Straffe Hendrik Tripel Ale 11.2 oz

Belgian Strong Blond Tripel Brewed by: De Halve Maan Brewery Country: Belgium Style: Tripel Color: Golden ABV: 9.0% Ratebeer.com rating: 91 BeerAdvocate.com rating: 89 Straffe Hendrik Tripel Ale (ABV 9%) from the De Halve Maan Brewery pours deep gold with a dense white head; its spicy aroma includes notes of black pepper, coriander, and ginger, plus a hint of orange. The use of Saaz and Styrian hops and a blend of six special varieties of malt ensures a particularly well-balanced and powerful taste in which a smooth, rich caramel character and a creamy mouthfeel are countered by a welcome bit of bitterness. In the finish are subtle hints of banana and the prominent presence of citrus. Ratebeer.com rating: 92 (out of 100) 11.2 oz capped bottle. Food Pairings Delicious with spicy seafood dishes, Mussels and Pomme Frites, and salty or rich charcuterie -- also goes well with cheeses such as Camembert or Bruges Blomme. A nice complement to desserts based on pineapple or mango.   Brewery Information: Located in Bruges, Belgium, Brouwerij De Halve Maan ("Half Moon Brewery") was founded in 1856 by Leon (also known as Henri I) Maes, and has remained family owned and operated ever since; it is, in fact, one of the very last working family breweries in the Bruges city center. In the early 1980s the brewery was struggling and Veronique, great-great granddaughter of Henri I, was approached by the mayor, who requested a special ale to commemorate the inauguration of the new statue of Saint Arnold, patron of beer brewers. Since interest in traditional beer styles was on the rise, Veronique crafted a top fermented, high alcohol ale which became an instant hit, so much so the mayor would require it served at all official town hall receptions. Today, under the guidance of a sixth generation of the Maes family, the Halve Maan Brewery exports award-winning ales worldwide and is one of the fastest growing breweries in Belgium.