Buying Trappist Beer in Switzerland – The Ultimate Guide 2026
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What is an authentic Trappist beer?
Not every beer that calls itself "monastery beer" is a true Trappist beer. The official "Authentic Trappist Product" (ATP) label of the International Trappist Association guarantees three things: the beer is brewed within the monastery walls, under the direct supervision of the monks, and the proceeds primarily go towards the upkeep of the monastery and social projects.
Worldwide, there are only 14 recognized Trappist breweries – most of them in Belgium and the Netherlands. Each brewery has its own distinctive character, shaped by the water, yeast, and brewing tradition of the respective monastery.
The 14 Trappist breweries at a glance
Belgium (8 breweries)
- Westvleteren – The most famous and rarest Trappist beer in the world. Only available directly at the monastery or through authorized dealers.
- Westmalle – Inventor of Dubbel and Tripel. World-class classics.
- Chimay – The most well-known Trappist beer, in three varieties (Red, White, Blue).
- Orval – Unique due to its Brettanomyces yeast. Dry, hoppy, complex.
- Rochefort – Three dark beers (6, 8, 10) of extraordinary depth.
- Achel – Smallest Belgian Trappist monastery, brewed without monks since 2021.
- Tre Fontane – The only Italian Trappist beer, brewed with eucalyptus.
- Zundert – Dutch Trappist beer, on the market since 2013.
Other Countries
- La Trappe (Netherlands) – Largest Trappist brewery, wide range of products.
- Spencer (USA) – First American Trappist beer since 2013.
- Engelszell (Austria) – Only Austrian Trappist brewery.
- Tynt Meadow (England) – First English Trappist beer since 2018.
- Mont des Cats (France) – Brewed in Chimay, but under the supervision of French monks.
- Cardeña (Spain) – Newest member of the Trappist family.
Trappist beer vs. monastery beer – the difference
Many beers bear the name "Klosterbier" (monastery beer) or "Abbey beer" without having the ATP label. Well-known examples include Leffe, Affligem, or Grimbergen – they are commercially produced and have no direct connection to an active monastery. This doesn't make them inferior, but they are not true Trappist beers.
Which Trappist beer is right for me?
| Beer | Style | Alcohol | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chimay Red | Dubbel | 7% | Fruity, mild, ideal for beginners |
| Westmalle Tripel | Tripel | 9.5% | Light, complex, hoppy-fruity |
| Rochefort 10 | Quadrupel | 11.3% | Dark, rich, dried fruit notes |
| Orval | Pale Ale | 6.2% | Dry, Brett notes, unique |
| La Trappe Blond | Blond | 6.5% | Light, fresh, ideal for starting |
Food Pairing: What goes with Trappist beer?
- Dubbel (Chimay Red, Westmalle Dubbel): Stewed meat, game dishes, mature cheese
- Tripel (Westmalle, La Trappe): Poultry, seafood, goat cheese
- Quadrupel / Stout (Rochefort 10): Chocolate desserts, blue cheese, neat as a digestif
- Orval: Belgian fries, mussels, hard cheese
Buy Trappist beer in Switzerland
Authentic Trappist beers are hardly available in Swiss retail – and if they are, they are often of poor quality due to improper storage. TheCrafts.ch curates a selection of authentic Trappist beers and delivers them temperature-controlled and securely packaged throughout Switzerland, to Graubünden, and to Liechtenstein.