Trappist Beers And Monks

[dUSt]

Cool site!

http://www.trappistbeer.net

[quote]
[size="4"][b]Introduction : genesis of the trappists [/b][/size]

[b]- Men in search of God -[/b]

Centuries ago - in 1098, to be exact - a small group of men made a profound decision. Benedictine monks in search of God, they chose to return to the old traditions that had been the basis of the original monastic movement in Occident. These monks followed a vibrant spiritual movement, Vita Apostolica, which called for a renewal of the apostolic values of dispossession.

They were in that faithful to one of their spiritual fathers, Benedict, who, in the sixth century, had enacted the “Rule” governing the behavior of the monks: obedience, silence, poverty, and humility, sharing the life of the monk between work and “lectio divina” (studies and meditation).

These men, led by Robert de Molesmes, dwelt in Cîteaux (Cistercium), in Burgundy (France); thus were the Cistercians born. The three founders, holy Robert, Albéric, and Stephen, knew how to define with accuracy and how to establish the legal position of the monastery, the standards concerning individual and conventual poverty, hospitality, the lay brothers, the future foundations of abbeys, the rules of monastic life, etc.

In 1112, Bernard De Fontaine came to Cîteaux and became one of its main promoters, through the creation of several monasteries which spread thereafter.

[b]- The development of the Order -[/b]

The Cistercians were the founders of an order which was quickly to cover Europe of monasteries, thereby contributing, in their own manner, to the development of Western civilization. The organization of the Order supported its maintenance by harmoniously marrying the autonomy of the monasteries with a necessary level of centralization. Its development continued throughout the ensuing centuries.

From the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries, the Order experienced many difficulties, and several monasteries closed. The original Cistercian unit was broken.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the influence of various cultural and societal movements led to a certain relaxation and progressive abandonment of the contemplative character in which the Order had its origins.[/quote]
http://www.trappistbeer.net

[Theologian in Training]

When I went to Belgium, I got to drink with the monks. We stayed in the monastery where they make Rochefort (excellent beer) and we also stayed in the Chimay abbey, which, across the street was a pub that sold nothing but Chimay. Belgian monk beers are definitely my favorite!

[Nihil Obstat]

Funny story: I went to the liquor store after work this evening and bought one bottle each of two Trappist beers. I don't know beer well enough to review them, but the first one was quite nice.

The second one I'm even more excited for. It's Rochefort 10, which is 11.5% alcohol by volume. I can't have it for a while though, because the first one was strong too.

[Theologian in Training]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' timestamp='1283649733' post='2168032']
Funny story: I went to the liquor store after work this evening and bought one bottle each of two Trappist beers. I don't know beer well enough to review them, but the first one was quite nice.

The second one I'm even more excited for. It's Rochefort 10, which is 11.5% alcohol by volume. I can't have it for a while though, because the first one was strong too.
[/quote]

You will enjoy that beer a lot. I know I did/do when I get a chance to find it. It is not the easiest to come by and, I find, the Rochefort 6 is the more common, 10, however, is one of the best!

Edited September 5, 2010 by Theologian in Training

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Theologian in Training' timestamp='1283691532' post='2168212']
You will enjoy that beer a lot. I know I did/do when I get a chance to find it. It is not the easiest to come by and, I find, the Rochefort 6 is the more common, 10, however, is one of the best!
[/quote]
My friend is probably coming over, so I'm probably going to pick up a couple more. ^_^

I read on Wikipedia that the Rochefort 6 is less common than the 10, with the 8 being most common. In any case, they had all three at the liquor store. Which is, in your opinion, the best?

[Theologian in Training]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' timestamp='1283718606' post='2168348']
My friend is probably coming over, so I'm probably going to pick up a couple more. ^_^

I read on Wikipedia that the Rochefort 6 is less common than the 10, with the 8 being most common. In any case, they had all three at the liquor store. Which is, in your opinion, the best?
[/quote]

Rochefort 10, hands down!

[Nihil Obstat]

It was very good!

At $6 a bottle though, I may not have it very often.

[dUSt]

Moving to Open Mic.

[cappie]

[Eowyn]

I want a pint... sigh.