The Triangle

Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Karl Kuchs

Ah, the Trappists - an order of Roman Catholic monks famous for the misconception of their vow of silence - which is more of a vow of "no chit-chat" - and more recently for their wonderful, self-produced beers. It has been said that Trappist ales rank as some of the finest in the world. This week, I humbly offer you a product of some hard working monks at Brasserie de Rochefort: Rochefort Trappistes 10.

Since 1595, Rochefort Brewery has been producing these Belgian ales to help sustain the monastery. It is located near the town of Rochefort, Belgium, inside the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy. Because the monks strictly follow the Rule of St. Benedict, they only produce beer to sustain their work at the monastery and support the occasional good cause. Subsequently, the three Rochefort ales are fairly limited in supply. The monks maintain a rather private practice so very little is openly known about the inner workings of the brewery.

Trappist ales usually have a creamy carbonation and tend to utilize a flavor profile evoking raisins, plums and other dark fruits, as well as a bit of sourness, while hiding a highly intoxicating alcohol content. They age well when cellared and Rochefort 10 is excellent for up to five years. At the moment, only seven breweries are permitted to label their beers with the "Authentic Trappist Product" logo, including Chimay, Orval and, of course, Rochefort.

Rochefort 10 is the heaviest beer produced at the brewery with Rochefort 6 and Rochefort 8 making up the rest of the lineup. Essentially, the ratio of ingredients in each recipe is identical and is simply increased to change the alcohol percentage, which places this one as an abbey quadrupel or roughly four times the recipe of a "single" beer. Because the ABV for Rochefort 10 is 11.3 percent, alcohol is a major factor in the overall perception of the flavor, adding a wine-like, or vinous quality to the backbone of the semi-fruity beer.

Let's try this traditional brew out. You all probably know what I plan on discussing first - the proper glass. I say it every time and regardless of how pretentious it sounds, the correct glassware makes a big difference. Given that this is a Trappist ale and an official one at that, you obviously require a piece of stemware called a Trappist glass. This glass is a wide-mouthed, goblet style container that focuses on releasing aroma rather than highlighting clarity or color - I happen to have a close enough glass available from Philly Beer Week!

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools