The SIX Trappist Breweries of Belgium 🇧🇪
Discovering the Rich Flavors of Trappist Beer in Belgium
Belgium, a country renowned for its rich brewing heritage, offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts: the chance to taste authentic Trappist beers. These exceptional brews, crafted by monks in monasteries, are celebrated for their deep flavors and historical significance. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious traveler, embarking on a Trappist beer dégustation tour in Belgium promises an unforgettable journey through tradition, craftsmanship, and exquisite taste. Join us as we explore the best times to visit, the must-see breweries, and the distinctive flavors that make Belgian Trappist beers a true treasure. Cheers to an adventure filled with history, culture, and, of course, world-class beer! 🍻
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Belgium for a Trappist beer tour is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October). The weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. During these seasons, the countryside is particularly beautiful, with blooming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in fall, enhancing your travel experience.
🍻Must-Visit Trappist Breweries
🍺 1. Chimay (Scourmont Abbey)
📍Location: Chimay, Hainaut Province
🇧🇪 Description:
Located in the village of Chimay, the Scourmont Abbey has been brewing beer since 1862. Chimay beers are known for their rich and complex flavors. 🍻 The Chimay Red (Première), Chimay White (Cinq Cents), and Chimay Blue (Grande Réserve) are must-tries. The abbey also has a visitor center where you can learn about the brewing process and the history of the monastery. Don’t miss the nearby Auberge de Poteaupré, where you can enjoy Chimay beers paired with local cuisine.
🍺 2. Westvleteren (Sint-Sixtus Abbey)
📍Location: Westvleteren, West Flanders
🇧🇪 Description:
The Sint-Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren is famous for its 🍻 Westvleteren 12, often hailed as one of the best beers in the world. The brewery’s limited production makes it a rare treat. To purchase the beer, you need to make a reservation in advance, and it’s often sold out months ahead. The In de Vrede café, located near the abbey, is the only place where you can taste Westvleteren beers without a reservation.
🍺 3. Westmalle (Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart)
📍Location: Westmalle, Antwerp Province
🇧🇪 Description:
The Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Westmakle produces the renowned 🍻 Westmalle Tripel, a strong and flavorful beer that has been perfected over centuries. The abbey also produces a 🍻 Dubbel, which is darker and has a rich, malty flavor. The nearby Café Trappisten offers a cozy setting to enjoy these beers along with traditional Belgian dishes.
🍺 4. Orval (Orval Abbey)
📍Location: Villers-devant-Orval, Luxembourg Province
🇧🇪 Description:
The Orval Abbey in Villers-devant-Orval is known for its unique 🍻 Orval beer, which has a distinct taste due to the use of wild yeast and dry-hopping. The abbey ruins and the beautiful gardens are open to visitors, providing a serene backdrop for your beer tasting. The nearby L’Ange Gardien café serves Orval beer and offers a variety of local dishes.
🍺 5. Achel (St. Benedictus Abbey)
📍Location: Achel, Limburg Province
🇧🇪 Description:
The St. Benedictus Abbey in Achel offers a more visitor-friendly experience where you can see the brewing process up close. Their beers are known for their balanced and refreshing taste. The 🍻 Achel Blonde and Achel Bruin are both excellent choices. The abbey’s café, located on the Dutch border, provides a picturesque setting to enjoy these beers.
🍺6. Rochefort (Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy)
📍Location: Rochefort, Namur Province
🇧🇪 Description:
The Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy has been brewing beer since 1595. Rochefort beers are known for their rich, dark flavors and high alcohol content. The abbey is not open to the public, but the beers can be found in local bars and shops. 🍻Notable Beers: Rochefort 6, Rochefort 8, Rochefort 10
🍻Tasting Notes
- Chimay Red (Première): A dark, copper-colored beer with a fruity aroma and a slight caramel flavor. It has a smooth, slightly sweet taste with hints of dried fruit and spices.
- Chimay White (Cinq Cents): A golden, strong ale with a hoppy aroma and a crisp, dry finish. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, herbs, and a subtle bitterness.
- Chimay Blue (Grande Réserve): A dark, strong ale with a rich, malty flavor and a slightly sweet finish. It has notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spice.
- Westvleteren 12: A dark, strong ale with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dark fruit, caramel, and chocolate. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a long, warming finish.
- Westmalle Tripel: A golden, strong ale with a fruity and hoppy aroma, and a slightly bitter finish. It has a rich, creamy texture with notes of banana, clove, and a hint of citrus.
- Westmalle Dubbel: A dark, malty beer with a rich, caramel flavor and a slightly sweet finish. It has notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spice.
- Orval: A pale ale with a unique, slightly sour taste and a hoppy finish. It has a complex flavor profile with notes of citrus, herbs, and a subtle bitterness.
- Achel Blonde: A light, refreshing beer with a subtle malt sweetness and a crisp finish. It has notes of honey, citrus, and a hint of spice.
- Achel Bruin: A dark, malty beer with a rich, caramel flavor and a slightly sweet finish. It has notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spice.
🍻 Tips for Your Trip
- Plan Ahead: Some breweries, like Westvleteren, require reservations for beer purchases. Check their websites for details and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Respect the Monasteries: Remember that these are working monasteries. Be respectful of the monks and their way of life. Follow any guidelines provided by the abbeys during your visit.
- Pair with Local Cuisine: Enhance your tasting experience by pairing the beers with local Belgian dishes like moules-frites (mussels and fries), carbonade flamande (a hearty beef stew), or a cheese platter featuring local cheeses.
- Explore the Surroundings: Many of the abbeys are located in picturesque countryside settings. Take the time to explore the surrounding areas, enjoy the scenic views, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Embark on a journey through Belgium’s Trappist breweries and savor the unique flavors that have been perfected over centuries. Cheers to an unforgettable beer-tasting adventure! 🍻
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