If you're looking to sample some of the best Trappist beer in the world, then you've come to the right place! Trappist beers are known for their superior quality, made with great care and attention to detail. From traditional malty ales to hoppy IPAs, there's something for every craft beer lover. Let's take a look at some of the best Trappist beers around.
One of the most popular Trappist beers is Westvleteren 12 from Belgium's Westvleteren Brewery. This dark ale has an ABV of 10.2% and is renowned for its complex flavors of fresh fruit, spices, and caramel. It has a creamy body and a pleasant finish that make it an excellent choice for any beer connoisseur.
Rochefort 10 from Abbaye Notre-Dame de St. Remy is another great choice if you're looking for a strong Trappist beer with an ABV of 11.3%. It has a deep ruby color with aromas of dried fruit and spices that give way to flavors of chocolate and roasted malt. The finish is smooth yet complex, making this an ideal beer for sipping on after dinner or special occasions.
For those looking for something a bit lighter, La Trappe from Abdij Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven is worth trying out as well. This pale ale has an ABV of 6% and features subtle flavors like apricot and citrus zest balanced by notes of biscuit malt and floral hops. The end result is a crisp yet flavorful beer that pairs well with light meals like salads or seafood dishes.
Finally, Spencer from Saint Joseph's Abbey – Spencer is also worth trying out if you want something unique but still enjoyable to drink. This Belgian-style tripel ale has an ABV of 8%, making it slightly stronger than other Trappist beers on this list but still quite approachable in terms of flavor profile. It features sweet notes like honey that give way to hints of pear, apple, bubblegum, and clove on the palate before ending in a slightly dry finish with just enogh bitterness to keep things interesting.
No matter what type of Trappist beer you prefer, there's sure to be one out there that meets your taste preferences! So go ahead and give one (or more!) of these amazing brews a try today – we guarantee you won't be disappointed!
The Strongest Trappist Beer
The strongest Trappist beer is Rochefort 10, which has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 11.3%. This style of beer is brewed according to the ancient Belgian Trappist monastic tradition, and is produced by the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy in Belgium. It is dark brown in color and has a complex flavor profile that features notes of figs, dates, prunes, raisins, and chocolate. The beer has a creamy texture and a pleasant warming finish. The high ABV gives it a strong kick that makes it popular among craft beer enthusiasts.
Types of Trappist Beers
Trappist beers are a unique style of beer, brewed by Trappist monks in monasteries around the world. In order to be considered a Trappist beer, the beverage must adhere to strict guidelines set forth by the International Trappist Association (ITA).
The most widely-available Trappist beers are Rochefort from Abbaye Notre-Dame de St. Rémy in Belgium; Westmalle brewed by Abdij der Trappisten Westmalle in Belgium; Achel brewed by St Benedictus-Abdij in Belgium; La Trappe, brewed by Abdij Onze Lieve Vrouw van Koningshoeven in the Netherlands; Zundert, brewed by Zundert Maria Toevlucht Abbey in the Netherlands; and Spencer, brewed by Saint Joseph's Abbey – Spencer in Massachusetts, USA. All of thee beers are made using traditional recipes and brewing techniques that have been passed down through generations of monks.
The ITA also recognizes several other Trappist breweries around the world, including Orval Brewery in Belgium, Tre Fontane Abbey Brewery in Italy, Mount Saint Bernard Abbey Brewery in England, and Stift Engelszell Abbey Brewery in Austria. Each of these breweries produces its own unique style of beer that adheres to the ITA's stringent standards for quality and authenticity.
No matter which style or brewery you choose to sample, you can be sure that all true Trappist beers will deliver a delicious taste experience!
The Special Characteristics of Trappist Beer
Trappist beer is renowned for its high quality and distinct flavor. The production process is strictly monitored, using only the finest ingredients sourced from local suppliers. Each Trappist monastery produces its own unique style of beer, often utilizing their own proprietary strain of yeast. Furthermore, the brewing process is conducted in relatively small batches, allowing for greater control over the final product.
Trappist beers are typically malty ales with a sweet taste and rich aromas. This stands in stark contrast to hoppy IPAs which feature bitter hops as the primary flavor note. Trappist beer is also known for its low alcohol content, making it ideal for more relaxed gatherings or occasions.
Ultimately, Trappist beer stands out from oher craft beers due to its complex flavor profile and commitment to quality ingredients and brewing processes.
Identifying True Trappist Ales
True Trappist ales are brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, with the primary purpose being to provide funds for the monastery and its charitable works. All eleven beers which carry the “Authentic Trappist Product” logo have been certified by the International Trappist Association as meeting these criteria, making them true Trappist ales.
The eleven beers include those from Chimay, La Trappe, Mount St. Bernard, Orval, Rochefort, Westvleteren, Westmalle, Stift Engelszell, Zundert, Spencer and Tre Fontane. These beers are all produced in Belgium or The Netherlands and range from light to dark in color—from pale lagers to strong dark ales.
These beers feature complex flavors that combine sweet maltiness with funky yeast notes and a variety of hops for a unique balance of bitterness and aroma. They are highly regarded amog beer enthusiasts for their taste and quality.
The production process involved in creating these beers is subject to strict rules set out by the International Trappist Association which help ensure their high quality. It is believed that by adhering to these guidelines each brewery produces an authentic beer that captures the original spirit of traditional Belgian-style ales.
The Ideal Temperature for Drinking Trappist Beer
Yes, Trappist beer is best enjoyed when served cold. The ideal serving temperature for a Blond Trappist beer is 10°C to 12°C. At this temperature, the flavour will be at its peak and the beer will have a hazy colour. If served too cold, the taste may be diminished and the colour will not be as vibrant.
Source: commons.wikimedia.org
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Trappist beers are of the highest quality and are renowned for their unique flavors and styles. Of the Trappist beers reviewed, Rochefort 10 Trappist Beer is the strongest with an ABV of 11.3%. Westvleteren 12 is arguably considered to be the best beer in the world due to its unique flavor and international reputation. All of these beers are malty ales, produced with great care and attention to detail in order to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality. Each monastery produces its own unique style, while many even have their own strain of yeast. For those loking for a unique flavor experience, a Trappist beer may just be the perfect choice!
