How to Choose the Best Trappist Beers
Trappist beers are produced within Trappist monasteries by monks or under their direct supervision. To be considered authentic, they must meet strict criteria and carry the hexagonal logo "Authentic Trappist Product":
- Produced within the walls of a Trappist abbey
- Production under the control of the monks
- Profits support the monastery and charitable works
There are only 14 authentic Trappist breweries worldwide. The most famous ones you can find on Maltese:
- Chimay (Belgium) — the most widespread, three styles: Rouge, Bleue, Triple
- Orval (Belgium) — produces a single beer, with characteristic Brett fermentation
- Westmalle (Belgium) — iconic Dubbel and Tripel, a global reference for the styles
- Rochefort (Belgium) — strong and complex beers: Rochefort 6, 8, and 10
- Westvleteren (Belgium) — very rare, considered among the best beers in the world
- La Trappe (Netherlands) — full range of styles
- Tre Fontane (Italy) — the only Italian Trappist, with eucalyptus
→ Buy Trappist beers on Maltese
Trappist Beer Styles
- Dubbel — dark brown, ABV 6-8%, caramel, dried fruit, spices. Example: Westmalle Dubbel
- Tripel — golden, ABV 8-10%, fruity, spicy, dry finish. Example: Westmalle Tripel
- Quadrupel — dark, ABV 10-12%, rich, complex, ripe fruit. Example: Rochefort 10
- Enkel/Patersbier — the monks' beer, ABV 4-6%, light, rarely commercialized
How to Taste a Trappist Beer
Glass: use a chalice or tulip glass to enhance aromas and persistent foam.
Serving temperature:
- Dubbel and Tripel: 8-10°C
- Quadrupel: 10-12°C
How to pour: tilt the glass at 45°, pour slowly leaving the yeast at the bottom of the bottle (bottle refermentation).
Food Pairings
- Dubbel — hard cheeses (Gouda, Gruyère), braised meats, stews
- Tripel — creamy cheeses (Brie, Camembert), fish, spicy dishes
- Quadrupel — blue cheeses (Gorgonzola, Roquefort), dark chocolate, desserts
Aging
The stronger Quadrupel and Dubbel improve with aging. Store them at 10-15°C, in the dark, upright. Some bottles can develop positively for 5-10 years.
Buy Trappist Beers on Maltese
On Maltese you will find a curated selection of the main Belgian and Dutch Trappist beers, with complete technical sheets and fast shipping throughout Italy.
