert, although it really shines when enjoyed with spicy foods. Its sweetness helps to balance the heat, making it a great match for Thai or Indian cuisine. You can also pair a Tripel with poultry, pork, and seafood, particularly when made with tasty sauces or marinades.

See here for more food pairing tips.

What are the best Belgian Dubbel & Tripel beers?

Well, there are endless to choose from, so finding the "best" Dubbel beers and Tripel beers totally depends on what you like. If you’re looking to get familiar with the styles, here are some of our top picks for each:

Dubbel

Affligem Dubbel

From yet another legendary Belgian brewery, Affligem Dubbel is a full, well-rounded brew combining toasted malt and spice flavours topped off with a caramel biscuit finish.

Westmalle Dubbel

As we’ve seen already, Westmalle Dubbel is often considered the benchmark for the Dubbel style with its rich, malty complexity and subtle fruity notes.

Chimay Red (Première)

Produced by Chimay Brewery, this pick is known for its deep, reddish-brown colour, complex aroma, and a balance of malt sweetness and dark fruit flavours.

Tripel

Westmalle Tripel

Again, from Brouwerij Westmalle, this is a classic Tripel with a golden colour, fruity notes and complex flavours featuring a blend of malt sweetness and spice.

Delirium La Guillotine

A first sip of La Guillotine gives you a sweet, intense taste that works to round off this beer’s high bitterness.

Affligem Tripel

At 8.5% ABV, this tasty Affligem Tripel beer delivers a full-bodied character with notes of stone fruits and citrus.

Are Dubbel beers and Tripel beers only brewed in Belgium?

As we know, Dubbel and Tripel beer styles originated in Belgium and are strongly associated with Belgian brewing traditions. They are not, however, exclusively brewed in Belgium. You can find delicious Dubbel and Tripel beers made by craft breweries from all around the world.

The United States, the Netherlands, and other beer-loving regions have embraced Belgian brewing techniques and experimented with these styles. They often throw in their own twists, which only goes to show the global influence of traditional Belgian beer styles.

What makes Belgian Dubbel and Tripel beers unique compared to other beer styles?

The use of special yeast strains, multiple fermentation stages, and unique malt profiles contribute to the distinctiveness of Dubbel and Tripel beers.

What is the best way to store Dubbel and Tripel beers?

Store them in a cool, dark place, preferably at a consistent temperature, to allow the flavours to develop over time.

These beloved beer styles offer a fascinating journey into the world of brewing. The intricate flavours, brewing traditions, and cultural impact of Dubbel and Tripel beers will deepen any beer lover’s appreciation for Belgian brews. If you’re curious about learning more, check out our articles all about Belgian beer culture and Belgian beer styles!