Trappist logo

Trappist beer is brewed by Trappist monks, members of the Cistercian order. Trappist is a licensed term, and currently only six breweries in the world may legally produce Trappist beers. All six of them are Belgian. To use the name and the "Authentic Trappist Product" logo, the rules of the International Trappist Association must be observed:

  • The product must be made within the walls of a Trappist abbey.
  • The product must be made by or under the supervision of the monastery community.
  • The largest part of the profit must be spent on social work.

The six breweries that are allowed to call their beer "Trappist" are
  • Chimay
  • Orval
  • Rochefort
  • Westmalle
  • Westvleteren
  • Achelse Kluis, St Benedictus

There is some discussion about La Trappe beer, brewed in The Netherlands by the Koningshoeven brewery. Apparently, the beer is no longer brewed within the walls of an abbey, but is licenced to a large Dutch brewery (Bavaria).