Affligem - Abbey Ales
The Affligem brewery in Belgium is a well-known name among beer enthusiasts worldwide. This brewery has been producing high-quality beer for over a thousand years, and its products are now exported to many countries around the world.
History
The Affligem brewery is located in the town of Affligem, in the Flemish Brabant province of Belgium. The town has a long history dating back to the middle ages, and it was here that a group of Benedictine monks founded a monastery and brewery in 1074. The monastery soon became known for its brewing skills, and the monks began producing beer to sustain both themselves and the local community.
Over time, the monastery and its brewery became well known throughout Europe, and their beer was in high demand. However, during the French Revolution, the monastery was destroyed, and the brewing tradition was lost. It was only in the early 20th century that the brewery was revived, and the Affligem brand was born.
The brewery was initially operated by a group of local farmers who had a passion for brewing. They acquired the rights to the Affligem brand and began producing beer using traditional methods. Over time, the brewery grew in popularity, and its products became widely recognized for their high quality and distinctive flavor.
Fast-forward to World War II and the brewery was once-again destroyed. Affligem survived by collaborating with the De Smedt brewery in Opwijk, which is about 6 miles from the Abbey.
Affligem Beers
Today, the Affligem brewery produces a range of beers, each with its own unique character and flavor profile:
Affligem Blond: This is the flagship beer of the brewery and the one that started it all. Affligem Blond is a light, refreshing beer that is brewed using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. It has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness and a floral aroma. Its 6.8% alcohol makes it very drinkable.
Affligem Dubbel: This is a dark beer with a rich, complex flavor profile. It is brewed using a blend of roasted malts and has notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. Despite its dark color, Affligem Dubbel is surprisingly smooth and easy to drink at 6.8% ABV.
Affligem Tripel: This beer is brewed using a unique combination of hops and spices, giving it a distinctive flavor that sets it apart from other beers. It has a light, fruity taste with notes of citrus, a hint of sweetness and 9.0% alcohol.
Affligem Patersvat: This is a seasonal beer that is released each year in limited quantities at a strength of 8.0% ABV. It is brewed using a unique combination of herbs and spices and has a complex flavor profile that is both sweet and spicy.
Affligem Hop Selection (6.8%) is a hoppy version of the Blond ale.
Affligem Fruits Rouges Cuvée Carmin – a red fruit flavored ale.
Affligem Noël is a spiced seasonal offering released at Christmas time.
Affligem Blond 0.0%: This is a non-alcoholic version of the brewery's flagship beer, Affligem Blond. It is brewed using traditional methods but has the alcohol removed to create a refreshing, non-alcoholic beer.
Affligem is an excellent of an “Abbey” brewery. The brewery is no longer church-affiliated, but it is descended from a Benedictine monastery and makes beers similar to Trappist ales and other abbey beers. Its lasting legacy is tied its traditional brewing methods, high quality and a shared passion for excellence.
