Spencer Trappist Ale

Spencer Brewery

Spencer, MA

Brewed by the monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey, Spencer Trappist Ale is the first and only certified Trappist ale brewed in the United States.

ABV: 6.5

ABW: 5.17

COLOR: 9

BITTERNESS: 25

ORIGINAL GRAVITY: 1053

AVAILABLE: MA 

With sophisticated packaging to match the contents inside this authentic Trappist ale, subtle but lively notes of clove and banana mix with a bit of tropical fruit like mango and even a taste of honey. Its great strength is its simplicity. Balanced to where hop character is present, along with yeasty esters and fine malt softness, it’s capped with a dry, almost tingling finish. It is easy to find peace while sipping this ale. This is one to enjoy after a solid afternoon’s work in the yard, communing with nature.
- John Holl

The label says it all with regard to this beer: “Authentic Trappist Banana Split.” I’m kidding, of course, but the initial perfume of this copper-colored ale surely suggests as much, with creamy banana notes slowly giving way to a spicier and nutmeg-ish, but still fruity, aroma. The body fares better in terms of balance, with soft red apple and lemon notes segueing into a just off-dry, slightly peppery caramel maltiness and a dry finish evocative of a strong best bitter. An encouraging start for America’s first Trappist brewery.
- Stephen Beaumont

John Holl
John is the editor of All About Beer Magazine, the host of The Beer Briefing on iHeart Radio, and the author of three books, including The American Craft Beer Cookbook. Find him on Twitter @John_Holl.

Stephen Beaumont
Co-author of both The World Atlas of Beer and The Pocket Beer Guide (with Tim Webb), Stephen travels the world sampling beer, hosting dinners and tastings, and eating too much airport food.