Leffe, Affligem, Abbaye des Rocs, Corsendonk… These are just a few of the many Abbey beer brands that fill our beer cellars. For years, this beer style—rich in history and character—has intrigued craft beer lovers with its close ties to monastic life. PerfectDraft lifts the veil and tells you everything you need to know about Abbey beers.
What Is an Abbey beer?
The term Abbey beer refers to a beer that is brewed by a commercial brewery under a licensing agreement with a monastery or abbey—whether the abbey still exists, is in ruins, or never existed. This agreement grants the brewery the right to use the abbey’s name and monastic branding in its marketing and on beer labels. In return, royalties are paid to the religious institution or its representatives.
What does abbey beer taste like?
Abbey beer is more than a name—it represents a diverse family of Belgian-style beers with deep, rich flavours. Most commonly, Abbey beers are brewed in Dubbel, Tripel or Quadrupel styles and are known for their strong alcohol content and complex aromas. Expect notes of honey, candy sugar, spice, and warming alcohol.
How to serve an abbey beer
Due to their rich profiles, Abbey beers are best served in a stemmed glass such as a chalice, tulip, or balloon glass. These glass shapes allow the beer to release its aromas and maintain a stable, foamy head. Ideal serving temperatures range from 8–10°C for Dubbels and Tripels, and 12–14°C for the more robust Quadrupels.
The origins of Abbey beer
The history of Abbey beer dates back to the Middle Ages. As early as the 6th century, monks followed the Rule of Saint Benedict, which encouraged hospitality. Beer became a symbol of welcome and a source of income for monasteries. By the 9th century, Charlemagne decreed that brewing should be done by skilled professionals in each abbey, standardising recipes and advancing brewing techniques.
While Belgium is often associated with Abbey beers, they are also brewed in countries such as France, the Netherlands, and the UK. Notable French abbeys include the Abbaye de Saint-Wandrille and the Abbaye du Mont des Cats, both known for producing characterful beers.
Abbey beer vs Trappist beer : what’s the difference?
Though both are monastic in origin, Trappist beers are brewed within active Trappist monasteries by—or under the supervision of—monks. They must meet strict criteria set by the International Trappist Association and can display the “Authentic Trappist Product” label. Abbey beers, by contrast, may only use monastic names under license and are not necessarily brewed in active religious institutions.
In short: All Trappist beers are Abbey beers, but not all Abbey beers are Trappist.
A wide variety of Abbey beers
Abbey beers span many styles—Dubbel, Tripel, Quadrupel, blonde, amber, brown, and even white beers. Alcohol content varies greatly depending on the brewery and recipe.
At PerfectDraft, you’ll find a curated selection of authentic Abbey-style beers. Whether you’ve enjoyed a Leffe Blonde in a bar in Brussels or prefer the robust notes of Saint Landelin, there’s something for every taste. You can also explore beers from Grimbergen or discover Abbey-style kegs for your PerfectDraft machine.
Each listing includes detailed tasting notes, bitterness and sweetness levels, ABV, and aroma profiles—so you always know exactly what you're drinking.
ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.
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