Affligem Tripel is one of the more accessible ways into the tripel style, a golden, spicy, strong Belgian ale in the abbey tradition. The Affligem name goes back to a Benedictine abbey founded in 1074, though the beer is now brewed under licence by Heineken to the abbey recipe. Do not let the big-brewery ownership put you off; this is a genuinely good tripel that is easy to find and easy to enjoy. Here is how it tastes.
Affligem Tripel at a glance
| Style | Belgian abbey tripel |
| ABV | 9% |
| Calories | Around 250 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 20g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Affligem, Belgium (brewed by Heineken) |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, sugar, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains barley |
| Typical price | Around $6 to $10 for a 750ml bottle in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
A good tripel balances strength with drinkability, and Affligem does that well. The spice and fruit sit high, the body stays medium and the finish is drier than you expect at 9%.
The full review
It pours a hazy golden-orange with a fluffy white head. The aroma is classic tripel: ripe banana and pear, clove and pepper spice from the yeast, a little honey sweetness and a soft grainy malt base. It smells warm and inviting.
The taste follows through with orchard and banana fruit, a peppery spice, gentle malt sweetness and a lift of lively carbonation. The 9% is there in the background warmth but it is well hidden, and the finish turns dry and lightly bitter rather than cloying.
That balance is what makes it work. A lot of tripels tip into sweetness or heat, but Affligem stays composed and drinkable, which makes it a good first tripel as well as a reliable regular.
It is not the most complex tripel in Belgium, and the purists will point you to the abbey and Trappist originals, but for the price and the availability it is very hard to argue with.
A friendly, well-balanced way into the tripel style.
- Classic banana-and-spice tripel character
- Well balanced and drinkable for 9%
- Widely available and good value
- A great introduction to the style
- Less complex than the abbey and Trappist tripels
- Big-brewery ownership will bother purists
- Still a strong beer that sneaks up on you
Who it is for
Anyone curious about the tripel style who wants an easy, affordable start. If you like it, seek out Tripel Karmeliet and the Trappist tripels for the next level.
Affligem Tripel FAQs
What does Affligem Tripel taste like?
Ripe banana and pear fruit, clove and pepper spice, gentle honey malt and a dry, lightly bitter finish. Warm but balanced.
What is a Belgian tripel?
A strong, pale, spicy Belgian ale, usually 8 to 9.5% ABV, defined by its fruity, peppery yeast character and dry finish. The name historically referred to the strongest beer an abbey brewed.
How strong is Affligem Tripel?
It is 9% ABV, so it is a strong beer despite how easily it drinks.
How many calories are in Affligem Tripel?
Around 250 per 12 fl oz. The brewery does not publish an exact figure, but that is typical for a 9% tripel.
Is Affligem a real abbey beer?
The recipe traces to the Affligem Abbey, founded in 1074, but the beer is brewed commercially under licence by Heineken rather than by the monks themselves.
What food goes with Affligem Tripel?
It works with roast chicken, pork, mussels and washed-rind cheeses, and the carbonation cuts through richer dishes well.
Is Affligem Tripel vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, barley malt, sugar, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Where is Affligem Tripel brewed?
In Belgium, under the Affligem name, now brewed by Heineken to the abbey recipe.
Where to buy Affligem Tripel
Affligem Tripel is widely stocked in the US and Europe, usually as a 750ml bottle. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Affligem Tripel is a well-made, well-priced abbey tripel that gets the balance right where many miss it. The banana-and-spice character is textbook, the 9% is handled gracefully and the dry finish keeps it drinkable. An excellent everyday tripel and a great first one, worth four point four out of five. See how it ranks in our best Belgian beer guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Affligem Tripel?
Affligem Tripel is a Belgian abbey tripel, at 9% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Affligem Tripel?
Affligem Tripel has an ABV of 9%.
How many calories are in Affligem Tripel?
Affligem Tripel has Around 250 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Affligem Tripel gluten free?
Affligem Tripel: No, it contains barley.
Does Affligem Tripel have carbs?
Yes, Affligem Tripel has Around 20g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Affligem Tripel taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Affligem Tripel cost?
Affligem Tripel typically runs Around $6 to $10 for a 750ml bottle in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Affligem Tripel without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Affligem Tripel?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian abbey tripel like Affligem Tripel. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
