On Monks and their rules.
rules There are three rules that govern the creation of Trappist beer. Firstly the beer has to be brewed in the precincts of the named abbey or monastery, then the beer has to be brewed with notable input from the brothers; finally the beer must be sold for the betterment of the monastery and its mission. These rules mean that many of the beers that claim to be "Abbey" beers are not members of the International Trappist Association (ITA). At the time of writing, I believe that there are 11 Trappist beers being brewed with other members of the ITA making other products such as cheese. It is a highly politicised space in the market and stepping outside the bounds of the association will get you removed from their roster. It would be easy to buy into the myth that these beers are brewed in small batches by slightly tipsy clerics in their monastic robes. Whilst the monastic clothes may well be worn, many of these are massive beer businesses that happen to be set in religious spa...