Trappist Beer: Where To Buy The Best Brews

Trappist beer is a beer brewed by monks from the Cistercian order. There are only 12 Trappist breweries in the world, and only 11 beers may carry the Authentic Trappist Product logo. These beers are brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, and the income generated is used to care for the monks' livelihood and the upkeep of the abbey site, with any leftover money going to charity. You can buy Trappist beer online from specialist websites, or at bars, restaurants, taprooms, beer stores, liquor stores, package stores, and bottle shops.

Trappist beer online retailers

Trappist beer is a beer brewed by monks from the Cistercian order, and it is not a type of beer per se but a description of its origin. Only 11 or 12 Trappist beer brands in the world are allowed to carry the "Authentic Trappist Product" logo. Six of them are brewed in Belgium, while the rest are in the Netherlands (2), Austria, France, Italy, the UK, and the USA.

BelgianShop

BelgianShop offers a wide variety of Trappist beers from Belgium and beyond. They offer discounts on shipping costs and deliver worldwide. Some of the Trappist beers they offer include Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren, La Trappe, Zundert, and Stift Engelszell.

BelgianMart.com

BelgianMart.com offers a collection of Belgian Trappist beers for online purchase. Their selection includes beers from Orval, Achel, Westvleteren, Chimay, Westmalle, and Rochefort.

BelgianStyleAles.com

BelgianStyleAles.com offers authentic Trappist ales from Belgium. They provide information on the strict criteria that Trappist beers must satisfy, such as being brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey by the monks themselves or under their supervision. They also offer a $5 discount on the first order and email newsletters about exclusive offers and new Belgian beers.

CraftBeersDelivered.com

CraftBeersDelivered.com offers a unique category of beers labelled as "Authentic Trappist Beer". They provide information on the criteria for Trappist beers, such as being brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery under the control of community monks. The website offers a wish list feature and the option to buy beers now. Some of the Trappist beers they offer include Orval, Rochefort, Chimay, Westmalle, and La Trappe.

Trappist beer near me

There are a number of places where you can purchase Trappist beer, depending on where you are located. Trappist beer is a unique and sought-after beverage, with a rich history and a distinct flavour. It is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the monastic community.

Online Retailers

A simple online search will yield several results for purchasing Trappist beer. Websites such as BeerTrapist and Belgian Beer Shop specialise in these beers and offer worldwide shipping. These sites provide detailed descriptions of each beer, often including tasting notes, history, and information about the breweries. They stock a wide range of Trappist beers, from well-known classics to limited editions and rarer finds.

Local Beer Specialty Stores

For those who prefer a more tactile shopping experience, specialty beer stores are a great option. These stores often employ knowledgeable staff who can guide you through their selection and offer recommendations. They may also provide additional insights and information about the beers' origins and tasting notes. Such stores often have a varied and rotating selection, so it is worth checking back regularly to discover new finds.

Supermarkets and Larger Retailers

Trappist beers have gained significant popularity, and as such, many larger supermarkets and retailers now stock a selection. While the range may not be as extensive as specialty stores, these retailers often offer competitive pricing and the convenience of a one-stop shop. It is worth enquiring within your local stores to discover their offerings.

Direct from the Monasteries

For a truly authentic experience, consider purchasing directly from the Trappist monasteries themselves. While this option may require some travel, it provides a unique opportunity to visit the breweries and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Trappist beer. Many of the monasteries offer tours and tastings, allowing you to sample their beers and learn about the brewing process firsthand.

Regardless of your location, Trappist beers are becoming increasingly accessible. Whether you opt for the convenience of online shopping, the expertise of specialty stores, the ease of supermarkets, or the pilgrimage to the monasteries themselves, there are numerous avenues to explore and enjoy these special beers.

Authentic Trappist Product logo

The "Authentic Trappist Product" logo is a protected label of origin that can only be used by beers that meet a number of strict criteria. There are only 11 or 12 beers in the world that may carry this logo, depending on the source. These are the beers of Chimay, La Trappe, Mount St. Bernard, Orval, Rochefort, Westvleteren, Westmalle, Stift Engelszell, Zundert, Spencer, and Tre Fontane.

To be eligible to carry the logo, a beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, either by the monks themselves or under their supervision. The brewery must be controlled by the monastery, with profits going towards the livelihood of the monks, the upkeep of the abbey, and charitable purposes. The beer must also meet the Trappist standard of impeccable quality.

The logo features a hexagonal shield with a black border and a white background. Inside the shield, the words "Authentic Trappist Product" are written in black lettering. The shield is topped by a cross, which is placed between two circles. The logo's colours and imagery evoke a sense of tradition, craftsmanship, and religious faith.

The "Authentic Trappist Product" logo serves as a symbol of quality and authenticity for consumers, assuring them that the beer they are purchasing has met the rigorous standards set by the International Trappist Association. It also helps to differentiate Trappist beers from other types of beer, promoting the unique nature of these monastic brews.

Trappist beer brands

Trappist beer, or simply Trappist, is beer that is brewed by Trappists, monks from the Cistercian order. The name "Trappist" comes from the French abbey Notre-Dame de la Grande Trappe. There are only 12 certified Trappist beer brands in the world, 6 of which are brewed in Belgium. These beers are labelled with the logo 'Authentic Trappist Product'.

The 12 Trappist beer brands are:

• Orval
• Achel
• Westvleteren
• Chimay
• Westmalle
• Trappistes Rochefort
• Stift Engelszell
• Zundert
• Spencer
• Tre Fontane
• Mont Des Cats
• La Trappe

The first six are the Belgian Trappist beers, while the remaining six are brewed in Austria, France, Italy, the US, and Holland.

Trappist beer is not a type of beer, but a description of its origin. To be certified as a Trappist beer, the beer must be brewed within a Trappist abbey, either by the monks themselves or under their supervision. The brewery must be controlled by the monastery and its purpose must not be to make a profit. Any income generated is used to care for the monks' livelihood and the upkeep of the abbey site, with any leftover funds going to charity, social work, and helping people in need.

Trappist beer types

Trappist beer is classified by its destination of origin rather than a type or style of beer. Trappist beers are brewed within the walls of a monastery by monks, and the profits are put back into maintaining the monastery. There are only 12 certified Trappist beer brands in the world, and they are labelled with the logo 'Authentic Trappist Product'. Six of them are brewed in Belgium, with the remaining breweries located in the Netherlands, Austria, Italy, England, France, and Spain.

Trappist beers are typically categorised into four styles: Singles, Dubbels, Tripels, and Quadrupels. These designations are based on the relative alcoholic strength of the beers. In addition, some Trappist breweries also make Witbiers, wood-aged beers, bocks, blonds, and other specialty or seasonal styles.

Singles, or Monk's Beers, are also known as Enkels or Patersbiers. They generally have an alcohol content ranging from four to six percent ABV. They are clear, pale gold in colour, and have a billowy white head. The aroma is fruity and spicy, with hints of floral hops and a touch of honey. The flavour is grainy, sweet, and soft, with a floral-spicy hop character and peppery or clove phenolics. The finish is crisp, highly attenuated, and dry, with moderate to high carbonation. Examples of Singles include Chimay Single, Westvleteren, Westmalle, and Orval.

Dubbels, as the name suggests, are roughly twice the strength of Singles, with an ABV ranging from 6.0% to 7.5%. They range in colour from copper to deep amber or brown, with a dense, long-lasting off-white head. The aroma and flavour are complex, rich, and malty, with hints of chocolate and caramel and fruit esters such as raisins, plums, dried cherries, and sometimes bananas. The candi sugar used in Dubbels accentuates the malt flavours and results in the chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit flavours that define the style. Examples of Dubbels include Chimay Dubbel, Westmalle Dubbel, La Trappe Dubbel, and Rochefort.

Tripels use roughly three times the malt and sugar of Singles, with an ABV ranging from 7.5% to 9.5%. Unlike the dark Dubbels, Tripels are golden-coloured beers. They have become one of the most popular styles of beer in Belgium and international markets. Tripels have a golden colour and are typically clear, with a big pillowy white head and good head retention. The aroma is fragrant with notes of banana, citrus, pears, stone fruits, and spicy yeast. The finish is delicate, long, and lightly spicy, with moderate bitterness and high carbonation. Examples of Tripels include Chimay Tripel, Westmalle Tripel, La Trappe Tripel, and Rochefort.

Quadrupels, also known as Grand Crus or Dark Strong Ales, are the strongest and most complex of the Trappist ales. They have an ABV ranging from 8.0% to 12.0%. Unlike the golden Tripels, Grand Crus are dark, ranging from medium mahogany to very dark brown. The aromas and flavours of Grand Crus are generally similar, with a complex sweet malt character, significant fruity esters, and alcohol. Esters can include raisins, plums, prunes, cherries, dates, and figs. Many examples also have hints of dark chocolate and/or coffee. Examples of Quadrupels include Chimay Grande Réserve, La Trappe Quadrupel, Westvleteren, and Rochefort.

Frequently asked questions