A good friends visit

Over all the years, my friends have known the Beerlover Detlev and whenever they come for a visit, often a nice beer joins as a present.

Today a Trappist from Achel entered the BBQ evening.

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Hey Hive Family
Enjoy good beer
and let us travel the world again

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25 Years celebration

Let me tell you a bit of history about this beer, the brewery, the monks and the taste.

Achel Gallant Grand Cru Special is a blond specialty beer that has been commercialized in limited editions.

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Because it is exactly 25 years ago that it was decided to breathe new life into the abbey brewery under the impulse of Marc Gallant, the last abbot of De Achelse Kluis (1995-2006), a festive anniversary beer launched in a limited edition: 'Achel Gallant - Jubileum', a blond specialty beer with 9.5% alcohol by volume and closed with a special cork and we got this today in a huge 0.7l bottle to share it around.

This Abbey beer is brewed with dedication with a blend of three natural grains – barley, wheat, and oats. In addition, it is enriched with a unique ingredient: purple heather flowers, which flourish abundantly in the enchanting nature border park De Groote Heide, of which De Achelse Kluis is the gatekeeper.

Heather what is in the beer??

Yea, the guys and monks added this Flower to the beer.....

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See some interesting facts about that plant and think to that smart monks idea behind that.

The effects of heather have been somewhat forgotten, but the medicinal plant has a diuretic, blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory effect.

Heather grows in areas where little else thrives. And the light purple flowers of the medicinal plant heather contain valuable secondary plant substances such as flavonoids as well as other health-promoting ingredients. Heather has a particularly positive effect on kidney problems, bladder and urinary tract complaints and eczema. It is also the 14th Bach flower Heather.

Grown from the blood of fallen warriors

Basically, there is a gruesome myth surrounding this ancient medicinal plant. It was said that heather grew from the blood of warriors who had fallen in battle. Between the lines, you can see a spark of truth in the myth. The heathlands were often the site of battles, as they are characterized by open terrain.

The result of this new mix is a brand-new, contemporary brew with a rich and unique taste, ending with an exceptionally smooth aftertaste.

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Special Edition

The JUBILEUM stands as a testament to the rich brewing heritage of the Achel Monastery, marking a significant milestone in its history. This special edition beer was crafted to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the revival of brewing at the monastery in 1998. After decades of dormancy, the monks of Achel decided to rekindle their brewing tradition, and this beer serves as a tribute to that momentous occasion. Limited in quantity, the JUBILEUM is not just a beer but a piece of living history, encapsulating the dedication, passion, and skill that have been passed down through generations of Trappist monks.

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What makes this beer truly special is its rarity and the meticulous care with which it is produced. Unlike regular releases, the GALLANT JUBILEUM is a one-time brew, making it highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike. Each bottle is a celebration of 25 years of hard work, patience, and a commitment to excellence. The monks, who brew in silence and prayer, see this beer as a symbol of their enduring connection to the ancient art of brewing. It’s a beer with a story, one that resonates with both history buffs and modern beer lovers.

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Location of Brewery

Have a look at the map to see where these monks are brewing. North of Belgium and close to The Netherlands.

an view to the location of the brewery

This beer is brewed in one of the most serene and spiritually rich environments you can imagine. The Achel Brewery is located within the walls of the Sint-Benedictusabdij De Achelse Kluis, a Trappist monastery that sits quietly on the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. This monastery, surrounded by lush woodlands and tranquil meadows, is a place of quiet devotion and contemplation. It’s here, in this peaceful setting, that the monks have been brewing beer since the 19th century, with a brief hiatus before their brewing tradition was revived in 1998.

Sint-Benedictusabdij De Achelse Kluis

The brewery's location is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the beer’s character. The monastery’s remote and peaceful setting influences the brewing process, allowing the monks to focus deeply on their craft. The brewery itself is steeped in tradition, with brewing techniques that have been passed down and refined over generations. The water used in brewing comes from the nearby wells, contributing to the beer's unique flavor profile. The surrounding environment, rich in natural beauty and tranquility, imbues each bottle with a sense of place that’s as important as the ingredients themselves. This connection to the land and the monastery’s spiritual heritage is what makes the Achel Brewery, and the GALLAN JUBILEUM, truly special.

There is this great video from "Life Is Brewtiful" created by Anthony. He talks about the Achel brewery and comes up with many more facts about Trappist beer. See even more at his channel "Life Is Brewtiful at YouTube"

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Style of Beer

The Achel brew is a prime example of a Belgian strong ale, a style that is deeply rooted in the country’s brewing tradition. Belgian strong ales are known for their high alcohol content, complex flavor profiles, and a balance that few other beer styles can achieve. The GALLANT JUBILEUM embodies all these qualities, making it a standout in a crowded field of Belgian ales. With an alcohol by volume (ABV) of around 9%, this beer is robust yet remarkably smooth, offering a drinking experience that is both powerful and refined.

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This beer is not just about strength; it’s about depth and character. The JUBILEUM is brewed with a blend of carefully selected malts, which give it a rich, malty backbone that’s complemented by subtle notes of caramel and toffee. The yeast used in the fermentation process adds layers of complexity, introducing hints of spice and fruit that dance on the palate. The beer is moderately hopped, providing a gentle bitterness that balances the sweetness of the malts and enhances the overall drinking experience. It’s a beer that’s meant to be savored slowly, allowing the full range of flavors to reveal themselves with each sip.

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Taste

When you take your first sip of the Achel GALLANT JUBILEUM, you’re immediately struck by its depth and complexity. This is a beer that doesn’t reveal all its secrets at once; instead, it unfolds gradually, offering a new taste experience with each sip. The initial impression is one of rich maltiness, with strong notes of caramel, toffee, and dried fruits like figs and raisins. These flavors are warm and inviting, creating a solid foundation that’s both comforting and indulgent.

As the beer opens up, the influence of the yeast becomes more apparent. There’s a subtle spiciness that weaves through the malt, with hints of clove, nutmeg, and a touch of white pepper. These spices add a layer of complexity that keeps the beer from becoming overly sweet or one-dimensional. The bitterness from the hops is restrained but present, providing a counterpoint to the malt sweetness and ensuring a balanced finish. The carbonation is moderate, giving the beer a lively mouthfeel without overwhelming the palate.

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The finish is where the GALLANT JUBILEUM truly shines. It’s long, smooth, and warming, with the alcohol providing a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly. The aftertaste is a harmonious blend of sweet malt, spice, and a slight bitterness that invites another sip. It’s a beer that rewards patience, revealing new nuances as it warms and as you continue to explore its complex flavor profile. Whether you’re enjoying it on a quiet evening or sharing it with friends like we do today, this beer offers a tasting experience that’s rich, satisfying, and memorable.

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Quae sursum sunt quaerite

Now I need to use all the Latin I never had. But with some research and translation, I got a result.

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The phrase "Quae sursum sunt quaerite" ("Seek the things that are above") beautifully resonates with the ethos of Trappist brewing. Trappist beers are not just about producing high-quality, flavorful brews; they are deeply rooted in the spiritual lives of the monks who create them. The brewing process within Trappist monasteries is an extension of the monks' spiritual practice, emphasizing humility, contemplation, and dedication to higher purposes beyond mere material gain.

When enjoying a Trappist beer, one is invited to partake in more than just a drink—it's an experience that reflects the monks' search for what is spiritually uplifting and meaningful. The care, patience, and devotion poured into each bottle are reflections of the monks' own journey to "seek the things that are above." This phrase reminds the drinker to appreciate the beer not just for its taste, but for the spiritual and communal values it embodies. Each sip is a connection to the tranquility and higher purpose found within the monastery, urging us to look beyond the immediate pleasures of life and consider what truly nourishes the soul.

^{Picture by @detlev}

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Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again

^{pic by @detlev}

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Enjoy the #BeerSaturday
have 3 pics and a story
around beer - and go!

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^{@Detlev loves HIVE}

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