Trappist Beers
Among the dozen or so surviving abbey breweries in Europe, six are Trappist and located in Belgium, all established in their present form by Trappists who left France after the turbulence of the Napoleonic period. Rich dark ales produced solely by monks according to centuries-old methods in the six following monasteries; Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.
Abbey Beers
Strong ales in a similar vein to some of the famous Trappist brews, but not made in monasteries. Some have names indicating a business relationship between an abbey and a commercial brewery. Several of these monasteries did brew in the past. There are several other religious institutions that license breweries, and other beers that are simply named after an abbey ruin or local saint. Some names to remember when sampling abbey beers are: Leffe, Grimbergen, Duvel, Affligem, Karmeliet, Kwak, and Corsendonk.
Beer & monastery tours
Both beer lover and history lovers will find monastery tours fascinating. Most of the monasteries where beers are made would also have a restaurant. Some offer lodging for visitors.