Visiting Achel Trappist Brewery

I’m writing this mostly because of the lack of information on the Achel Trappist brewery or, as some may know it, “Brouwerij der Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis” on the internet.

I had a hard time finding out simple things like what time the Achel Trappist brewery was open. After a visit to the town of Achel, Belgium, and the Trappist Brewery, here is what we found out.

What time is the Achel Trappist Brewery open?

When we visited, they had this homemade sign taped to the window. However, the hours listed on Google have changed to Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday 11:00 am – 7:00 pm and Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm.

The Achel Brewery is closed on Mondays. Unfortunately for me, we were driving through that part of Belgium on a Monday, so where we failed, hopefully, you succeed.

Visiting the Achel Trappist brewery

Location of Achel Brewery: De Kluis 1, 3930 Hamont-Achel, Belgium

Achel brewery is located on the border of Belgium and the Netherlands, actually the monastery is about 10% in Dutch territory. I was very excited to visit this particular Trappist brewery because it is the only of the 6 true Trappist breweries where the tasting room is on the monastery grounds.

Here is the only place where you can see, through a pane of glass, the monks brewing occasionally. None of the Trappist breweries offer tours of the actual brewing process because it is said to be a quiet spiritual time for the monks and not for display.

What makes Achel Brewery unique is that you can actually try the fruits of the monk’s labor on-site, not in a tasting room across the street.

When you pull up to the tall gates of the monastery, you are surrounded by tall hardwood trees, and the places feel very peaceful. After quietly taking a few pictures of the monastery, we made our way around to the south side of the walls surrounding the complex.

At the end of that side (the side that borders Kluizerdijk Street) are the doors to the Achel Brewery tasting room.

Beer On Tap at Achel Brewery:

The monks of Achel brewery are said to only brew enough beer to keep their work going and produce only around 3800 barrels per year. The monks produce 6 flavors, which are available in the tasting room and around the country.

• Achel Blonde 5°, 5% ABV
• Achel Brune 5°, 5% ABV
• Achel Blonde 8°, 8% ABV
• Achel Brune 8°, 8% ABV
• Achel Extra, 9.5% ABV Brune (75cl only)
• Achel Extra, 9.5% ABV Blonde (75cl only)

Sources & additional information: 

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achel_Brewery
• Monastery Webpage: http://www.achelsekluis.org

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