Trappist Ale
What You Need To Know
Trappist Ales are very strictly defined Abbey Ales brewed at a monastery of an exact order. Only seven, six in Belgium and one in the Netherlands, breweries/monasteries in the world are permitted to use the Trappist designation. All of these monasteries follow the Cistercian Rule, which is native to the Burgundy region of France, and were forced to leave during the chaotic Napoleonic period.
Trappist Ales do differ greatly dependent upon the brewing monastery. They do all share a common characteristic of significant strength and being bottle conditioned. These are among the most coveted Beers among Beer aficionados.
Classic Examples of the Style
Orval, Belgium
Chimay, Belgium
Westmalle, Belgium