Discover many renowned breweries with PerfectDraft, such as Rochefort Abbey in Belgium or Kees, an innovative craft brewery from the Netherlands. Today, discover Engelszell Abbey, home to Austria’s only Trappist beer.

Austria also has its own Trappist beer

From Belgium and the United States to the Netherlands and Italy, Trappist beers are brewed across the world. This time, we head to Austria to visit Engelszell Abbey and discover its brewer and exceptional Trappist beers.

An abbey, monks, brewers and beer

Located in Engelhartszell in Upper Austria, Engelszell Abbey—also known as the “Cell of Angels”—was founded in 1293 by Bernhard von Pramsbach, Bishop of Passau and a member of the Cistercian order. Although the monastic community flourished for centuries, it faced a major upheaval in 1786 when Emperor Joseph II introduced radical reforms. These reforms aimed to place the Church under state control, reduce the number of seminaries, and abolish contemplative orders deemed unproductive.

Expelled from their monastery, the monks did not return until 1925, when Trappist monks from Oelenberg Abbey in Alsace reclaimed the site. Balancing prayer and work, they eventually began brewing beer in 2012, officially joining the exclusive circle of Trappist breweries.

Engelszell Trappist beer

To earn the prestigious “Authentic Trappist Product” label, a beer must be brewed within a monastery by monks or under their supervision, and profits must support monastic life, abbey maintenance or charitable causes. By enjoying Engelszell Trappist beer, you are directly contributing to these values, just as with the abbey’s three unique beers.

Often overshadowed by Belgian Trappist beers, Engelszell beers deserve full recognition. All are top-fermented and brewed using honey from the abbey’s own beehives. Each beer is named after one of the abbey’s first superiors and showcases a distinctive character.

Gregorius

Named after Abbot Gregor Eisvogel, Gregorius is the first dark beer brewed at Engelszell. This quadrupel-style Trappist beer features a deep brown colour with a creamy, persistent beige head. The aroma reveals notes of honey, caramel, cereals and brown sugar. On the palate, it is smooth, balanced and intense, offering flavours of cocoa, roasted malt and candied fruit.

Benno

Inspired by Abbot Benno Stumpf, Benno is a Saison-style Trappist beer with a lighter amber colour and a thick, fluffy white head. Its aromatic profile includes honey, flowers, fruit and cereals. The palate delivers notes of yeast, toasted and roasted malt, complemented by subtle smoky accents.

Nivard

Named after Abbot Nivard Volkmer, Nivard is a blonde Belgian Pale Ale with an alcohol content of 5.5%. Light and refreshing, it displays a yellow-to-orange hue topped with an airy white head. Aromas of malt, yeast, grass, peach, hops and citrus—particularly grapefruit—lead to a palate that is fruity and gently sweet with a delicate bitterness. Best enjoyed at around 8°C.

For the perfect tasting experience, enjoy these Trappist beers alongside cheeses crafted by Cistercian monks from other abbeys such as Chimay Bleue, Mont des Cats, La Trappe or Spencer. Pairing craft beer with monastic cheese enhances flavours and elevates the experience.

ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.