by Dan Koester on December 27, 2012
Monks have been brewing ales for centuries. This is something that occupies their time and allows them to indulge in the fruit of their labor when completed. Lately there is a resurgence in monk brewing as it is slowly becoming successful in many areas.
Ales for monks have been known to be an elixir. Elixirs are a cure for something such as headaches and arthritis. Monks have felt that by using beer, they were able to cure so many things that became wrong with them. Lately they have been brewing just to develop their brand of ale.
Here are some different types of ales that are manufactured by monks:
- Trappist Brews - The ales are made by Trappist monks, hence the name. There are seven monasteries that currently brew ale. There are six located in Belgium and one in the Netherlands. These two areas of Europe are ever so popular with brewing.
- Lazy Monk Brewing - This is yet another ale made by monks for the public’s consumption. The person who started this brew created the idea in Czechoslovakia. The ale quickly became a success and a small brewery was built to house the brews.
- Dupont Monk Stout - This is a darker brew scented with a hint of coffee. This ale is fairly new on the market and is quickly becoming popular. It is a very edgy stout made for the sophisticated drinker. This roasted stout is more of a cold weather drink, but can be enjoyed anywhere and anytime.
- Koningshoeven - This ale is brewed in the Netherlands by the Trappist monks and seems to be what they focus on best. They started the process in 1999 and have been going ever since. The craft beer is not your ordinary ale as it is darker made from the loyalty of monks who pour their efforts into it.
- Chimay - This ale was created in Belgium, again by Trappist monks. It is one of the best sellers on the market today. Its wide success comes in different varieties and can now be found not only in Europe but in America as well. This is the ale that put the monks on the map for brewing.
These are a few ales created by monks. Lately there has been a surge of these types of brews that are now seen in bars and restaurants everywhere.
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by Dan Koester on December 19, 2012
Fall is a time of year where everything changes. Leaves turn into different colors, the weather gets a bit cooler and, best of all, ales change from summer to autumn. The greatest thing about this season is Oktoberfest. This is an annual event where people gather and eat and drink ales from all over. They are usually heavier brews as that is why they were produced. But don’t worry if you miss out on the chance to attend one because brewers are making them for personal use as well.
Here are the top five Oktoberfest brews that are the best sellers around fall time:
#1: Sam Adam’s Octoberfest
This beer is the best one you can buy as its dark appearance and smooth taste will get you to want more. Brewed in Boston, this ale has won many awards at these festivals. It has become known as the beer of the fall. You can purchase this ale anywhere that sells brews.
#2: Dogfish Head Punkin Ale
You will think that you just ate an entire pumpkin pie after drinking one of these. It has such a rich taste that blends nutmeg and other fall spices together. This is definitely a desert brew as it is very heavy. The taste alone should get you motivated for the holidays. It is a drink that goes well with chilly weather and a warm fire.
#3: Beck’s Oktoberfest
Beck’s has been traditionally brewing ales for years, but recently came out with a new fall brew that has become one of the top beers for Oktoberfest. It has a smooth light taste to it, just as its original counterpart but with just a slight edge where it can be deemed a fall brew.
#4: Coney Island Freaktoberfest
This is one of the top sellers for autumn. Its label alone should want to make you buy it. And its name is one that makes this craft beer so unique. It combines caramel and toffee flavors, which gives it the rich taste that made it famous. Be sure and try this ale for the fall season.
#5: Bob’s 47 Oktoberfest
This is a strange ale that many consumers are not aware of. It is a microbrew that has recently hit the market. It is light, but carries a very heavy taste. The caramel flavoring colors this brew with a fall look and gives it a bitter taste.
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