The monks of the Saint-Sixtus only use natural ingredients to brew three Trappist beers: Blond, 8 and 12. These beers each have their own colour, taste and aroma. All beers are unfiltered and not pasteurised, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. All this contributes to the taste and aroma.

Trappist Westvleteren exists in three different types:

• Trappist Westvleteren Blond                                         5.8 vol.% alc.
• Trappist Westvleteren 8 (dark)                                    8.0 vol.% alc.
• Trappist Westvleteren 12 (dark)                               10.2 vol.% alc.

 

Deposit of the empty goods​

Wooden crate + 24 bottles =  € 15 (€ 12.60 for the crate and € 0.10 per bottle).

Only authentic bottles with a ring with the word “Trappistenbier” embossed can be refunded. Moreover, the deposit can only be refunded if the empty goods are not damaged. The wooden crates retain their value when stored in a dry place.

Empty goods can also be returned to the sales centre at the Abbey at any time during the collection times indicated on the calendar of the website www.trappistwestvleteren.be.

 

What is a Trappist Beer ?

The "Trappist beer" trademark is legally protected and may only be used if the production of the beer takes place within the monastery walls under the supervision of the monks.

The International Trappist Association (ITA) takes care that member communities develop a good balance between their commercial goals and their spiritual heritage. It helps and supports them in this endeavour. It does this in the following ways:

• by protecting the brand name Trappist® and the common economic interests of Trappist communities;
• by providing reliable information about the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance;
• by fostering cooperation between the abbeys;
• by developing a network of solidarity and cooperation with other Trappist abbeys.

Only trappist abbeys can use the 'Trappist^®' mark and the 'Authentic Trappist Product'-logo. The Trappist appellation is first and foremost a certification of origin. It can never be used by another brewer.

In addition, each Trappist beer produced by Trappist abbeys has a unique recipe and a unique yeast. There is therefore no brewing style that could justify making a comparable product.

Only six Belgian beers can use the name Trappist: Achel, Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westvleteren.

For more information regarding the International Trappist Association and the ATP logo: www.trappist.be.