Buying Trappist Beer in Switzerland – The Ultimate Guide 2026
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What is a true Trappist beer?
Not every beer that calls itself "abbey 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.
Worldwide, there are only 14 recognized Trappist breweries.
Trappist Breweries by Country
Belgium (6 Breweries)
- Westvleteren – The most famous and rarest Trappist beer in the world.
- Westmalle – Inventor of the Dubbel and Tripel. World-class classics.
- Chimay – The most well-known Trappist beer, available 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.
Netherlands (2 Breweries)
- La Trappe – Largest Trappist brewery, wide range of products.
- Zundert – Dutch Trappist beer, on the market since 2013.
Other Countries
- 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, under the supervision of French monks.
- Tre Fontane (Italy) – Only Italian Trappist beer, brewed with eucalyptus.
- Cardeña (Spain) – Newest member of the Trappist family.
Trappist Beer vs. Abbey Beer
Many beers carry the name "abbey beer" without the ATP label. Famous examples: Leffe, Affligem, Grimbergen – commercially produced, no active monastic connection. This does not 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 |
Food Pairing
- Dubbel: Braised meat, game dishes, mature cheese
- Tripel: Poultry, seafood, goat cheese
- Quadrupel: Chocolate desserts, blue cheese
- Orval: Belgian fries, mussels, hard cheese
Buying Trappist beer in Switzerland
True Trappist beers are rarely available in Swiss retail stores. TheCrafts.ch curates a selection of authentic Trappist beers and delivers them securely packaged throughout Switzerland and Liechtenstein.