Bruxelles Trip is Deft Brewing’s Belgian-style tripel, and it is brewmaster Mo Nuspl’s favorite beer he has ever brewed. At 9%, it is a strong beer that drinks far lighter than its strength suggests, with the spicy, fruity character of a classic tripel and a dry finish that hides the alcohol well.

The basics

• Brewery: Deft Brewing (Bay Park, San Diego, CA)
• Style: Belgian Tripel
• ABV: 9%
• IBU: Not published

What to expect

Bruxelles Trip pours pale golden with a dense white head. The aroma brings pepper and clove spice over pear and banana esters, with a clean pilsner-malt base underneath. The flavor follows with the same spicy, fruity character, a firm but not aggressive bitterness, and a dry finish. The body is medium-full with lively carbonation, and there is a gentle warming finish that reminds you this is a 9% beer, even if the first few sips do not.

Our rating

6.8/10

Rated by Alex (6.8). Alex gave this one a 6.8, and we think that score is about right. Bruxelles Trip is a well-made tripel with real Belgian character and a dangerous drinkability for its strength. It does not quite reach the complexity of the best imported tripels, but for a small San Diego brewery, it is a strong showing, and it is easy to see why the brewmaster keeps it close.

Sources: BeerAdvocate, Deft Bruxelles Trip, Belgian Tripel, 9% ABV, https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/54671/763369/ ; San Diego Beer News, Portrait of a Brewer: Mo Nuspl, Deft Brewing, https://sandiegobeer.news/portrait-of-a-brewer-mo-nuspl-deft-brewing/