Belgium! This place where beer runs more abundantly than rivers along with monasteries keeping secrets older than any pirate’s hidden loot. People name them Trappist beers ‒ created by monks skilled in prayer, patience, plus mastering the craft of liquid gold. This bold traveler really couldn’t resist embarking to discover their wonders.

1. The Call of the Abbeys

Belgium’s countryside has many abbeys. Each one holds monks who brew with more focus than a sailor guards his rum. My first stop? The famous Abbey of Westvleteren where they make the rare Westvleteren 12. Among beer fans it is known as the holy grail of ales. Like a treasure map finding it isn’t easy.

The monks only sell their beer by reservation plus in small amounts ‒ crafty folks they are! So there I was on the phone trying to win them over.

“Only one crate,” said the monk on the other end firmly.

“Fair enough,” I replied. “But do I get a blessing with it?”

Silence followed ‒ not my best effort there.

‍2. A Taste of Heaven

My precious crate of Westvleteren 12 in hand I selected a cozy spot under an old oak to enjoy the spoils. The beer poured deep amber with a frothy head thick like a pirate’s loot bag. The first sip? Pure magic. Dark fruit caramel, plus a hint of spice danced across my tongue ‒ really leaving me questioning every pint before.

“They add magic here,” I muttered pouring another glass. “Or maybe just lots of prayer.”

3. The Abbey Road

No true explorer seeks just one prize. My next stop was Orval Abbey known for its tangy beer with a story as exciting as any sailor’s tale. A legend says a noblewoman lost her ring in a spring but a trout returned it to her. She thanked the trout by funding the abbey – monks there made beer as legendary as the story.

Orval’s ale had bite ‒ sharp with citrus plus earthy tones. “A beer with attitude,” I said while lifting my glass. If Westvleteren 12 was like a king’s feast, Orval felt like a pirate’s raid: bold along with surprising and unforgettable.

4. Tavern Trouble

My Belgian adventure felt incomplete without trouble, which arrived through a tavern owner in Rochefort. I met Rochefort 10 ‒ a dark ale with an ABV strong enough to make any sailor’s legs wobble.

“You won’t finish two,” the barkeep said grinning while he poured.

“Watch me,” I replied showing my best bravado.

Two pints later I entertained the locals with stories of my adventures ‒ most of them exaggerated. But hey a good story deserves embellishment ‒ especially when paired with beer as rich as Rochefort’s.

5. The Last Treasure

My last destination, offers the most popular Trappist beers but remains worthy of its title. Chimay Blue a dark brew with rich texture, perfectly concluded my journey. Tasting it with Chimay cheese (yes, they create cheese too!) felt like pure luxury.

While enjoying my final drink, I thought: these monks act not only as brewers; they transform water plus hops along with barley into something magical.

Conclusion

Belgium’s Trappist beers represent more than drinks ‒ they are experiences plus stories along with proof of patience and skill developed over centuries. For beer lovers ‒ these treasures deserve pursuit ‒ even if one must charm a monk or leave a tavern unsteadily.

Grab a map next to your thirst and head for Belgium. Remember ‒ treasure tastes better when earned ‒ and some chaos makes the trip unforgettable. Cheers!