441 : Duvel - Tripel Hop
Duvel Tripel Hop - a Special Edition Belgian Golden Ale. You want hops? Well, here are your hops.
As the folks at Duvel put it: Ever since 2007 the brewers at Duvel have been busy innovating with a third hop variety to give Duvel a surprising twist and some extra bitterness. Each spring this results in the launch of a unique Tripel Hop, which complements the rest of the Duvel range.
So here is how it works - the brewmaster at Duvel starts out with two types of hops, namely Saaz-Saaz and Styrian Golding, that are common through each of the special editions. Then he adds the third hop, the variety of which he changes from time to time. In the photo above, the little table sign states that in 2014 it was Mosaic hops, while the Duvel beer itself has Equinox hops at the third hop added. Regardless of the third hop, a liberal use of dry hopping ensures a crisp taste. Today - late 2018 - Citra hops, sourced from the Yakima Valley, in Washington State, USA, is the third hop of choice.
I do think that these Duvel Tripel Hop special editions are being imported to North America - so keep an eye out. If you like a tasty, hoppy Belgian ale, you will not be disappointed.