Trappist beer: what does ‘Trappist’ really mean?
Trappist describes neither a colour nor a beer style: it denotes a monastic origin governed by specific criteria.
It is not a beer style
A Trappist beer can be blond, dark, strong, dry or fruity. So the word does not describe a recipe. It denotes the genuine connection between a product and a community of monks or nuns of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance.
Three essential criteria
To carry the Authentic Trappist Product logo, the beer must be made in the abbey's immediate surroundings. The community must supervise production and retain control over it. Finally, income first serves the monastery's needs; the surplus supports social, solidarity or charitable work.
A label reviewed regularly
Permission to use the logo is not granted for ever. It is awarded for a limited period, generally five years, then reassessed. This ensures that the conditions continue to be met beyond the mere image of monastic life.
Trappist or abbey beer?
An abbey beer may draw on religious heritage or use an abbey's name without being produced under a Trappist community's control. It is not necessarily any less good, but the word tells a different story. Reading the label helps distinguish a marketing identity from a tangible monastic commitment.
