La Trappe

The story begins with French Trappist monks fleeing to the Netherlands in the late 19th century. They settled on heathland that had once been a residence of King Willem II, naming it Koningshoeven. The brewery grew from there, drawing water from deep wells beneath the abbey grounds and building a reputation for rich, complex beers.

La Trappe's range spans the Belgian-style spectrum. There's a Blond, Dubbel, Tripel, and the formidable Quadrupel. They also produce the world's only Trappist witbier, a wheat beer that stands apart from their heavier offerings. Most beers are bottle conditioned, continuing to develop character over time.

In 2024, the abbey marked its 140th anniversary with something new: La Trappe Nillis, a 0.0% alcohol-free beer. It became the world's first Trappist alcohol-free offering. The beer pours amber with an off-white head, delivering malty sweetness, fruit notes, and a dry finish. For those who know La Trappe's regular beers, Nillis carries recognisable DNA without the alcohol.

The abbey takes environmental stewardship seriously. Their brewing uses only natural ingredients and water from their own source, with a focus on minimising waste. The monks remain involved in oversight, maintaining the contemplative tradition that sets Trappist brewing apart from commercial operations.

La Trappe beers are available through specialist beer retailers across the UK and Europe. The Nillis has started appearing in alcohol-free specialists and some mainstream retailers. It's a narrow range on the AF side for now, but the Trappist provenance makes it unlike anything else in the category.