A trappist beer is a beer brewed by or under the control of Trappist monks. There are 171 Trappist monasteries(2005) but only SEVEN produce beer. Six of which are in Belgium and the other is across the northern border in Netherlands. These seven breweries are the only ones authorized to label their beers with the "Authentic Trappist Product" logo. Beers with similar style/tradition that do not meet the criteria of the International Trappist Association are called "Abby Beers."
The six Belgium Trappist beers are (some websites not in english):
-Orval http://www.orval.be/an/FS_an.html
-Chimay http://www.chimay.com/
-Westvleteren http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westvleteren_Brewery
-Rochefort http://www.merchantduvin.com/pages/5_breweries/rochefort_beers.html
-Westmalle http://www.trappistwestmalle.be/en/page/brouwerij.aspx
-Achel http://belgianstyle.com/mmguide//style/abbey.html
and the Netherlands one is:
-Koningshoeven http://www.latrappe.nl/content.asp?l=EN
With the exception of Koningshoeven's Bockbier, Trappist beers are all Ales (top fermented) and mainly bottle conditioned
The best known system is naming them are Enkel (no longer made), Dubbel and Tripel. Some have Quadrupels such as Chimay Bleu and La Trappe Quadrupel. Dubbel and Tripel have acquired the status of styles.
number system? 6,8,10
"Patersbier" or "fathers' beer" is only available within the monastery. Usually a relatively weak beer and may only be offered to the Brothers on festive occasions. Examples include Chimay Doree and Petite Orval.
Westmalle Dubbel was imitated by other breweries, Trappist and commercial, Belgian and worldwide, leading to the emergence of a style. Dubbels are now understood to be a fairly strong (6%-8% ABV) brown ale, with understated bitterness, fairly heavy body, and a pronounced fruitiness and cereal character. Westmalle Dubbel, Chimay Red/Premiere, Koningshoeven/La Trappe Dubbel and Achel 8 Bruin are examples.
Westmalle Tripel is considered to be the foundation of this beer style, and was developed in the 1930s. Achel 8 Blond, Westmalle Tripel, Koningshoeven/La Trappe Tripel, and Chimay White/Cinq Cents are all examples of Trappist tripels, but this style has proven even more popular among secular breweries like Bosteels and St. Bernardus. Tripels as a style are generally beers with an alcohol content ranging from 8% to 10% ABV.
