Trappist Beer

Ok, this shit is fucking insane. For those not familiar with Trappist beers, basically there's only 7 breweries in the world that are allowed to stamp their bottles with the 'Authenic Trappist' brew logo. 6 of them exist in Belgium, 1 in the Netherlands. Trappist beers have the characteristic of being brewed by Trappist monks. Wikipedia "Trappist" if you want to know more about what the vibe of the monks is. This all reminds me of that episode of Black Books with the holy grapes that grew in the rose bush. You know, the one with the expensive wine and the magic pencils and the painting of the cow.

Now - here's the thing about Trappist beers. They are intense flavour wise. While you may be very familiar with the Chimay brew (of which the Chimay Blue Grand Reserve (Belgium) goes exceptionally well with a nice soft Roquefort cheese, that's mind blowing stuff right there) it isn't necessarily the best Trappist. Kinda like how Stella is the highest selling Belgium beer and is rubbish compared to all other beers Belgium has to offer but everyone knows what Stella is. Aside from the Stella violation against mankind (then again, who is Australia to talk when we came up with Fosters?), basically Belgium (and Seattle, USA) lead the way. I know, Seattle, didn't see that one coming, eh?

So, the Rochefort Trappist (Belgium). It comes in the 6, 8 and 10 options, which vary in colour, flavour and alcohol content. I wasn't quite game enough to try the 10 on first go, which the helpful bar girl at the Belgium Beer Cafe on St Kilda Road commended me on, saying it was best to start with the 8 so that my "face wouldn't be blown off". What is it with bar staff and use of that metaphor?

So I got the 8 - which is still 9% in alcohol content. Now let me tell you - this beer is sensational. Full-bodied, with a hint of chocolate aroma, and similarly a chocolate aftertaste, but without being super sweet at any point. The first sip was like indulging in some amazing pure nectar that lingered on the palette but without giving away too much too soon so that you're kept wanting more. Plus if the sediment at the bottom of a bottle of this beer isn't enough to impress you, I don't know what is. Cooper's Pale Ale (SA) sediment is nothing compared to this.

Apparently Roquefort Trappist is also a good breakfast beer. Despite its full-body, it's easy to see why - the taste is something you can ease into whilst still retaining a strong flavour, exactly like that first coffee in the morning prior to facing a long day at work. And we all know how critical that is.