The Great Trappist Belgian Beers

Belgian beer is made all over Belgium and certain Belgian beers are brewed by Monks. Although they cannot drink the beer themselves, they have a well-known reputation for producing great beer. Beers brewed by Cistercian Monks in or around monasteries are called Trappist beers. At present, there are only 7 Trappist breweries in the world with 6 of these being in Belgium. They are Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren. These are very popular in both Belgium and the rest of the world.

Achel can trace its history back to 1648 however the brewery was destroyed during the French Revolution but was later rebuilt in 1844 by the Westmalle Monks. They endured a turbulent time around the First World War when the copper from the brewery was dismantled but began brewing again in 1998 and now sell 3 different types of beer worldwide. These beers are Achel Blond 8, Achel Bruin 8 and Achel Extra 9.5%. As with most Belgian beers they are much stronger that normal UK beers so take care when drinking!

In the UK, Chimay is the most common Trappist beer and comes in large variety of strengths and tastes. All Belgian beers are made to be enjoyed with a specific type of glass and Trappist Belgian beers are no different. The Chimay glass is goblet shaped to ensure the head is not too large allowing the beer to breathe easily. Chimay beer began in 1862 by the Cistercian Trappist Monks of Chimay. Chimay beers include Red, Blue and White and change their name to Premiere, Grand Reserve and Cinq Cents if in big bottles and they also do a range of cheeses.

Orval is thought to have had a brewery since 1529 however the beer that is now sold started life in 1931. It was produced by a German brewer from English hops which was made using unique techniques. The beer comes in a distinct bottle which has remained unchanged for nearly 80 years.

Rochefort was founded in 1595 and has been producing beers ever since. They produce 3 beers which are Rochefort 6, 8 and 10 with increasing strength proportional to their number. Rochefort 6 is the most difficult to obtain as it accounts for around 1% of production. Rochefort 8 is the most produced and can be seen in a number of bars in the UK. Rochefort 10 is the strongest beer and is 11.2% ABV, when compared to a standard UK beer of 4% so it should be drank sparingly.

The Westmalle brewery started in 1836 but it took until 1865 before it was making beers in any great quantity. In 1921 they decided to brew beer for the beer trade and money they earned was used to keep the Abbey going and any surplus was given to charity or the community. The brewery has been extensively modernised and if the quality of the beer can be improved then the Monks are happy to use modern technology.

Westvleteren, founded in 1838, is unique even for a Trappist beer. They only produce enough beer to continue living as monks and won't produce anymore even if there is demand. You can purchase the beer but it can only be bought from their brewery or visitor centre.

Belgian Trappist beers really are unique; not only in their taste but in the fact they are produced to support the Monks and their local communities.

These great Trappist Belgian Beers are available to be purchased online and delivered directly to your door. In addition many other types of belgian beers can be purchased online.

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