Extra - Trappist beer

In many parts of the world, monks are largely responsible for the development of beer culture Traditionally, brewing was part of the daily tasks of the inhabitants in many monasteries and abbeys They brewed not only to earn money for their charitable work, but also to cover their own beer needs In earlier times, people hardly drank water due to its poor quality, so beer was the first choice at any time of day

In 1836, the monks of the Belgian abbey of Westmalle decided to take up the craft of brewing They began brewing the classics of their country and selling their dubbel and tripel to the people of the surrounding area However, these strong, high-proof beer styles were less suitable for their own consumption, so the hard-working men of God had to come up with a somewhat milder alternative Over the years, the Trappist monks' house beer evolved from a dark beer to a blonde barley beer to today's Westmalle Extra

In the end, the monks settled on a blonde with an alcohol content of 4.8% and a surprisingly full-bodied aroma The taste is composed of fruity, tart and refreshing elements and caresses the palate with notes of soft malt, ripe stone fruits, sun-ripened orange, freshly cut herbs and grassy hops A fine bitterness rounds off the Belgian beer enjoyment harmoniously