Trappist Beer
What makes Trappist beer so special?
Trappist beer distinguishes itself from regular abbey beer by three strict rules.
- The beer must be brewed within the abbey walls
- It must be brewed by Cistercian monks
- All profits must go toward the monks’ livelihood
The Authentic Trappist Product label guarantees this authenticity. Without this seal of approval, a beer cannot call itself a Trappist beer. The monks do not brew for commercial gain, but out of centuries-old tradition. Their recipes sometimes date back hundreds of years. At Beerdome, we only sell Trappist beers with this exclusive label.
What types of Trappist beer are there?
Trappist beer is brewed in various classic styles. The Dubbel is dark and full-bodied, with caramel and chocolate notes. Tripel Tripel beer, on the other hand, is blonde and powerful. The Quadrupel is the heaviest variant, dark and complex with fruity aromas.
However, some abbeys also brew lighter variants. The Enkel or Patersbier is the beer brewed for consumption by the monks themselves. This variant is rarely for sale. However, Orval Abbey makes a very special Brettanomyces variant. This means the beer is fermented with a wild yeast that evolves in the bottle. This creates a unique, slightly tart flavor, and you can actually enjoy this brew yourself. Each type has its own character, and at Beerdome, we encourage you to discover which one you prefer.
The nine authentic breweries
Of all the Trappist breweries worldwide, five are located in Belgium:
- Chimay
- Orval
- Rochefort
- Westmalle
- Westvleteren
The Netherlands also has two recognized breweries:
- La Trappe
- Zundert
Italy has Tre Fontane, which brews only 1,000 hectoliters annually. England recently completed the list with Tynt Meadow.
This exclusivity is what makes Trappist beer so sought after. Some beers are extremely scarce. For example, for years Westvleteren was only available at the abbey itself. Beerdome ensures that you can still get your hands on these beers.
Order your Trappist beer at Beerdome today
Trappist beer thus represents a centuries-old brewing tradition with strict rules. The nine recognized breweries each offer their own interpretation of the classic styles. This means there is a suitable variant to be found for every taste.
At Beerdome, we bring these special beers directly from the abbeys to your door. Through our fast shipping to all EU countries, enthusiasts everywhere can get to know this special art of brewing. Discover our range of authentic Trappist beer in our webshop today.
Frequently asked questions about Trappist beer
What is the difference between Trappist beer and abbey beer?
The difference lies in the strict conditions. Trappist beer must be brewed by Cistercian monks within the abbey walls, with all profits benefiting the monastery. Abbey beer has a broader definition and can also be made by commercial breweries that are in contact with an abbey. Only beers with the ATP label can call themselves authentic.
What alcohol percentages do the different Trappist beers have?
Trappist beers vary greatly in alcohol percentage per style. Enkel or Patersbier contains 2-4% alcohol, as it is intended for daily consumption by monks. Dubbel beers contain 6-7.5% alcohol, Tripel beers 8-12% alcohol, and Quadrupel beers 8.5-12% alcohol. The famous Orval Brettanomyces variant contains 6.2% alcohol and has a very unique character due to its special fermentation.
Why is Westvleteren so hard to get?
For years, Westvleteren was only available via telephone order at the abbey itself. The monks wanted to prevent commercialization and deliberately produced in limited editions. For several years now, Westvleteren has also been available in Dutch liquor stores to combat exorbitant prices. The limited production and the mystery surrounding the beer still make it a rare find for enthusiasts.
How do you drink Trappist beer?
Trappist beer is best drunk from a chalice glass at 10-16 degrees Celsius. Lighter styles like Tripel are served slightly cooler (10-12°C), heavier ones like Quadrupel warmer (13-16°C). Pour carefully to leave the sediment in the bottle. Smell the beer first to experience the complex aromas, then take small sips and let the beer roll around in your mouth. Drink slowly to discover all the flavor layers.
Where can I buy authentic Trappist beer?
You can buy authentic Trappist beer at specialized beer shops, some supermarkets, and online at importers like Beerdome. It is important to check for the ATP label for authenticity.
