About This Beer
3 Monts Triple Grande Réserve 75cl 9.5% is a strong French Triple brewed by Brasserie 3 Monts in Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel, northern France. Inspired by the traditional beers of French Flanders, it combines a generous malt profile with expressive fermentation character, fruity complexity and a warming 9.5% ABV.
Although French Flanders shares a brewing heritage with neighbouring Belgium, Triple Grande Réserve is distinctly French. It reflects the regional tradition of producing flavourful, characterful ales while drawing inspiration from the stronger golden beers associated with the wider Flemish brewing culture.
What makes this beer particularly interesting is its use of two different types of yeast.
Rather than relying on a single yeast strain, Brasserie 3 Monts combines two yeasts to develop a more complex fermentation profile. The brewery also selects specific malt varieties to create the rich, rounded character that distinguishes Triple Grande Réserve from its original blonde beer.
The recipe includes barley and wheat malts, with Nugget hops providing a balancing bitterness.
The result is a beer that combines malt richness with fruity fermentation aromas and a long, structured finish.
Triple Grande Réserve pours a luminous orange-gold colour with excellent clarity and a thick, creamy white head.
Its aroma is led by ripe banana, stone fruit and freshly baked bread, giving the beer an inviting combination of fruity and malty characteristics.
On the palate, the beer develops layers of caramelised malt, ripe fruit, spice and vanilla. These flavours are balanced by a firm but measured bitterness that prevents the beer from becoming excessively sweet.
The 9.5% ABV adds a warming quality, but the overall impression is one of balance rather than overwhelming strength.
This makes Triple Grande Réserve an excellent choice for drinkers who enjoy Belgian-style Tripels, strong golden ales and traditional European beers with pronounced fermentation character.
The 75cl bottle is particularly well suited to sharing over a meal, allowing the beer's aromas and flavours to be appreciated gradually.
It is also an interesting comparison with the brewery's original 3 Monts Bière de Garde 8.5%.
While the original beer is closely associated with the traditional French bière de garde style, Triple Grande Réserve places greater emphasis on aromatic complexity, rich malt flavours and the distinctive contribution of its two yeasts.
For customers looking to buy French Triple beer online in Ireland, this is an excellent introduction to one of northern France's established independent breweries.
Explore the wider 3 Monts brewery collection for more beers inspired by the brewing traditions of French Flanders.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Brilliant orange-gold with excellent clarity and a thick, creamy white head.
Aroma: Ripe banana, stone fruit and freshly baked bread, with inviting malt richness.
Taste: Rich caramelised malt and ripe fruit flavours complemented by gentle spice and vanilla, with a long, pleasantly bitter finish.
Mouthfeel: Full and rounded, with creamy texture, lively carbonation and a warming but balanced alcohol character.
About the Brewery
Brasserie 3 Monts is an independent, family-owned brewery based in Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel, in the French Flanders region of northern France.
The brewery's history dates back to 1920, when Rémy Ricour acquired the business, establishing the foundations of a brewing tradition that has now continued through four generations.
Over the decades, the brewery has operated under several names, including Brasserie Ricour-Savage, Brasserie Ricour and Brasserie de Saint-Sylvestre.
In 2019, it adopted the name Brasserie 3 Monts, reflecting the importance of its best-known beer and its connection to the surrounding landscape.
The name 3 Monts refers to three distinctive hills of French Flanders: Mont des Cats, Mont Cassel and Mont des Récollets.
These landmarks are closely associated with the region's identity, and the brewery draws inspiration from the traditions and agricultural heritage of the surrounding countryside.
The original 3 Monts Blonde was introduced in 1984 by Pierre Ricour and his sons François and Serge.
At a time when traditional regional brewing was under pressure from industrial lager production, the family sought to revive the stronger, more characterful ales associated with northern France.
The original beer became an important part of the brewery's identity, and its distinctive yeast has remained a closely guarded element of the recipe.
Over time, the 3 Monts range expanded to include additional interpretations of traditional Flemish brewing, including Triple, Ambrée and Saison.
Triple Grande Réserve reflects this development.
By combining selected malts with two different yeasts, the brewery creates a stronger and more aromatic beer while maintaining its emphasis on balance and drinkability.
The brewery remains independent and continues to produce beer in Saint-Sylvestre-Cappel, combining traditional brewing knowledge with modern production techniques.
Its continued connection to French Flanders is central to the identity of its beers, which offer a distinctive alternative to more familiar Belgian and German styles.
Discover more from the brewery in our 3 Monts range.
Food Pairings
3 Monts Triple Grande Réserve is particularly well suited to rich savoury dishes and mature cheeses because of its combination of malt sweetness, fruity fermentation character and balancing bitterness.
Grilled meats are an excellent starting point. The beer's caramelised malt flavours complement the browned exterior of grilled beef or pork, while its bitterness helps balance the richness of the meat.
Flemish beef stew, or carbonnade flamande, is another natural pairing. This traditional dish combines slow-cooked beef with onions and beer, creating a rich sauce that works beautifully with the malt character of Triple Grande Réserve.
Roast duck is another excellent option, particularly when served with a fruit-based sauce or roasted root vegetables.
The beer's ripe fruit notes complement the richness of the duck, while its warming character works well with the deeper savoury flavours.
For cheese, try mature Comté or semi-aged Mimolette.
Comté's nutty, savoury character complements the beer's malt richness, while Mimolette offers a firmer texture and deeper flavour that can stand up to the beer's strength.
A vegetable gratin is another appealing pairing, especially when prepared with cream, cheese and a golden baked topping.
The beer's bitterness provides contrast to the richness of the dish, while its malt flavours complement the caramelised surface.
Triple Grande Réserve also works well with desserts.
Pear tart is a particularly interesting choice, as the beer's stone fruit and vanilla notes complement the sweetness of baked pears.
Chocolate fondant offers a richer alternative. The beer's warming malt character and gentle bitterness help balance the intensity of the chocolate.
For the best drinking experience, serve at approximately 8–10°C in a tulip glass or stemmed beer glass. This allows the beer's fruit, malt and spice aromas to develop without serving it excessively cold.
Try More Like This
If you enjoy 3 Monts Triple Grande Réserve, explore our 3 Monts brewery collection for more beers inspired by the brewing traditions of northern France.
The original 3 Monts Bière de Garde 75cl 8.5% is a particularly interesting comparison. It offers a different interpretation of French Flemish brewing, with a traditional malt-led character and slightly lower strength.
For customers who enjoy strong golden ales, browse our Belgian & Trappist Beer collection, where you'll find Tripels, strong blonde ales and other traditional European beer styles.
Although 3 Monts is a French brewery, its beers share several characteristics with the strong ales of neighbouring Belgium, making them particularly appealing to drinkers who enjoy exploring both traditions.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15.