U.S. Duvel/Chimay Equivalent?

Unibrou La Fin Du Monde (Tripel)
Avery White Rascal (Wit)
Lost Abbey Judgement Day (Quad)
Anderson Valley Dubbel and Tripel

 

Duvel is not a triple, its a Belgian strong. An insanely unique brew that has actually lightened in color over the years. I'm told Damnation by Russian River comes close ( I should really try it). Mischief by the bruery is a hoppier version and quite delish.
If you want stateside trappist brews you can't really do better than unibrue as they actually imported the former brewer from Chimay to do their bidding. Ommegang also stacks up fairly decent.

 

The process for making these beers correctly pretty much ensures that the alcohol will be in that abv range. Also as far as price goes, the process is more time consuming and difficult so even an American version will be just as expensive, if not more so. Is there a trader joe's in your area? sometimes they do specials on Chimay...

 

Unibroue is very good, but it's in no way equivalent. Although nominally the same styles, the flavor profile is very differnt. Ommegang, on the other hand, is owned by Duvel and they are very good about their quality control--the only beers I've ever not liked from them were due to the style and not to the execution. Ommegang is the only brewer I know of that offers a full range of Belgian non-sour ales. And I just checked the database and Ommegang is either the highest rated US entry (of those with a significant number of reviews) in each style or it is in the top 3 with no significant difference from the other two. Other than that, Boulevard's Long Strange Tripel and 6th Glass offer one of the better Tripels and one of the better Quads (Duvel and Chimay don't make Quads, but that's beside the point--American Quads are the boozier, heavier version of Dubbel). Boulevard's Dubbel is OK (not comparable to the other two). Unibroue also makes a golden ale for Trader Joe's (current seasonal) that is half the price of Duvel. If nothing else, I would try it--the price is right (only a buck more for the 750 than what you're paying for the singles). New Belgium dubbel should give you a price break, but their tripel is a notch lower. Ovila should cost as much as Chimay, if not more and gets mixed reviews.

Still, if you're paying $5-6 per single, you're severely overpaying. At most, a 750 should cost about $13 and a 4-pack should not be more than $14-15, unless there is some gimmick involved (e.g., a holiday pack with a glass that's supposed to cost the same, but many stores differentiate). Ommegang prices are a bit lower, but comparable and Boulevard and Unibroue should be at least $2 less both for 4s and for 750s.

 

TJ's "specials" on Chimay and Duvel still have them at $11-13 for 750, which is higher than they charge for the respective Ommegang. I haven't seen the 4-packs. But TJ's is always worth checking out to compare prices for what they have and for the seasonals (see above).

Both Mischief and Damnation are going to be in the same price range as Duvel if not higher. Plenty of breweries put out decent versions of Belgian Strong (some may taste more like Dubbel), but almost none of them will save you money over Duvel/Ommegang/Chimay. Pretty Things in MA have good cheaper versions, but 1) you're not going to find them outside of New England (if you can find them outside of MA at all), 2) they have bombers, not 750s.

 

I had Duvel and The Bruery Mischief side by side a few weeks ago, and they were a lot more alike than unalike. The Mischief was a bit fresher and hoppier, the Duvel a bit more 'classic' and vinous. I agree with Victor - the original is probably better and cheaper and definitely easier to find.
I use this comparison for this internal debate I have about high-end American craft brewers who emulate an Old World style and manage out outprice it domestically. Doesn't make sense to me but they set their price points by what people will be willing to pay, I reckon.

 

North Coast Pranqster should fit the bill. And it's very reasonably priced.

 

Yeah, Allagash... the one that's priced higher than almost any comparable beer from Belgium... Solely on quality, I'm inclined to agree, but that does not respond to OP

 

the line between tripel and belgian strong blonde is pretty damn fine...

i wouldnt put chimay or duvel on a pedastal, theyre classic belgian imports that are grocery store quality beers here in europe. they dont take really any more effot/time to produce than any other craft beer that is bottle conditioned. I think duvel has a slightly extended time in a bright tank more or less but thats about it.

 

The chimay tripel is a milestone in fine craftsmanship as far as I am concerned. It breathes, it has life. It's sweet, it's delicate, it's strong, it's flowers in a glass, perfectly balanced and there is no reason to seek another because you already have that.

 

North coast-Pranqster,Brother Thelonious
Boulevard-Long Strange tripel
Tallgrass-Velvet rooster

 

I recommend you continue doing what I think you're doing. Drink Duvel & Chimay. Just do it within your budget - which likely means less frequently, as you can afford it. My bartender once told me, "YOU DESERVE GOOD BEER."

 

I agree with long strange tripel it is excellent, one of my favorite tripels. But I was not impressed with brother thelonious.

This is a stretch but it is Belgium inspired .... lagunitus lil sumpin wild is freakin awesome and cheap as hell, 3.99 for a 22oz.

 

Again, for OP price is a concern--Brother Thelonius is more expensive than either Duvel or any of the Chimays.

 

As a Duvel obsessed person, I would have to say that Pranqster is the best suggestion here in terms of similarity and price.

Mischief is great, but not much of a break in cost, although I have seen it for around $10, whereas I usually see Duvel 750s for closer to $13-14.

Damnation is very good, but hard to get in my neck of the woods--probably easier in the OP's area.

And lastly, since no one has mentioned these yet...

• Hades by Great Divide is actually quite good, and reasonably priced.
• Matilda by Goose Island is fantastic, but is bottled with Brett, so it's going to be a bit different tasting than Duvel.
• Salvation by Avery, also tasty and if I remember correctly, reasonably priced (it's been awhile)

 

One might say the line is as fine as the threads used to make the Emperor's Clothes, if you catch my... draft.

Sorry. In a punny mood this morning.

 

I say look on this list for stuff made and distro in your state and try it
http://beeradvocate.com/lists/style/58

IMHo no 1 is the USA is making a tripel to match Westmall. But as much as I love it I am not paying 6 plus a bottle for it either. So I brew my own. i not gotten its even close to westmall yet, but its only pennies on the dollar versus retail.

 

None of these beers are called Duvel and only one of three Chimays is there. But I suspect most of the rest of us looked through that list before making a recommendation.