What is Trappist Beer?

A Trappists Beer is a beer carefully brewed by, or under the control of Trappists monks. The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observnace (O.C.S.O), or "Trappists" are a Roman Catholic religious order that follow the Rule of St. Benedict which sets forth a model for living a monastic life, communally under the authority of an abbot. They follow the moto "Ora et Labora" or "prayer and work" and carry this into practice producing goods such as beer to provide only for their living expenses and upkeep of the Abby.

The International Trappists Association (ITA), was formed in 1997 by eight Trappist abbys to prevent commercial companies from knocking of and exploiting the Trappist name. This is the group that created the logo, so often sought after when one seeks some the finest brews known to man.

The Trappists logo guarantess the monastic origin of the product, and ensures the consumer that precise production criteria, meets the quality and traditional standards rooted in monastic life.

For the Beers, some of those criteria are the following:

1. It must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, by or under control of Trappist monks.

2. The brewery, the choices of brewing, and the commercial orientations must obviously depend on the monastic community.

3. The economic purpose of the brewery must be directed toward assistance and not toward financial profit.

The Trappists label can be used on any product that the monks make and deem fit but currently it is only used on beer, liqueur, cheese, bread, biscuits and chocolates.

What’s the 12 in Westvleteren 12 mean?

Have you ever wondered what those numbers after the appellation mean? Rochfort 8, Westvleteren 12, what is that all about? Well Mr. Stan Hieronymus breaks it down for us over on his Amazon Blog.
Hit the jump to get the skinny on all those numbers.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/post/PLNK137TVQB6LQ5SK

Want To Brew Beer Like A Monk?

Heres a book that will show you the ropes!



Discover the secrets of the heavenly brews of Belgium in this new book by long time REAL BEER PAGE Editor Stan Hieronymus.