Open mike: Strong beer!

Since moving to Belgium in 2005, I've had the opportunity to taste my share of strong beers. The best everyday strong beer, a the fav among the Flemish, has to be Duvel. Not hard to find even in the US but a serious pub beer here in Flanders. The Trapist Rochefort has a few strong beers but are too dark and heavy for my palate. My favorite is the Westmale tripel. Can't beat it for its acidity and citrus flavors that hide its powerful backbone.

Cheers,
BRian

A little surprised no one has mentioned the likes of Chimay from Belguim (all the rich flavor and high alcohol with none of the funky qualities of many Trappist Ales)[...]

I have before found the Trappists rather sweet for my taste, but I just tried a couple Tripels. We only have a couple tripels available here, but it seems to me that they are the most hoppy and therefore the "brightest" and most refreshing style. Unlike you, I would wish for a more animal/funky style, lol!

La Trappe Tripel Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven, Holland, 8% abv

This is the one non-Belgian Trappist made. It is an attractive enough style, with the grassy hops well to the fore but an underlying sweet maltiness reminiscent of dried fruit. Full bodied but light on its feet thanks to the hops. It is not a very memorable trappist, but it is an attractive beer.

Chimay Tripel aka the White Label, Belgium, 8% abv

This doesn't seem as commercially bland as the La Trappe was, since in addition the the strong hops and sweet, dried-fruit aroma there is a touch of earthiness (but more than a touch would be welcome for me). Deep and concentrated, sweet but very light on its feet, hoppy and very refreshing. Considering how little I have enjoyed most trappist beers before, I am surprised at how much I enjoyed this one! Dangerously moreish, in fact.