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Trappistes Rochefort 10 |
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Trappistes Rochefort 10 |
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The law of the monastery is to live
by the work ofyour own hands. In that spirit, it has been common practice
for monks to produce their own jams, cheeses, wines, and of course beers. In
the middle ages and beyond monasteries were often a refuge for weary
travelers, and these foodstuffs were shared with them. Today it is common practice for American brewers to produce "trappist style" ales, but the Belgians are cracking down on this. Here in New England, the North East Brewing Company (an excellent brewpub by the way) had to rename its Trappist Monkey Abbey Ale after pressure was applied to them by the Monastic Business Association. There are only seven breweries that produce true trappist ales. Six of them are in Belgium (Chimay, Orval, St. Remy, Westlverten, Achel, and Westmalle); one is in the Netherlands (Schapskooi). St. Remy's Rochefort beers are among the most hard to find. They are exceptional brews indeed and of high strength, but expect to pay for them: they run about $8 for a 330ml bottle, just under 12 ounces. There are three beers produced, designated by number: 6,8, and 10. So far, I've been able to track down two of these beers, the 8 and the 10. Trappistes Rochefort 10 pours to a Dark brown color with healthy carbonation, big banana nose emanates from my wide-mouthed Ommegang glass. Wow. Very complex beer, vanilla from the very warming 11.3% alcohol burn, sweet dark malt hinting at chocolate, banana, hints of Scotch whiskey in the finish. This one is a real treat, worth every penny. This beers would go well with a strong cheese, trappist if you can get it. Don't pass it up because of the price. This is about as expensive as beer gets, but hey, wine geeks pay a lot more for a rare vintage than we beer geeks do. Ponder that as you sip this rare treat. Update 3/7/2017: I popped a bottle of Rochefort 10 tonight, because I hadn't in a while. The beer has a best by date of 15.03.2021, and I had just bought it at Stout's Growlers for $8.50. Young as it is, my bottle is replete with chocolate, banana and raisins in the nose, a smooth chocolate maltiness in the palate, more bananas and raisins, figs, toasted nuts, light phenols, and it does not seem at all its 11.3% by volume. It does have a soft, dry finish however that is appetizing and moreish. Absolutely wonderful beer, I need to head back and pick up another I think.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box. *Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer. (B)=Bottled, canned (D)=Draft
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