Rochefort Trappistes 8 – Belgium

History and origin are easily visible in the taste of 8. Since the 60s. Rochefort’s own yeast culture produced these characteristic esters in their divine infusions. And even today, in 2014, the famous Trappists of Rochefort still weigh water from the calcium-rich spring of Tridaine, 42 meters above the abbey. It is said that this spring water has a unique composition, easily transformed into dark Rochefort beers in the “cathedral of the brewhouse” of monks. It is enough to add barley malt, wheat starch and hop pellets.

Although the basic recipe of these three beers remains the same, what distinguishes each of them is the amount of malt and candied sugar added. The Rochefort 8 is considered the “boy” of the three, with his green bottle hat that first saw the light of day in 1954. This youngest member of the family was immediately warmly welcomed, after being commissioned by one particular (and quite important) client. A year later, it became an official addition to the current Rochefort trio and sold as a “speciale”. Some still call it by that name.

Rochefort 8 is a beer that you can enjoy in your free time. Not very dense, easily descends, quietly effervescent. Alcohol in the finish never lets you forget that this is an authentic tasting beer that you can not hurry. It’s sweet chocolate, pleasant, but it’s certainly never boring. The same can be said about the alcohol content – it makes itself known, but it never overwhelms, leaving plenty of room for all the rich subtlety that can be found in the glass 8.