Rochefort Trappistes 6 – Belgium

Trappist beer derives from pre-war bottled beer intended for the sick and infirm. But later, 1899 was the year when the monks of Saint-Remy in Rochefort first lit a fire under the boilers in their new small brewery. The beer brewed at that time was the precursor of today’s Rochefort 6.

Sales were modest at first, disrupted by two world wars. These wars also shaped these early beers – the occupier decreed that beers should not have a density greater than 0.8°. But an exception was made for those beers intended for the sick. They could reach up to 5°.

Thus, Rochefort 6 started as a beer intended exclusively for “medicinal purposes”, reaching its current form with a little help from fellow Trappists. After World War II, when Rochefort suffered from Chimay’s success, Chimay’s “confreres” agreed to lend Rochefort a helping hand. The first fruit of this collaboration – and the oldest member of the Rochefort family – is Rochefort 6. It was launched in 1953.

This wonderful brew, topped with a red nut, is only produced for a few weeks a year. It is served mainly in the guest quarters of the abbey. Among the members of the Rochefort trio, this is the mildest and driest variety. The Rochefort 6 certainly has character, but it is less rich and complex than its two brothers. Mild and fruity beer, slightly herbal, malty and sweet, with an admixture of caramel. The calm bitterness he has is revealed only at the finish.