Trappists

Trappists: the pearls among beers

There are only a few beers in the world that can call themselves Trappist, and this list seems to be getting shorter and shorter. Most Trappists still come from Belgium, where no fewer than 5 of the 10 Trappist abbeys are located.

What is Trappist beer?

When is beer a Trappist beer? This has nothing to do with the taste, but with the origin of the beer. It is therefore not a type of beer but a protected name. In order to give the beer this name, strict rules must be followed and permission must be granted by the International Trappist Association. If all rules are met, the beer may carry the well-known Authentic Trappist Product logo.

Trappist beer is sometimes confused with abbey beers. I understand that, because there is a similarity between these beers. Recognized abbey and Trappist beers are brewed in a monastery. A Trappist is therefore actually also an abbey beer. Trappist beers must meet stricter rules than abbey beers.

Photo by Patrick Carr on Unsplash

Trappist beers are always brewed by or under the supervision of monks who follow the Cistercian order of strict observance (also called the Trappist order). The beer may not be brewed for profit. The proceeds must be used for the monks' livelihood and the maintenance of the monastery. What's left should be donated to charities.

Taste of Trappist

As I just mentioned, Trappist is not a type of beer, but a term to explain the origin of the beer. There is therefore no similarity between Trappist tastes. Trappist beers range from Quadrupel to Tripel. So nothing can be said about the taste of a Trappist beer.

The Belgian Trappists

There are currently only 10 official Trappists left in the world. Belgium has the largest share of this, with no fewer than 5 out of 10 Trappist bees. The other 5 Trappists come from the Netherlands, Austria, Italy and England.

What are the 5 Belgian Trappists?

• Orval
• chimay
• Rochefort
• Westmalle
• Westvleteren

Achel Trappist

Achel recently left the Trappist list. In 2021, the last monk left the abbey, meaning the beer was no longer allowed to carry the Authentic Trappist Product logo. However, the beer was still sold under the name Trappist, despite the fact that it no longer bore a logo. The abbey still fell under the Trappist abbey of Westmalle, and brewing continued to take place under the supervision of the monks of Westmalle. In January 2023, the abbey was bought by an entrepreneur, achel is now officially no longer a Trappist.

Fortunately, nothing changes in the taste of the beer, but it can no longer be called Trappist.

Fancy a Trappist beer?

Would you also like to quietly enjoy a Belgian Trappist beer? These are delicious beers with a beautiful origin. I'm curious what your favorite Belgian Trappist is. Haven't tasted them all yet? Then take a Trappist trip through Belgium with the Trappist beer package.

Cheers!