by Matt Dailey
15. July 2010 05:05
Trappist Ales are like the “God Fathers” of the beer world. They are produced in some of the world’s oldest breweries, there are only 7 breweries legally allowed to call themselves Trappist Ales, and their beers are often considered some of the finest in the world! Needless to say, these beers are very exclusive and VERY good tasting.
The seven trappist breweries are: Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westvleteren, Westmalle, Achel (all from Belgium) and Koningshoeven (from the Netherlands).
In order for a beer to be considered a Trappist Ale, it must be brewed under the control of Trappist monks; it must be brewed within the walls of the abbey; and the brewery, the choices of brewing, and the commercial orientations must depend on the monastic community. Additionally, the economic purpose of the brewery must be directed toward assistance and not toward financial profit.
Some useful vocabulary to know when purchasing Trappist beer is:
Dubbel – The origin of the ‘dubbel’ came from the Westmalle Abbey. Its name comes from the fact that the original beer produced by the abbey was a light ‘witbier’-style ale, and this beer was brewed darker and stronger in flavor, hence ‘dubbel’. The Belgian Dubbel is a rich malty ale with some spicy / phenolic and mild alcoholic characteristics. Not as much fruitiness as the Belgian Strong Dark Ale but some dark fruit aromas and flavors may be present.
Tripel - Tripels are commonly light pale in appearance, which probably came about by the influence of pilsners and other pale lager styles, and their massive popularity during the time period. More specifically, after WWII the Trappist monks at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the town of Westmalle brewed up a batch of strong golden colored brew. Westmalle Trappistenbier Tripel, the quintessential Belgian Tripel that many brewers strive to emulate, was born.
We owe a world of thanks to the Trappists monks who over the centuries have labored to perfect this benevolent tipple. The next time you are looking for a devine beverage consider the Trappists Ales and rejoice!
