Affligem

Affligem Abbey is located on the border between the provinces of Flemish Brabant and East Flanders. It was built in 1074, after six pillaging knights established themselves in Affligem to adopt the monastic life of the Benedictines. Over the centuries, the abbey has had to survive many torments. The wars that opposed Brabant and Flanders in the Middle Ages, successive wars of Independence and religion and the French Revolution ruined the abbey several times, obliging the monks to flee. Each time, however, they returned to Affligem. Since the Second World War, the abbey and its congregation seem to have found some stability. The monks have been able to undertake initiatives such as the creation of a farm for young people and a religious and cultural center….

Until the French Revolution, brewing at the abbey was undertaken by lay staff that were paid for their labor, until the monks decided to brew for themselves. During the First World War, the Germans requisitioned the copper vats. The brewery had to again stop working and close its doors. But they bought new vats in 1920. In 1970, it entrusted the current Affligem Brewery proprietors with the mission of brewing the abbey beer according to its Formula Antiqua Renovata: an authentic recipe developed for modern brewing. So beer fans are ensured of enjoying the traditional taste of Affligem abbey beer.

Affligem Abbey

Abbey Picture:


Affligem Blond

The classic clear blonde abbey ale, with gentle roundness and 6.8% alcohol content. Low on bitterness, it is imminently drinkable.

It looks like honey in a glass. Honey with an exceptionally large, dense head. It holds up well, then fades to lacing, just like a great head should. It has a floral aroma, but there are also some cloves and a bit of pepper to spice it up. After it rests, a little apple begins to come out, and you get a touch of the honey that will be even more pronounced in the flavor. Without even tasting it, I knew it was going to be hard not to like this one. – Mike Barkacs (beerreviews@bullz-eye.com) 05/08/2008

ABV: 6.8%


Affligem Abbey Ale Tripel

The pride of abbey beers. Its amber color and distinctive bitterness is bolstered by 8.5% alcohol.

WORLD BEER CUP 2008-GOLD MEDAL. Secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, giving this amber ale a complexity of pralines and honey with a balanced hoppiness; store upright-contains slight sediment.

ABV: 8.5%


Affligem Dubbel

A very dense brown ale brewed with dark malt. The secondary fermentation gives a fruity aroma and a unique spicy character with a distinctive aftertaste. Secondary fermentation in the bottle. (Serving temperature: 8-10°C)

A sweet, generous beer with 7% alcohol.Best served with a tall creamy head – the perfect beer to sip and enjoy slowly.

ABV: 7%


Affligem Noël

ABV: 9%