Your cart is currently empty!
Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- North Korea, it turns out, has microbreweries
- Study suggests a beer a day can increase diversity of gut bacteria
- Beer brewed 86 years ago for Edward VIII’s canceled coronation goes on sale
- TIL that the pull tab can was invented in 1967 by Ermal Fraze after he was forced to open a beer with a car bumper at a family picnic.
- Does anyone else feel like their beer preferences “simplified” over the years?
Categories
Archive
Tags
Social Links
Title: The Burden of Excellence: Belgian Trappists and the World’s Best Beer
In the world of craft brewing, few accolades are as coveted as the title of “world’s best beer.” For the Trappist monks of Westvleteren, who have dedicated their lives to brewing exceptional ale at their monastery in western Belgium, this recognition has come with unexpected challenges.
Traditionally, the Westvleteren brewery has operated under a philosophy of quality over quantity, producing limited batches of their renowned ales. Despite this commitment to excellence, the recent surge in popularity following the honor of being named the best beer in the world has led to a selling frenzy, with bottles vanishing from shelves within minutes of their release.
While one might assume that heightened demand would be a blessing for the Trappists, it has, in fact, introduced a host of complications. The monks find themselves grappling with the pressures of fulfilling orders and managing the overwhelming interest from enthusiasts eager to get their hands on a taste of the acclaimed brew. Their serene existence, dedicated to craftsmanship and community, is now occasionally overshadowed by the burdens that accompany global recognition.
As these revered brewers navigate the fine line between sustaining their traditional practices and meeting modern demands, they continue to uphold their commitment to producing superior quality beer. For the Trappist monks, the journey is a reminder that even the sweetest of successes can bring challenges that require careful consideration and thoughtful action.