Trappist and Abbey beers refer to who and how the beer is made. Trappist and Abbey is a designation. So for example, a Tripel could be Trappist or Abbey.
WHAT IS IN THIS GUIDE 1
Comparison of Trappist vs. Abbey
2
Typical Beer Styles of Trappist and Abbey Beers
3
Examples of Trappist and Abbey Breweries
TRAPPIST BEERS So What is a Trappist Beer? Beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, either by the monks themselves or under their supervision. Brewery must be of secondary importance within the monastery and pay witness to the business practices proper to a monastic way of life. Brewery is constantly monitored to assure the irreproachable quality of their beers. Not intended to be a profit-making venture. The income covers the living expenses of the monks and the maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Remains are donated to charity for social work and to help persons in need.
ABBEY BEERS
So What is an Abbey Beer? Produced by a non-Trappist monastery Produced by a commercial brewery under an arrangement with an extant monastery; or branded with the name of a defunct or fictitious abbey by a commercial brewer. Vague monastic branding, without mentioning a specific monastery, by a commercial brewery
TYPICAL BEER STYLES OF TRAPPIST AND ABBEY BEERS
Single (table beer) Dubbel (also Belgian Dark Strong) Tripel (also Belgian Golden Strong) Quadrupel (also Belgian Dark Strong)
EXAMPLES OF TRAPPIST BREWERIES
There are currently six Trappist breweries in Belgium. Belgium: Orval, Westvleteren-St. Sixtus, Westmalle, Chimay, Rochefort, Achel, Netherlands, Austria, and the United States have Trappist breweries as well.
EXAMPLES OF ABBEY BREWERIES
Popular Belgian Abbey Producers: St. Feuillien, Bosteels, St. Bernardus, Corsendonk, Grimbergen, Affligem