Trappist Beer... mmmm....

So a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting a real Trappist brewery here in Holland. For those that don't know what Trappist beer is you can read up more on it here. But in short it is beer that has been made by Trappist monks. These monks follow strict religious rules and live an extremely simple life, yet they make some of the strongest beers in the world. This is all done in the confines of their monastery where making beer is the way in which they support themselves.



What is unique about true Trappist beer is that there are only seven such breweries left in the world. Six are in Belgium and one is in the Netherlands. Located in the Abbey of Koningshoeven, southern Holland, the monks have been producing their brand label La Trappe since 1884.






A view of the Abbey. (We could not go in)








Originally, the monks of the abbey used the brewery as their centerpiece in which they sustained their livelihoods. Yet in recent years they have had to remake themselves to cope with dwindling numbers of monks. While this has not deterred the monks, they have largely shifted over to the role of Board of Directors with brewery operations as most work has been taken over by a professional brewing company. But they still also assist in crafting the beer themselves, adding the much needed religious flavor!









Say a prayer before you enter the brewery.












The brewery grounds.











The monks also have land in which they cultivate to sustain themselves and to earn additional income. It is also located on what used to be the King's royal hunting ground, hence the name Koningshoeven (royal land).














Jackpot!!!