Have you ever read a book that inspired you to take swift and immediate action? I’m sure many of us have experience at least one such uplifting read; the type of book that seems to speak to your soul, pushing you to get up off of that chair, march out the door, and work to change the world and people around you. I suppose most of these highly inspirational books are of the self- help variety, but I have read some beer books that were equally motivating. And one such book that I just had the pleasure of reading is Trappist Beer Travels: Inside the Breweries of the Monasteries, a book about Belgian beer and the monks who brew it.
To Europe We Go
Trappist Beer Travels was written by Caroline Wallace, Sarah Wood, and Jessica Deahl, three ladies who contribute to the all- female beer blog known as Bitchbeer.org. I have heard of this blog previously and I know that we follow each other on Twitter and other social media, so I was already familiar with the authors, at least on a blogging level. Given these ladies penchant for excellent writing and appreciation for fine brew, Trappist Beer Travels seemed like it would be an enjoyable book. And now that I have read it, I can say with confidence that this book is, indeed, every bit as good as expected and then some, with educational as well as personal elements.
Opening up the book, the reader is presented first with a background on Trappist beer and a history lesson on Trappist origins. Next, the book takes you on a journey to the eleven places on the planet where authentic Trappist beer is produced. These 11 icons of Trappist authenticity include:
- Orval
- Achel
- La Trappe
- Rochefort
- Chimay
- Westvleteren
- Westmalle
- Zundert
- Stift Engelszell
- Tre Fontane
- Spencer
Trappist Beer Travels provides an inside look of what life is like and how beer is brewed inside the walls of a Trappist monastery. Like a fine Belgian ale, the book blends together multiple elements for an unforgettable finished product that is satisfying on all levels, yet leaves you wanting more; specifically, to board the nearest plane and make your way across the Atlantic. With each monastery these young ladies visit, they share their thoughts on the journey itself. They express their anticipation on arrival. They wonder aloud what each brewery will be like. They speak respectfully and admirably of the monks, lay people, and others they meet. They talk about the history and, of course, they discuss each of the beers that have made these individual Trappist breweries world renown and have escalated so many of them to the top of the best beer and best brewery in the world rankings.
There are many reasons to enjoy Trappist Beer Travels. I love the genuine interest that these three ladies have for the Belgian Trappist tradition. It isn’t like other books, which sometimes leave the impression that the author was only writing the book because, well, it’s his/her job and the task had to be completed. With Trappist Beer Travels, you can sense the authors’ love for what they do and it comes through on every page. Another aspect of the book that makes it memorable is the history. I thought I knew a good deal about Trappist beer and the breweries that produce it, but now that I have read Trappist Beer Travels, I realize that my somewhat conceited attitude was completely for naught. I, in fact, knew very little about the Trappist traditions, the hard work that goes into the brewing, the often fascinating history and challenges these breweries face, and the alluring individuals who labor long hours to bring quality beer to the world.
Another reason to love Trappist Beer Travels is the illustrations. Every page in the book has at least one picture and they add a great deal to the enjoyment of the reading. Not only do you get to hear the authors talk about their first impressions and express what they like, you get to see the places, the people, the brewing equipment, the tap rooms, and so much more. You feel like you are right there, joining these three amazing young women as they check in to some of the greatest breweries on the planet.
Join Me in Belgium
Trappist Beer Travels is an education lesson and travel diary rolled into one. As I read this book, I kept thinking about my own beer trekking adventures, almost all of which have taken place in the United States. I imagined what it must have been like to walk into the actual breweries where first class beer like Chimay, Rochefort, and Orval are produced. I felt motivated to seek out more information and, eventually, book a trip of my own. Not all of the breweries are overseas (Spencer is in Massachusetts), but Western Europe is the heart and soul of Trappist brewing and the place to visit if you want to experience these world class beers first- hand with the people who brew them.
Inspirational books are few and far between. There aren’t many books that encourage me to take swift action and better the world in which I inhabit, but Trappist Beer Travels is one of them. The book is nearly flawlessly written, well- edited, educational, and stimulating and it makes for perfecting reading with a glass of Chimay by your side. Read it, and be inspired!
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