A trip to Italy with Tre Fontane
Renowned worldwide for their authenticity, Trappist beers are steeped in tradition and history. After exploring Belgian icons like Chimay, Orval, Westmalle, and Rochefort, we now turn to Italy and the historic Tre Fontane Abbey.
A traditional beer with ancient roots
Tre Fontane Abbey is famous among locals for its Aquae salvae, or healing waters, though few remember their legendary origin. According to tradition, on the Via Laurentina—a provincial road linking Rome to Tor San Lorenzo—the apostle Saint Paul was beheaded. His head struck the ground three times, and with each bounce, a fountain sprang forth, giving the abbey its name: Tre Fontane, or “Three Fountains.” This story dates back to the 5th century, and archaeological remains of a memorial building dedicated to the apostle have even been found.
Located in southern Rome, the Abbazia delle Tre Fontane dates back to the 7th century. Over the centuries, it was home to Greek monks, Cluniac Benedictines, and later became a Cistercian abbey in the 12th century. However, in 1808, during the Napoleonic occupation and the abolition of religious institutions, the monks were forced to abandon the abbey, which was subsequently looted. Reconstruction efforts stalled due to high costs until 1867, when a generous patron funded its restoration, allowing the monastic community to return. In 1873, large-scale drainage works were carried out with the planting of 125,000 eucalyptus trees and other plants to combat marshland mosquitoes and purify the air.
Eucalyptus: from healing to brewing
While eucalyptus was first used to prevent disease, the monks also discovered its brewing potential. The Cistercian community developed their own recipe, giving birth to Tre Fontane Trappist beer. Unlike other abbey beers such as Chimay Bleue, La Trappe, or Spencer, Tre Fontane is distinguished by the unique use of eucalyptus, making it one of Italy’s most remarkable beers. It offers beer lovers the chance to experience an authentic Trappist brew outside Belgium.
This top-fermented Italian Tripel is brewed according to the abbey’s traditional recipe. It pours a golden-orange to amber color with a thick white head. The aroma combines eucalyptus, citrus fruits, lemon, orange, honey, and subtle spices such as rosemary and coriander. On the palate, eucalyptus leads, balanced by notes of spices, yeast, hops, and cereal. The addition of eucalyptus softens the hop bitterness and imparts a smooth, aromatic sweetness.
A rare and authentic Trappist beer
Tre Fontane Tripel proudly bears the Authentic Trappist Product label, reserved for beers brewed within a Trappist abbey under monastic supervision. To qualify, production must support monastic life or charitable works. With an annual production limited to under 1,000 hectolitres, this craft beer is truly rare. The Cistercian monks of the Strict Observance balance brewing with prayer and daily monastic duties, focusing on a single product to achieve exceptional quality rather than volume.
This unique Italian Trappist beer is best enjoyed in a chalice glass at 6–8°C. For the perfect pairing, serve it with fresh cheeses such as goat’s cheese or feta, which enhance its herbal and citrus notes.
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Discover other beers and breweries : René, a historic beer from Armentières in northern France, Brett Extravaganza Farmhouse Beer from the Danish brewery Amager and Pino beer from the Spanish Virgen Brewery.
