“The Augustijn label came into the Van Steenberge portfolio in 1978, when the brewery acquired the recipe of the beer the Augustijn Friars brewed in their monastery in Ghent.  To this day, it is the top selling beer label for the brewery. Brewed in the style of a Belgian tripel, this beer is a typical golden straw yellow with a rocky white head.   Lots of Belgian yeast notes, fruit sweetness and a little spice appear in the aroma.”

Glassware: Trappist tulip.

Appearance: Reasonably clear golden amber pour with a fluffy two finger head capping it off. Good retention and lacing as it subsides.

Aroma: Smells amazing. It’s honestly coming at us from all angles. At first we get a nose full of the semi sweet malts and honey then the fruity esters rock up with their freshly sliced pear/apple notes. Fresh coriander and hints of lemongrass then clove, star anise, black pepper etc. Definitely a barnyard funk to it, wheat grains and florals as well. Brilliant depth. Diggin it…big time!

Flavour: It’s a lot drier than what we’d anticipated. But we’re liking it here as we’ve seen so many decent Tripels fall short from an overly cloying sweetness. This one thankfully doesn’t have that. Pretty much a mirror image of the aroma – kicks off with semi sweet honey, fresh herbs and green apple/pear then it shifts into a dry, almost tangy and citrusy middle which sets up for the dry, yeasty and fruity finish.

Mouthfeel: Frothy, dry, highly carbed. Light and aerated body. A bit of warmth from the 9% ABV. So dangerously drinkable for near 10%!

Overall: World class. This and the Dubbel we reviewed last week were both absolutely sensational. Belgian brewing at its best.