Trappist: the beer and the monks

Stunning photos show what has never been seen before
About the secrets of the brew
The author could count on the cooperation of the monks
Jef van den Steen is an expert in beer and brewing
A must for every beer lover
Jef van den Steen
Trappist. The beer and the monks
French Revolution. The monks of the French Cistercian abbey La Trappe flee and swarm to Switzerland, Italy, Spain and… the Low Countries. Westmalle, Westvleteren, the Achelse Kluis, Chimay, Rochefort and Orval: who are the Trappists? And what kind of beer do they serve?
'One never drinks wine, beer or cider or any other alcoholic beverage, but only pure water.' Dom de Lestrange, abbot of La Trappe, kept his Trappists on a tight leash. Too tight, because later the local popular drink was also permitted. In Belgium, this was, in addition to skimmed milk and buttermilk, beer! In order to prevent 'idleness' and to be able to live 'from the labour of their hands', the monks decided to brew and sell the beer themselves.
After the Second World War, this high-fermentation beer became the largest source of income. The quality contributed to the good name. Many customers drank it on prescription. Today, the beer has a reputation even abroad.
Trappist. The beer and the monks outlines the history of the six Belgian Trappist abbeys. The brother brewers, who know the carefully guarded secrets of the brew, give a tour of the brewing installations and introduce you to the aromas, colours and flavours of Trappist. Many magnificent photos show what has never been seen by the public before. And what about a Kempen pork tenderloin with Westmalle or a cockerel in Trappist from Rochefort? You will also find exclusive recipes for each beer.
No beer without water. Trappist abbeys are often located near a source. Hence the many green trip tips in this guide. Jef van den Steen gives ideas for a day trip or a weekend in the hop country, the Gaume, the Kempen, the Famenne... And afterwards a Trappist 'dubbel' or 'tripel' tastes so good.
Jef van den Steen gained the trust of the Trappists, which allowed him to enter their world. He is a permanent editor of Den bierproever, the magazine of the Objectieve Bierproevers, the only beer consumer association in our country.