Questions which have been on the mind of many a beer drinker. We all know that Trappist beers are great and something special. But why? I was questioning the same thing myself some time ago.
Well, question no more!
The name "Trappist" comes from a branch of the Roman Catholic Religious order of Cistercians, the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance. The monks and nuns of this order are actually commonly referred to as Trappists (keep that in mind when you are ordering a Trappist at a monastery brewery, you might get more than you asked for). The order takes its name from the La Trappe Abbey in France (yes in France, not the La Trappe Monastery in the Netherlands).
Although a lot of religious orders brewed beer, the Trappist are noted as being the most active brewers throughout history (+1 for Trappists)!
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| They also drank beer… (Bridgeman Images) |
But enough history, what is it that gives a beer the label of Trappist? Well the obvious answer here is that they are brewed by Trappists. Yes in most cases, but there is more to it than that.
In 1997, eight Trappist (Orval, Chimay, Westvleteren, Westmalle, La Trappe, Rochefort, Achel and Mariawald) monasteries founded the International Trappist Association (ITA), this was done to prevent commercial companies from branding their products with the Trappist logo. Those of you familiar with Trappist breweries are probably wondering: Mariawald?. Mariawald, although one of the founders of the ITA, does not currently produce beer (they stopped in 1956 due to resource shortages).
"For then are they monks in truth, if they live by the work of their hands" - Chapter 48, the Rule of St. Benedict
The association also set up strict rules on brewing authentic Trappist brews:
- The beer must be brewed within the walls of the Trappist monastery by, or under the supervision of, monks.
- The brewery must be second in terms of importance to the monastic way of life, and business practices should be representative of said way of life.
- Income generated by the brewery should cover costs of daily life and maintenance of the monastery, all additional income must be donated to charity.
- The Trappist breweries are to be constantly monitored to ensure the quality of their product.
And that ladies and gentlemen, makes a Trappist, a Trappist!
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| A beer from each Trappist Brewery (Rowlands, 2015) |
There are currently a total of 170 Trappist Monasteries and Convents worldwide, unfortunately only 11 brew authentic Trappist beers. A list of official Trappist breweries:
Belgium
- Brasserie de Rochefort (Rochefort)
- Bieres de Chimay (Chimay)
- Brasserie d'Orval (Orval)
- Brouwerij Westvleteren/St Sixtus (Westvleteren)
- Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle (Wesmalle)
- Brouwerij der Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis (Achel)
Netherlands
- Brouwerij de Koningshoeven (La Trappe)
- Brouwerij Abdij Maria Toevlucht (Zundert)
Austria
- Stift Engelszell
United States
- St. Joseph's Abbey
Italy
- Tre Fontane Abbey
So go out there and enjoy some strictly regulated, religious, and oh so delicious Trappist beer!
Cheers!
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