Westmalle "Tripel", brewed in Belgium, is regarded as one of the original Trappist tripels and the beer that set the template others still follow. At 9.5% it drinks deceptively easily for its strength.

Expect ripe banana and pear in the aroma, with a dry, peppery spice running through it. The bitterness is firmer than most Belgian ales, balanced by a light biscuit malt character, and the body is medium with a fine, champagne-like fizz that lifts the finish.

Serve it cool in a tulip glass. It's drinking well right now, though a tripel like this will easily hold for a year or two in the cellar if you'd rather wait.