De Ranke Guldenberg Belgian Tripel Abbey Ale Review
Brewed by Brouwerij De Ranke in Belgium, Guldenberg is a distinctive interpretation of a classic Belgian tripel and strong abbey ale. Named after the historic Guldenberg abbey in Wevelgem, this beer is renowned for showcasing De Ranke’s signature heavy hop-forward approach, utilizing heavy dry-hopping with Hallertau Mittelfrüh to set it apart from sweeter, malt-heavy commercial tripels.
Appearance and Aroma
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- Appearance: Pours a deep golden-yellow to lightly hazy straw color, capped by a large, pillowy, and persistent white head that leaves impressive lacing down the glass.
- Aroma: The nose is an inviting and complex mix of classic Belgian yeast esters—offering up notes of bubblegum, banana, and clove—intertwined with fresh citrus zest, white grape, and distinct floral, grassy, and earthy hops.
Taste and Mouthfeel
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- Flavor Profile: The flavor delivers a delicate balance between a sweetish, grainy malt backbone and an assertive, dry hop bitterness. Flavors of orange citrus, apricot, and subtle spice evolve into a pleasantly sharp, peppery, and earthy bitterness that cuts through the malt sweetness. Unlike many sugary tripels, it finishes remarkably dry.
- Mouthfeel: Medium-to-full bodied with a lively, high, champagne-like carbonation that gives it a spritzy yet velvety texture. The alcohol is well-hidden, resulting in a long, crisp, and refreshing finish.
Final Verdict
De Ranke Guldenberg is a masterclass in blending traditional monastic brewing styles with aggressive, hop-forward philosophies. It is complex, less sweet than standard tripels, and deeply refreshing, making it an essential try for fans of authentic Belgian craft ales.
ABV: 8.0%
Please Note: To ensure absolute freshness and optimal storage temperatures, all craft beer arrivals are sold exclusively in-store and are not available for online ordering.
Available at SF Tequila Shop
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