Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle

Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle operates within the Abbey of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Westmalle. The monastery was founded in 1794 by Trappist monks fleeing the French Revolution, while brewing began within the abbey walls in 1836. The monks tasted their first recorded beer on 10 December that year.

Westmalle has played an exceptionally important part in the development of Belgian monastic beer. Its dark beer was reformulated in 1926 using approximately twice the ingredients, creating the beer now known as Westmalle Dubbel. A new strong golden beer followed in 1934 and helped establish “Tripel” as the name of an entire Belgian beer style.

The present range comprises Westmalle Extra, Dubbel and Tripel. All are brewed within the abbey under monastic supervision and carry the Authentic Trappist Product mark. Income supports the community, maintains the abbey and funds charitable work. The abbey and brewery are normally closed to visitors, although the brewery occasionally holds special open days. Its beers and cheese can be enjoyed at Café Trappisten opposite the abbey.

Address: Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle, Antwerpsesteenweg 496, 2390 Malle tel: 03 3129222