Like many, I've become enthralled with Trappist brews and am lucky to have tried most of those currently brewing; but I was blind to the fact that the Cistercians are not the only religious order to brew beer. I've recently become familiar with Benedictine abby brews from Weißenohe, Andechs and Ettal, and have become fascinated with beers that are brewed with a purpose beyond merely profit. Has anyone compiled, here or elsewhere, a comprehensive list of brews produced by or for religious orders? I'm not merely interested in Christian brewers, but of any who produce beer to enable their religious devotions. It is impossible to generalize, but I have found, at the very least, that the religious orders brew enjoyable beers. To date I have sampled the labors of: Trappist: Brasserie de Rochefort Brouwerij der Trappisten van Westmalle Bières de Chimay Brasserie d'Orval Brouwerij der Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis Brouwerij de Koningshoeven Stift Engelszell St. Joseph’s Abbey Benedictine: Kloster Andechs Kloster Ettal Kloster Weißenohe I'd be thrilled to expand my experience to any and all brewers for whom brewing is a means, not merely an end.
Chris Barnes did a nice series of articles (incl. some sources and add'l reading) a few years back. Good reading and maybe has a little more info. I'm also interested in finding out more about the not-so-common religious order brewers out there. Cheers!
Wasn't there some news a few years ago about a religious order that was going to start brewing in NY or VT? Maybe there is something happening that is local rather than European. Does anyone know if they got started?
Are you thinking of Spencer Trappist Ale? If so, @StephenPM mentioned them under the name St. Joseph's Abbey, which is the monastery that brews it in Spencer, MA.
