Westmalle

Westmalle refers to the Trappist abbey and on-site brewery located in Westmalle, a village in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. The monastery belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (Trappists) and operates a brewery that produces beer to fund the community’s life and charitable works. The production is overseen by the monks and the beer is sold to the public and international markets, under the Authentic Trappist Product designation.

The two best-known beers produced at Westmalle are Westmalle Dubbel and Westmalle Tripel. Westmalle Dubbel is a copper-colored ale with a malt-forward profile and typically around 7% alcohol by volume. Westmalle Tripel is a pale, golden ale with a higher ABV, commonly about 9.5%, and a balanced hop presence. Both beers are bottle-conditioned and widely distributed beyond Belgium.

Westmalle beers are regarded as representatives of Trappist brewing, produced within a functioning monastic community and intended to support the abbey’s religious and charitable activities. The Westmalle Tripel, in particular, has been influential in shaping the modern Tripel style and is frequently cited among classic examples of the category.