History

Beer has been made in Belgium since the Middle Ages. It is believed today that beer was brewed at some monasteries during this period, however, no written proof exists. The Trappist monasteries that now brew beer in Belgium were occupied in the late 18th century primarily by monks fleeing the French Revolution. However, the first Trappist brewery in Belgium (Westmalle) did not start operation until 10 December 1836, almost 50 years after the Revolution. That beer was exclusively for the monks and is described as "dark and sweet." The first recorded sale of beer (a brown beer) was on 1 June 1861

There are seven Trappist breweries in the world, six in Belgium and one (Koningshoeven) in the Netherlands.

The Belgian breweries – Orval, Chimay, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel – between them produce roughly 20 different beers, all of which are top-fermented bottle-conditioned ales and are generally pretty strong at 6% plus.

The Trappists are part of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, founded in 1098, and the name originates from the Abbey of Notre-Dame de la Trappe in France. To use the name Trappist and the authentic Trappist beer logo, these rules must be observed:

• The beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, by or under control of Trappist monks.
• The brewery, the choices of brewing, and the commercial orientations must clearly be made by and depend on the monastic community.
• The economic purpose of the brewery must be directed toward assistance and not financial profit.

Trappist beers are great with food and can really bring out the flavours of hearty and delicate dishes alike.