Belgium: Trappist Westmalle brewery to open to the public for the first time in September

For the first time in its history, the Westmalle Trappist brewery will open its doors to the public for two days in September. The announcement was made in a press statement released by Westmalle Abbey’s Trappist community on June 17.

The Trappists began brewing beer at the abbey in the Kempen area of Antwerp Province in 1836. The brewery is located within the abbey walls and as such the beers brewed are authentic Trappist beers. Four other abbeys in Belgium Westvleteren, Rochefort, Chimay and Orval) also produce Trappist beer.

Over the years many local people and fans of Trappist beers from all over the world have asked to visit the brewery. However, up until now these requests have always been declined. On Monday though the monks finally gave in. Around 1,500 people are expected to visit the brewery on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September, between 8.30am and 3.30pm.

Reservations for a ticket to visit the brewery open on Wednesday 19 June and they can be made online.

Each visitor will have to pay 12.50 euro and part of the proceeds will be donated to the not-for-profit group Coda that is active in palliative care. Coda is one of the groups supported by the monks at the abbey. Part of the proceeds from the sale of beer during the open days will go to charity.

The Westmalle brewery produces 120,000 hectolitres of Extra, Double and Triple beer each year. Production has been deliberately at the same level for many years. Around fifty lay people work in the brewery, under the supervision of the monastic community that still includes 17 monks.

19 June, 2024