Published December 13, 2013
FoxNews.com
BUSINESS WIRE/SPENCER TRAPPIST ALE
Beer probably isn’t the first thing to come to mind when you think of the word “monastery” – but since receiving official recognition on Dec. 10, Saint Joseph’s Abbey
The beer, labeled “The Spencer Trappist Ale,” is to be brewed exclusively within the walls of the monastery. Founded in 1950 by members of the Cistercian Order of the Strict Observance, commonly known as Trappists, Saint Joseph’s Abbey has roots that reach far back to monks who fled France
Today, there are nearly 180 Trappist monasteries
America will be one of only four countries to host this type of brewery, which requires, according to the International Trappist Association
1.) The beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, either by the monks themselves or under their supervision.
2.) The brewery must be of secondary importance within the monastery and it should witness to the business practices proper to a monastic way of life.
3.) The brewery is not intended to be a profit-making venture. The income covers the living expenses of the monks and the maintenance of the buildings and grounds. Whatever remains is donated to charity for social work and to help persons in need.
If all those requirements are met, then the beer will receive the "Authentic Trappist Product"(ATP) label. Of the eight breweries that currently hold the coveted ATP insignia (Achel, Chimay, La Trappe, Orval, Rochefort, Westvleteren, Westmalle and Stift Engelszell) not a single one exists outside of Europe – with one in the Netherlands, six in Belgium and one in Austria.
Trappist breweries have yet to leave Europe. Until now.
“At a meeting yesterday of the International Trappist Association in Brussels, the Spencer Trappist Ale was awarded the ‘Authentic Trappist Product’ designation,” François de Harenne, Commercial Director of the Orval Trappist brewery, told the Belgian Beer Specialist
Currently, there doesn’t seem to be much information about availability or distribution, but according to the Massachusetts-basedPretty Things Beer & Ale Project
The label
According to zoning board minutes
While the official release date for the beer is still TBD, keep an eye on the brewery’s “in construction” website
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