Tre Fontane Tripel
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Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with classic Belgian yeast character — spicy phenols, fruity esters of pear and orange peel, and a soft floral note underpinned by light honey. On the palate, flavors of ripe stone fruit, white pepper, and biscuity pale malt weave together with a dry, clean sweetness. The body is medium to full, with fine carbonation that keeps it from feeling heavy. The finish is long and gently bitter, with that characteristic warming quality earned honestly rather than through heat.
About the Brewery
Tre Fontane is an abbey brewery located at the Trappist monastery of the same name in Rome, Italy, becoming an officially recognized Trappist producer in 2015 — the first in Italy and one of the few in the world outside Belgium and the Netherlands. The monks incorporate locally grown eucalyptus leaves as a botanical in this flagship beer, a distinctive choice that sets it apart from other Trappist tripels. Their output is small and closely tied to monastic tradition.
Food Pairings
Roast chicken works well here because the beer's spicy yeast character cuts through the fat and mirrors the herb seasoning. A mild washed-rind cheese like Taleggio plays to the fruity ester notes without overwhelming them. Thai green curry finds a useful counterpart in the beer's dry sweetness, which tempers chili heat while echoing lemongrass. Mussels steamed in white wine are a natural match for any Trappist-style ale, with the carbonation and gentle bitterness cleaning the richness of the broth.
Style Guide
Belgian Tripel is a strong pale ale style developed and popularized by Trappist breweries in Belgium, most famously Westmalle in the 1930s. It typically runs between 8% and 10% ABV and is defined by complex yeast-driven aromas — spice, fruit, and floral notes — alongside a firm but not aggressive bitterness and a dry finish despite its malt-forward backbone. It differs from the Dubbel by being pale rather than dark and leaning on fruity phenolic character rather than caramel and dark fruit, and from the Quad by its lighter body and lower ABV.