Belgian beers are some of the finest and most diverse brews in the world; pretty amazing considering Belgium is such a small country. One unique beer I recommend is Steenbrugge Tripel,an authentic Abbey Ale. Steenbrugge is brewed in Bruges, in Flanders.

This traditional abbey ale is a tasty treat that delights the palate. Steenbrugge Tripel is very pale, almost straw colored, and pours to a rich effervescent head. But don't let this light color deceive you, this beer has legs.

Steenbrugge Tripel is now brewed under license by Brouwerij De Gooden Boom, according to strict traditional methods used for centuries by monks. In fact, Fr. Dom Anselm, the abbot at Steenbrugges, oversees the brewing operation and is the 58th successor to founder, St. Arnold, who became the patron saint of Belgian brewers. Legend says St. Arnold prescribed beer to the local villagers in times of disease to ward off illness. Once you try a Steenbrugge Tripel you'll know why.

Tripel is bottle-conditioned and the brewery claims the beer will stay fresh for four to five years, despite the fact that the conditioning causes the beer to be slightly cloudy.

Steenbruggel has a complex taste with high malt concentrations and bold bittering and aroma hopping. Styrian hops are used and this gives the beer a citric character. After a few sips you realize that this is a full bodied, well-balanced brew that really packs a punch, with 8.5 percent alcohol by volume.

It's rare for a beer that looks so similar to an average blond lager to be so potent and flavorful. But that is a characteristic of all Belgian Tripel beers.

Steenbrugge also brews a Dubbel which is a rich dark ruby color and is, ironically, smoother and lower in alcohol.

Both Steenbrugge beers are available in 11.2-ounce bottles and cost about $2.29 per bottle. These beers are traditionally served in cup shaped glasses (see picture) to allow you to enjoy their full flavor and aroma.