Abbey Ales

About Abbey Ales

The term abbey ale represents neither a single style nor a family of beers, but Belgian beer consumers associate "abbey" on a label with the same range of strong beers that Trappist produce. Their presence in the marketplace cannot be overlooked. In 2003 abbey beers outsold Trappist beers more than 2.5 to 1 in Belgium and more than 8 to 1 elsewhere. No wonder abbeys that no longer brew, or may have never brewed, happily license their name to secular breweries, or that secular breweries seek out deals to produce beers they may call abbey.

Unlike the Trappist mark that assures a beer was brewed inside a monastery the Certified Belgian Abbey beer logo guarantee's nothing about where the beer might be produced.

In some cases the commercial brewery-Saint Feuillien, for instance-could be a relatively small independent. In other cases the controlling commercial brewing company represents one of the biggest in the world.

Official Abbey Beers

The Belgian Brewers, a trade organization, authorizes the use of a Certified Belgian Abbey beer logo. Qualified abbey beers must:

- Have a link with an existing abbey or a former abbey.
- Pay royalties for charities or to protect the cultural heritage of the abbey, or to benefit an institution that represents a former abbey.
- The abbey or existing institution has control over advertising material.

Which beers qualify, and where they are brewed, changes often.

Recommended Reading Brew like a Monk Culture and Craftsmanship in the Belgian Tradition Trappist, Abbey, and Strong Belgian Ales and How to Brew Them - Stan Hieronymus

This book delves into monastic brewing, detailing this richly flavored style of beer. Also examines methods for brewing these unique ales fit for commercial and amateur brewers!