What’s the Difference Between Trappist Beer and Abbey Beer?

All Trappist beers are Abbey beers, but not all Abbey beers are Trappist beers. We know – that’s not overly clarifying. So what is the difference between these two brews? Trappist beer is brewed by or under the supervision of Trappist monks within the walls of a monastery. Abby beer, on the other hand, is brewed in a monastic style, but not within the walls of a monastery. Keep reading as we further explain the differences between the two.

What Makes a Beer a Trappist Beer?

Here’s the first thing to know: Trappist isn’t a beer style. Instead, it describes the beer’s origin and its relationship to the Trappist monks. The International Trappist Association protects the name, and only Trappist abbeys can use it.

That means that you can’t simply brew a Belgian-style ale, put a monk on the label, and call it a Trappist beer. In fact, the International Trappist Association notes that each Trappist beer has its own recipe and yeast, which means there isn’t one universal Trappist style.

You may also see the Authentic Trappist Product (ATP) label on a beer. To qualify for that certification, the beer has to meet three core criteria.

1. Production must take place within the immediate surroundings of the abbey.
2. Monks or nuns must supervise production.
3. Profits must support the monastic community, solidarity within the Trappist Order, development projects, or charitable works.

The ATP license is good for five years, and the International Trappist Association evaluates participating abbeys before awarding it.

Does Trappist Beer Have a Specific Flavor?

No. Trappist identifies an origin, not a flavor profile. Different monasteries use different recipes and yeasts to brew beers with distinct personalities. You may find some of these beers have fruit fermentation notes, while others have warming alcohol, spicy yeast character, rich malt flavors, dry finishes, or noticeable hop bitterness. Some Trappist breweries even produce several different beers rather than sticking to a single recipe.

What Is Abbey Beer?

Like Trappist, Abbey beer is also a broad category rather than one specific beer style. Traditionally, the term refers to beer associated with an abbey or monastic brewing heritage. Unlike Trappist, however, Abbey beer doesn’t have to come from an active monastery.

In Belgium, you may see the Recognized Belgian Abbey Beer designation. These beers have a documented historical connection to an abbey. Production of that beer can either take place at the abbey or through another brewery that has an agreement with the abbey.

That means a commercial brewery can produce an Abbey beer. Some are connected to an existing abbey, but some are named after a historic abbey that’s no longer operating, or simply use a monastic style.

Is Abbey Beer a Belgian Beer Style?

Not exactly. Just like Trappist doesn’t describe one recipe, Abbey doesn’t tell you exactly what you’ll find in your glass.

Many Abbey beers do draw inspiration from Belgian brewing traditions, though, so you may find familiar categories like blondes, dubbels, tripels, and stronger dark ales. Flavors range from light fruit and spice to caramel, toasted malt, dried fruit, bread, and warming alcohol. That’s why we recommend thinking of Abbey as a clue to the beer’s heritage instead of a tasting note.

How Do Trappist Beer and Abbey Beer Compare?

The biggest difference between Trappist beer and Abbey beer is the relationship with the monastery.

– Trappist beer: Originates in connection with a Trappist monastic community and uses the protected Trappist® designation.
– Authentic Trappist Product: Meets additional International Trappist Association requirements for production location, monastic supervision, and how proceeds are used.
– Abbey beer: Connects to an abbey or monastic brewing tradition but may come from a separate commercial brewery.
– Recognized Belgian Abbey Beer: Carries a Belgian designation requiring a demonstrable historical connection to an abbey and other conditions.

Are All Trappist Beers Abbey Beers?

Yes. Trappist beers are part of the larger tradition of beers associated with abbeys and monasteries. However, not every Abbey beer qualifies as a Trappist beer.

That distinction is an easy way to remember the difference: Trappist has specific requirements tied to a Trappist community, while Abbey beer leaves room for a broader relationship with monastic brewing heritage.

If you’re looking at two bottles or tap handles and wondering which one is Trappist, check the label. The beer’s name, strength, color, or Belgian-inspired branding don’t hold the answer.

What Do Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel Mean?

This is where things can get a little confusing. When you’re exploring Trappist and Abbey beers, you’ll often run into the terms dubbel, tripel, and quarupel. These terms describe the beer style and brewing tradition more so than whether the brewery qualifies as Trappist or Abbey.

A dubbel, for example, brings darker malt flavors and notes that suggest caramel or dried fruit. Tripels tend to pour lighter in color, even though they have a higher alcohol content, and deliver fruity, spicy, and dry characteristics. Meanwhile, quadrupels push toward rich malt, dark fruit, and warming alcohol flavors.

You can find beers inspired by these styles outside monastery walls. Calling a beer a tripel doesn’t make it Trappist, just like brewing a dark Belgian-style beer doesn’t automatically make it an Abbey beer.

How Can You Choose Between Trappist Beer and Abbey Beer?

We recommend starting with flavor instead of worrying about which category sounds more prestigious. If you enjoy crisp, lighter beers, start with a Belgian-style blonde or a drier tripel. If you gravitate towards malt-forward beers, try a dubbel or stronger dark ale. Fans of bold, complex beers typically enjoy richer quadrupel-style beers.

Why Does the Trappist Beer vs. Abbey Beer Distinction Matter?

Understanding the differences gives you more context for what you’re drinking. When you choose an authentic Trappist beer, you’re exploring a brewing tradition that’s directly connected to a living Trappist monastic community. When you choose an Abbey beer, you’re tasting a beer inspired by or historically connected to another monastic brewing tradition. Just remember that neither label automatically tells you which one you’ll like more – your palate gets the final vote.

Discover Something New at The Growler Guys

Now that you know the difference between Trappist beer and Abbey beer, put that knowledge to good use at The Growler Guys. Whether you already know your dubbels from your tripels or you’re just starting to explore Belgian brewing traditions, we have something on tap for you.

Our extensive rotating tap list features the best local and not-so-local brews, so there’s always something new to try – and our certified Beer Stewards are always there to guide you. Stop in to your nearest location for a pint, flight, or growler fill today.