Hello Alll, I am trying to do some research to figure out which of the 11 trappist brews are hard to come by/impossible to find back in the states. I am finishing my study abroad in Germany and have turned my attention to Trappist brews. So first things first, I have overcome one of the hardest goals and secured myself four Westvleteren 12's, (two for me and two for my father). Also already snagged some Westmalle, Chimay, and Rochefort during a recent trip to Munich. I have sent in an order request to Stift Engelszell in Austria for two of their brews, Gregorius and Benno as well. I live in CT so getting ahold of some St. Joseph's patersbier shouldnt be a problem. I am also lucky enough to head to Rome in the next two weeks where I plan to make a stop at Tre Fontane and hope that their beer will be up for sale soon. That leaves Konigshoeven(La Trappe), Orval, Achel, and Zundert. Are there any special/rare ones that I should be looking out for? Particular styles that dont reach the states? I know these places dont brew too many styles, I just want to make sure that I am not overlooking something special in particular. Thanks
Zundert can be a bit tricky to find. I crossed that one off in Amsterdam. It's pretty tasty. La trappe, orval, and achel are easy.
If you are going to get an Achel brew, get the Achel Extra if you can find it. It is an amazing beer. It can be a little tricky to find sometimes. Oddly, Achel is not highly regarded in many circles around Belgium, but Extra is amazing if you can get it.
Indeed, many people don't think highly of Achel, but it is very underestimated. The Extra Brown is indeed amazing, but the Extra Blond is even better, but only to find in the abbey itself.
Of those mentioned, most of them are easily available in most places in The States. Westvlerten is not, I don't know Zundert offhand, but Westmalle, Chimay, Rochefort, Gregorius, Benno, La Trappe, Orval and Achel are all pretty common. Also keep in mind that Spencer (MA) is a Trappist brewer that is only in the States for now.
