Strong Pale Ale
Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Founded 1881
Trappist beers how do I love thee. Let me count the ways.
Legendary history.
Bouquets of flavors.
Tradition of irreproachable quality.
Charitableness.
Trappist: An Exclusive Club
Only 10 breweries in the world have achieved the Trappist designation. Stringent rules require the brewing process to be overseen by monks and constantly monitored for the highest standards. I’ll save the Trappist details for another post, but it’s clear that the monks totally know how to brew the finest ales.
There’s something to be said for stepping away from today’s hoppy micro brews and experiencing the products of brewers who have been perfecting their craft for hundreds of years.
Isid’or
This brew was named after brother Isidorus, Koningshoeven Abbey’s first brewer. It was brewed to mark the occasion of the Trappist brewery’s 125th anniversary in 2009 and was so well received La Trappe has continued to produce it.
La Trappe Isid’or has many excellent qualities such as being top-fermented, unfiltered, and bottle conditioned, all contributing to a memorable quaff.
It pours a warm cidery brown with a fine head that quickly dissipates to a thin coating. The wide-mouthed glass allows for complex aromas of grape, plum, and banana to waft about. The first sip brings about revolving bursts of delicate flavor. Further tasting yields hints of malts, breads, and the slightest hop.
At 7.5% ABV this one packs a bit of a wallop and is meant to be savored. I must say, I was sad to arrive at the last sip, but fortunately Koningshoeven Brewery produces nine other ales to try.
I give this beer a five chalice rating.
La Trappe website
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