Mar

31

Trappistes Rochefort 6

By Andy Murphy

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Here we are, week two. It’s been a fun trip through Trappist brews, but I’m starting to get itchy for some variety. There are so many different Belgian beers, and so many different styles to try, I cannot possibly sample them all one day at a time.

So we’ll progress through the Rochefort beers over the next few days, jump into Orval, and then try a few non-Trappist brews before taking a breather. Afterall, if I drink all of my Belgian beer now, what will I have to look forward to later?

As it happens, Rochefort 6 was a pleasant change of pace even without changing styles.

This brown ale had a modest (by Trappist standards) 7.5% ABV, and came in the now-familiar bowling pin bottle. The beer was about 45 degrees when I opened it, and I’m pleased to report it didn’t threaten to erupt or surprise me like the last couple of beers have. My bottle had lots of thick sediment, but I managed to keep most of it in the bottle — those bits that found their way into the chalice sank quickly to the bottom.

Rochefort 6 generated a huge, noisy head. I set the glass down and just listened to the beer. The fizz sounded like frothy waves along a rocky beach. But the head was short-lived. It faded quickly to nothing, with zero lacing.

The aroma was a bit muted — malt like a pilsener, but with an undercurrent of sour, dark fruit. Craisins came to mind, believe it or not. But the taste was like a rich, nutty, and fruity tea with an herbal, spicy, semi-dry bitterness on the finish. Maybe some cinnamon and honey, but there are definite sour notes mixed in. The Rochefort 6 feels thin in the mouth and somewhat fizzy, but the aftertaste is thick but still somewhat dry.

Rochefort ales are brewed in the Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint-Remy, near the town of Rochefort. The brewery produces three Trappist beers, called the 6, the 8, and the 10. All three are based on the same recipe, but vary in production and alcohol content.

According to Wikipedia, the Rochefort 6 is brewed once per year, and — at just 1% of the brewery’s overall production — it is described as the hardest to find. (Since Merchant du Vin is the U.S. distributor or Rochefort, I have to assume this beer isn’t too hard to find.)

Tomorrow I’ll try the 8, and I’ll finish with the 10 on Thursday. I’ve heard great things about Rochefort 10, so I’m eager to see for myself.

As for the 6 — I really liked it. Not too much alcohol, but an abundance of flavor.

Related posts:

1. Trappistes Rochefort 8
2. Trappistes Rochefort 10
3. Chimay Tripel (White, Cinq Cents)
4. Chimay Blue (Grande Réserve)
5. St. Bernardus Pater 6

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Categories : Beer a Day