The Brewer

Trappist Beer: Monks, History, and Authenticity

Trappist Beer: The Holy Grail

In a world of mass-produced lagers, Trappist beer stands as a beacon of tradition, silence, and quality. It is not just a style; it is a protected legal appellation. You cannot just open a brewery and call it “Trappist.” You have to be a monk.

1. The Rules of the Order

To wear the “Authentic Trappist Product” logo, a beer must meet three strict criteria set by the International Trappist Association:

  1. On Site: The beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, either by the monks themselves or under their direct supervision.
  2. Not for Profit: The brewery is secondary to the monastery. The income covers the living expenses of the monks and the maintenance of the buildings. All remaining profit is donated to charity.
  3. Quality: The beer must be of impeccable quality.

2. The Belgian Big Six

For decades, there were only six official Trappist breweries in Belgium.

  • Westmalle: The inventors of the Tripel. Their Dubbel is also a benchmark. Located near Antwerp.
  • Chimay: The biggest and most commercial. Famous for their Blue (Grande Réserve), Red, and White (Tripel) caps.
  • Orval: The rebel. They only make one beer, a pale ale fermented with Brettanomyces (wild yeast). It changes flavor as it ages in the bottle.
  • Rochefort: Known for deep, dark, rich beers. Their “Rochefort 10” (a Quad) is often voted one of the best beers in the world.
  • Westvleteren: The most exclusive. They do not sell to shops. You have to drive to the monastery gate to buy it. Their “Westvleteren 12” is legendary.
  • Achel: The smallest (and recently lost its Trappist status as the last monks moved out, but the history remains).

3. Trappist vs. Abbey Beer

What is the difference?

  • Trappist: Brewed by monks inside the monastery.
  • Abbey Beer: A marketing term. It is usually brewed by a large commercial brewery (like AB InBev) under license from a monastery (often one that no longer exists). Examples: Leffe, Grimbergen. They are still good beers, but they lack the “holy” authenticity.

Conclusion

Drinking a Trappist beer is drinking history. It is a connection to a slow, contemplative way of life that has survived wars, revolutions, and the modern world.