Bock Trappist Ale

Koningshoeven
Tilburg, The Netherlands
Imported by: Artisanal Imports
Austin, TX

Available: n/a

ABV: 7
ABW: 5.8
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: n/a

A russet/brown 7% beer with a massive aroma of fresh tobacco, vanilla and dried fruits. Hop bitterness breaks through in the mouth with notes of roasted grain, dark chocolate and vine fruits. The long, bittersweet finish has hop resins balancing rich, roasted malt, dark fruits and chocolate. The beer would go well with the tangy cheeses or fish dishes of the region.
- Roger Protz

Confusingly, the bottle says “Bock Trappist Ale,” seemingly contradicting itself in only a few words. Once known as La Trappe Bock, this beer shows a handsome mahogany color and a sturdy tan head. The aroma is dominated by caramel notes with hints of chocolate and coffee. The palate is surprisingly brash — quite bitter and very dry, with flavors of burnt sugar and cola nut. The finish is dusty, with lingering roast and hop bitterness. There are hints of spice, but it’s hard to say whether this is a lager or an ale. There’s nothing typical — it defies categorization. The overall flavor is a bit harsh, but this beer would lay into a good charbroiled ribeye steak with gusto.
- Garrett Oliver

Roger Protz
Roger Protz is the author of Complete Guide to World Beer and 300 Beers to Try Before You Die. He is a respected beer authority and editor of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Garrett Oliver
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.

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