La Trappe, the name of the beer brewed in Koningshoeven, is the only Trappist beer in the Netherlands. The Trappist monks of Koningshoeven opened a brewery inside the monastery in 1884 in an effort to fiance the monastery and contribute to charitable causes. La Trappe is brewed according to traditional methods using only natural ingredients and water from the brewery's own well. The beer is bottled with yeast and sugar, which allows fermentation to continue in the bottle, giving La Trappe its unique aroma. The Bock, Dubbel and Quad are samples from the Trappist brewery, each different, but all brewed with love.
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BOCK
7% ABV
This is the only Trappist bock beer that continues fermentation into the bottling phase and is available throughout the fall season. When poured into a glass, the translucent hazelnut brown ale slides into the glass smoothly, leaving a marshmallow-colored head. The aroma offers hints of molasses, raisin and fig with gentle notes of honeyed toast. The taste is not overly sweet, but has notes of unsweetened cocoa, coffee, and rum raisin ice cream. Its thick creamy texture would be perfect in a beer float.
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DUBBEL
7% ABV
The Dubbel is authentic Trappist beer with a brown-reddish color. Its aroma is reminiscent of banana bread and rum. It is lighter than the Bock and is slightly sweeter with pangs of malt, caramel apple and grapes. The Dubbel would pair deliciously with grilled or roasted meats or spicy foods. It also compliments many cheeses and pairs delightfully with nuts.
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Quad
10% ABV
This is the strongest of the La Trappe beers with an amber copper color. Since 2008, the Quad has been fermented in oak barrels to give it a special wooded smell that is similar to wood aged red wine. Smells of banana, wheat beer and cloves infiltrate the nostrils. The banana translates into the taste with hints of caramel. The high alcohol content causes a pleasant warming sensation in the stomach, so sip slowly and drink with a meal.
