Belgian Abbey Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kits

Belgian Abbey Ales are rich, complex, and steeped in monastic tradition, the kind of beers that invite meditative sips to encourage savoring the deep flavor. Our extract beer recipe kits bring the classic styles of Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel to your fermenter, complete with expressive Belgian yeast, bold malt character, and aging potential that only gets better with time.

Our extract beer kits are a great fit for beginner and intermediate brewers using just about any home brew kit. If you need gear, check out our beer-making equipment kits — they pair perfectly with all recipes we sell. Every beer recipe kit we offer is hand made fresh to your order, one at a time, and comes complete with everything you need to brew a great-tasting beer at home.

Belgian Abbey Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kit Boomchugalug

Frequently Asked Questions: Belgian Abbey Ale Extract Beer Kits

What is a Belgian Abbey Ale?

Belgian Abbey Ales are rich, flavorful ales traditionally brewed by or inspired by monastic brewing practices. Known for their spicy yeast character, high ABV, and deep malt complexity, these ales are perfect for sipping, aging, and contemplation.

What’s the difference between a Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel?

These names refer to strength and color, not just recipe variations:

  • Dubbel: Dark amber to brown, with rich malt, raisin, and dark fruit character (6–8% ABV)
  • Tripel: Golden and strong, with fruity esters, soft spice, and higher carbonation (7.5–9.5% ABV)
  • Quadrupel: Deep, dark, and powerful, with bold flavors of fig, plum, toffee, and warmth (9–12% ABV+)

Do Abbey Ales use special yeast?

Yes. Belgian yeast strains are famous for producing fruity esters and peppery phenols that define the style. You’ll get aromas of clove, banana, bubblegum, or spice — without needing any actual spices added.

Are Belgian Ales hard to brew with an extract kit?

Not at all. While the flavors are complex, the brewing process is very approachable with extract kits. The yeast does most of the work — your job is just to ferment it warm and let it shine.

Can you bourbon-oak age a Belgian Abbey Ale?

Absolutely. While traditional Abbey Ales aren’t aged in oak, many modern brewers add bourbon-soaked oak for extra depth. It layers in warm vanilla, caramel, and a gentle woodiness that plays beautifully with the style’s natural richness.

Looking to take it deeper? Try our Cuvee Mysterieux Bourbon Oaked Belgian Abbey Ale — rich, malty, and aged on bourbon-infused oak cubes. It’s like drinking a monastery wrapped in a whiskey barrel.

How long should I age a Belgian Abbey Ale?

Abbey Ales — especially Quads — age beautifully. You can enjoy them young, but give them 6–12 months and you’ll notice smoother alcohol, richer malt, and deeper complexity. Some versions can age for several years if properly stored.

Pro Tip: Our St. Huhlousinayshun's Quadruppel Ale is a prime candidate for aging. Properly cellared, it just gets smoother, richer, and more heavenly over time.

What food pairs well with Belgian Abbey Ales?

Pair them with roasted meats, aged gouda, blue cheese, or rich stews. Tripels go great with grilled chicken or spicy fare, while Quads love dark chocolate and figs.

No meal? No problem. Just pair your Abbey Ale with candlelight, a leather-bound journal, and a sense of mystery.