I know I have written before on what I like to affectionately call the Drunk Monks (like here and here), who are more accurately called Trappists. Most beer fans know all about the Trappists and how high quality their Belgian ales are. Still, I find that, even today, most casual beer drinkers have no idea that there are 11 breweries in the world operated by monks. And when I tell them about it they are often pleasantly astounded.

Thus when I talk about the Trappists I am opening the doorway to the joyous world of Trappist for another consumer.  That is why I keep coming around to them. They are a truly unique story in the beer world.

I mention this because last week I used my regular CBC column to tell the Trappist story (which you can listen to here). I talk about the history, the carefully guarded designation and the tradition of Belgian strong ales. We also try some of Spencer, the new U.S.-based Trappist (read a full review of Spencer here).

I don’t tread any particularly new ground with the column, but it is yet another opportunity to spread the Trappist gospel, so to speak. Plus I am really pleased CBC is once again posting my columns, so I want to be sure to take advantage of that (cross-platform promotion, the smart kids might call it).

I have at times had people ask me whether the religious angle makes me uncomfortable. My answer is: not really. I am not Catholic and do struggle with some of the positions the Catholic leadership takes, but it doesn’t colour my opinion of their beer. I am not saying that who makes the beer is irrelevant – there are certain beer I will not purchase because I am troubled by the practices/positions of the owners – but when I probe the Trappist ethic it feels pretty good to me on the whole. Non-profit, commitment to craftmanship, honesty and modesty. What’s not to like in that?

Any, if you feel moved, click on the CBC link above and spend nine minutes and 51 seconds with the Drunk Monks today.