And then there were eight...

For the longest time, there have been only 7 Trappist breweries, Westvleteren, Westmalle, Orval, La Trappe, Chimay, Rochefort, and Achel. La Trappe was the only Trappist brewery outside of Belgium and I never would have imagined that the next one would be in the United States...never mind in my home state of Massachusetts. Needless to say, this is an exciting development that enhances the already white hot craft beer production in this state.

Brewed by the monks at St. Joseph's Abbey in Spencer, MA. 6.5% abv. Pours a gorgeous, unfiltered orange color with a rich creamy head. Nice carbonation and head retention. This beer smells incredible, ripe banana, spicy clove, touches of floral and citrus hops, and fresh berries. Good Belgian lace. Great mouthfeel. First sip is cloves and dried tropical fruit, maybe mangos, papaya, and pineapple. About halfway through you pick up Belgian candy sugar and  raisin flavors. Pear skin and just the slightest white pepper finish. Crusty bread and dry cracker maltiness. Well balanced and excessively drinkable. The 6.5% abv make this a fantastic session beer. I think this an excellent first effort from the brothers of St. Joseph Abbey. I am looking forward to their next offering.