Trappist

Trappist origins

Trappist beer, or Trappist for short, is not a distinct type of beer like blonde or triple. The name refers to the origin of the beer, which is brewed by Cistercians, members of the Cistercian monastic order of Strict Observance. In the 17th century, the order was thoroughly reformed at Notre-Dame de la Grande Trappe abbey in the French village of Soligny-la-Trappe.

Thus 'Trappist' became the popular nickname for the monks of the Cistercian order. They live in community in an abbey, following a strict daily order. They pray together seven times a day, and in between there is time for reflection and work alone. To earn a living, Trappists make various products, not only beer, but also bread, cheese and liqueurs.

A trappist is not just any trappist

Not just any manufacturer can put the protected trade name 'trappist' on their product. The International Trappist Association (IVT) awards the Authentic Trappist Product (ATP) label only to those who follow these strict rules:

• Production takes place within the monastery walls or in the immediate vicinity of the abbey.
• Production is controlled and directed by the monastic community.
• Proceeds from the sale are earmarked for the monks' livelihood and the maintenance of the monastery. What remains goes to charities and social works.

Belgian Trappist beers

There are currently ten abbey beers worldwide that can bear the Authentic Trappist Product name. As many as half of them are brewed in Belgium.

• Chimay from Notre-Dame de Scourmont abbey in Chimay
• Orval from Orval Abbey in Villers-devant-Orval
• Rochefort from Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy abbey in Rochefort
• Westmalle from the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Westmalle
• Westvleteren from St Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren

As mentioned, the name trappist only indicates the origin, not the style of beer. Among Belgian beers labelled trappist, you will therefore find a variety of beers.

Foreign Trappist beers

Outside Belgium, five more abbeys have won the ATP seal of approval.

• La Trappe from Koningshoeven Abbey in Berkel-Enschot (Netherlands)
• Zundert from the Kievit Brewery at Maria Toevlucht Abbey in Zundert (Netherlands)
• Tynt Meadow Trappist Ale from Mount Saint-Bernard Abbey in Coalville (Leicestershire, England)
• Tre Fontane of the Abbazia Tre Fontane in Rome (Italy)
• Engelszell of Stift Engelszell in Engelhartszell an der Donau (Austria)

You will also find some of these five Trappist beers in our webshop.

Former official Trappist beers

A few years ago, there were still 12 recognised Trappists. The Spencer Brewery at St Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts, was the only non-European Trappist brewery from 2013 to 2022. However, beer production proved unviable for the American monks. And Achel, brewed at St Benedict's Abbey of Achel, better known as the Achelse Kluis, was brewed for a time by the Westmalle fathers after the departure of the last fathers. After the sale of the abbey, the beer lost its ATP seal of approval.

Other abbey beers may not comply with all IVT rules either, but are otherwise perfect examples of Trappist beers. For example, we sell Cardeña, which is not brewed at the Monasterio de San Pedro de Cardeña but in Madrid. This beer was co-developed by a Belgian beer expert. Saint Bernardus used to be brewed for Westvleteren Abbey, but today carries its own brand name. And Mont des Cats is brewed for the Abbaye du Mont des Cats in Godewaarsvelde in Chimay, so it too was not recognised. Fortunately, the taste is no less delicious because of it.

Buying Trappist at Belgian Beer Heaven

Trappists are authentic and particularly flavourful beers. They are brewed by monks who pass on the secrets of the process from generation to generation, and you can taste it. View the full range of all Trappist beers above, order online and enjoy your purchase. Questions about your order? Contact Belgian Beer Heaven, we are happy and knowledgeable to help you.