Westmalle
April 9, 2024Westmalle is a well-known name when it comes to Belgian specialty beers. Westmalle Tripel is even seen as the best-known Belgian Tripel. The popularity of the beers is partly due to the Trappist characteristic that the beers bear, they belong to the 5 Belgian Trappists. In this article we dive into the brewing kettles of Westmalle. We look at the history of the abbey, the brewery and the origins of the Westmalle specialty beers.
But first, what is your favorite Westmalle?
The abbey of Westmalle
To find the origins of the Westmalle brewery, we have to go back a bit in time. The history of the Westmalle abbey brewery begins on April 22, 1836. On this particular day, the monastery became a Trappist abbey, and from this moment on the monks were also allowed to drink their local folk drink with their meals. More than 7 months later, the monks were able to enjoy their homemade beer for the first time. This was a sweet and dark table beer with a low alcohol percentage. The beers that the monks brewed and drank during this time play an important role in the development of the Westmalle beers that we drink today.
It was only 20 years later that the monks' beer was sold for the first time at the abbey gate. Before this time, beer was only brewed for personal use. Sales of the beers were so successful that the brewery quickly had to expand. It was only 65 years later, in 1921, that the monks decided to also sell their beer to beer traders.
In the meantime, the monks brewed a blond 'extra barley beer'. This is the predecessor of the Westmalle Extra. They also decided to re-brew their original dark table beer. This time they brewed the beer heavier, and so Westmalle Dubbel was born. Then there is one beer that is missing: Westmalle Tripel. This beer was later brewed on the occasion of the opening of the new brewery, fermentation room and studio.
The secret of Westmalle
Westmalle's beers are extremely popular, the familiar taste of these Trappist beers is appreciated all over the world. What is the secret of the Westmalle beers? It all starts with the carefully selected ingredients, which are crucial for the character of Westmalle's specialty beer. The pure water from the Diestiaan layer and the unique home-grown yeast form the basis for the beer. In addition, the barley varieties are malted according to specific requirements and Westmalle uses no fewer than 6 different hop varieties, from European hop regions with a good reputation.
The Westmalle beers
Westmalle's range consists of 3 Trappist beers, each with unique flavors that appeal to many different beer lovers. The Dubbel is perfect for lovers of dark Belgian beers, with the flavors of a traditional Belgian Dubbel. The Westmalle Tripel is suitable for those who like a stronger but accessible beer. And for lovers of a refreshing and lighter beer, there is the Westmalle Extra. Despite the low alcohol percentage, this beer retains the full-bodied taste that Westmalle is known for.
Westmalle Triple
In the early 30s, the abbey opened a new brewery, fermentation room and studio. In honor of this occasion, a new beer is brewed: Westmalle Tripel. To this day, Westmalle Tripel is a well-known triple beer. She is even called the 'Mother of the Tripels' because, according to Westmalle, it is the first ever Tripel. However, there are others who dispute this and claim that Westmalle was not the first to brew a Tripel beer. What is certain is that Westmalle Tripel is one of the most famous Tripels in the world.
The Tripel from Westmalle is clear and golden when you pour it into a Westmalle beer glass. It is a complex beer with a fruity scent, where you can recognize ripe banana and hops. The taste of Westmalle Tripel is soft, with the bitter touch blending in with the fruit aroma. The long and dry aftertaste will make you long for the next sip of this delicious tripel
Westmalle Triple
Westmalle Double
Westmalle Dubbel has its origins in the very first table beer that the monks drank in the Westmalle brewery. This was a soft and dark beer with a low alcohol percentage. In 1926, the brothers decided to adapt this original recipe by making the beer heavier, doubling the ingredients. This is also the reason behind the name 'Double'.
When you pour the Westmalle Dubbel into a Westmalle beer glass, you will see a red-brown beer with a thick cream-colored head. Westmalle Dubbel has a rich and complex taste. You can recognize notes of caramel, malt and ripe banana. The aftertaste of Westmalle Dubbel is long and dry.
Westmalle Double
Westmalle Extra
We can see Westmalle Extra as the oldest beer from the Westmalle Abbey. In 1836 the monks brewed a light 'extra-barley beer' for their own use. Now, many years later, we drink this beer as Westmalle Extra.
With an alcohol percentage of only 4,8%, Westmalle Extra is the Westmalle beer with the lowest alcohol percentage. Despite this, the fullness of the beer will surprise you. When you pour Westmalle Extra into a Westmalle Beer Glass you will see a bright golden yellow beer with a thick foam head. This beer from Westmalle has fruity notes that make it very refreshing and thirst-quenching.
Westmalle Extra
Is Westmalle a Trappist beer?
Yes, the Westmalle beers are indeed Trappist beers. The Westmalle Abbey is part of the Order of Cistercians of the strict Observance, better known as Trappists. Most people will know the abbey for its Westmalle beers, but much more happens in the abbey than just brewing. You will find a farm, cheese factory and a bakery there. In this way the monks provide their own livelihood. Only the cheese and beer are sold, the bread is intended for self-sufficiency and for the guests.
Buy Westmalle beers
Westmalle is best drunk from a Westmalle beer glass. This is a chalice-shaped beer glass, from which Trappist and abbey beers often drink. Order the Westmalle beers and the accompanying beer glass on our website. Let's toast the Trappists together!
Cheers!
