As a sommelier and brewer, I have had my fair share of encounters with the pronunciation of Belgian tripel. I must say, the most irksome pronunciation I have come across is “treh-Pell”, with emphasis on the “P”. It's as if people are trying to stand out or sound fancy by mispronouncing it.
The correct and most widely accepted way to pronounce it is simply “triple”, just like how we would say the word in English. It's a straightforward pronunciation that accurately reflects the word's meaning and origins.
Now, I understand that accents and regional variations can influence pronunciation, but even in a Belgian accent, it would never end up as “treh-Pell”. In fact, a Belgian accent may turn it into something closer to “tree-pull”, but it would still maintain the essence of “triple”.
I remember one incident during a beer tasting event where a participant confidently proclaimed, “I'll have the treh-Pell, please!” It took every ounce of self-control for me not to correct their pronunciation right then and there. Instead, I gently corrected them later in a private conversation, explaining the correct pronunciation and its significance.
It's important to note that the pronunciation of words in the beer and wine world can sometimes be a point of contention. People often feel the need to showcase their knowledge or impress others by pronouncing things in a certain way. However, it's crucial to remember that accuracy and respect for the language should always come first.
The correct way to pronounce Belgian tripel is simply “triple”. Avoid the irksome “treh-Pell” pronunciation, and embrace the accurate and straightforward pronunciation that reflects the word's meaning and origins. Cheers!