The monks at the O.L.V. Koningshoeven Abbey have been brewing beer since 1884. It is one of seven Trappist breweries in the world. The deignation “Trappist” is trademark protected. To earn the designation the beer produced by a monastery must be produced on monastery grounds under the direct supervision of the monks, and a significant portion of the proceeds must be directed toward cheritable acts. The La Trappe brewery lost the “Trappist” designation in 1999 when production was contracted to Bavaria Brewery in Germany.While the beer was still brewed on monestary grounds, the International Trappist Association found the arrangement with Bavaria to be too commercial. In 2005 the monks assumed greater control over the day to day operation of the brewery and regained the right to use the Trappist designation.

Isid’or was brewed as a special beer to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the La Trappe brewery. It is named after Isidorus Laaber, the first brewmaster. The proceeds from the sale of the beer go to support monks in Uganda. The Koningshoeven website describes the beer as “a lightly sweet amber beer with a hint of caramel…[that] tastes softly bitter and has a fruity aftertaste.” It is hopped with Perle hops grown at the monastery. Here’s my notes:

Isid’or
Bierbrouwerij de Koningshoeven B.V., Tillburg, Netherlands
Style: Belgian Specialty Ale
Serving Style: 750 ml Bottle

Aroma: Spicy hops dominate. Caramel, toffee, and sugary cotton candy. Traces of alcohol.

Appearance: Deep amber and a bit hazy. The large, creamy, white head persists and leaves lace.

Flavor: From the start to the lingering finish caramel is king. Caramel and toffee flavor, but not overly sweet. The sweetness is cut by medium-high bitterness and a balancing spicy hop flavor. Belgian yeast provides banana and cotton candy notes along with loads of fruit, citrus, cherries, and raisins. A lovely caramel lingers long after the swallow. Light alcohol in the finish but pleasant, not hot or solvent.

Mouthfeel: Medium-full body. Rich and smooth. Medium-high carbonation that lightens it up.

Overall Impression: Isid’or has all the richness of flavor of a big Belgian ale in a highly drinkable, lower alcohol beer. One could drink a couple of these. I love the finish. The caramel flavors linger and linger.