Monasterio de San Pedro de Cardena

On March 16, 2016, a special chapter was added to the Trappist tradition in Spain: the launch of the very first Spanish Trappist beer, Cardeña Tripel. This beer is brewed in the centuries-old Monasterio de San Pedro de Cardeña, located near Burgos. The monastery, with deep roots in the Cistercian tradition, joined the International Trappist Association in December 2014, thus receiving recognition to produce beers under the authentic Trappist label.

The recipe for Cardeña Tripel was carefully developed by Scottish brewmaster Bob Maltman, in close collaboration with Belgian beer expert Erick Coene. Their expertise was combined with the age-old values ​​of monastic life: simplicity, craftsmanship, and dedication. The monks closely monitored the entire process, ensuring that the final product was not just a beer, but also a reflection of their way of life.

In 2016, construction began on a small brewery within the monastery walls, allowing production to actually take place on the monastery grounds—one of the key requirements for bearing the title of Trappist beer. This brewery allowed for the combination of centuries-old monastic tradition with modern brewing techniques, without losing sight of the artisanal character.

Five years later, in 2021, the range was expanded with a second creation: Cardeña Doble (Double). This beer, darker and fuller-bodied, seamlessly blended with the rich tradition of classic Trappist styles. Along with the Tripel, it has since formed the foundation of Spain's contribution to Trappist beer culture, which until then had been dominated by Belgian, Dutch, and Austrian abbeys.