Affligem: The Secret and History Behind Belgium's Ultimate Abbey Beer

In the shadow of history, in a hidden corner of the mystical Flanders, a heroic story began with the Benedictine monks. They not only prayed, but also created a crystal of sound – a unique beer, crystallized from tradition and passion. Affligem – not just a name, but a cultural and historical heritage, waiting for you to discover.

I. The traditional history of Affligem Beer

Affligem beer is not only a beer brand, but also a symbol of Belgian history and culture, with its origins in the Abbey Affligem monastery.

1. 1074: Beginning with the monastery

The Affligem Monastery was founded in 1074 by six Belgian knights. They decided to give up their aristocratic lives to pursue a spiritual and outward life. They were given a plot of land in Affligem, and there they built the first monastery.

2. 12th Century: The tradition of brewing beer begins

Originating from the needs of the monastic community and as a source of income for charitable activities, the tradition of brewing beer at Affligem dates back to the 12th century. Beer not only helped the monastery to maintain its activities, but also brought warmth and community on cold days.

3. 1580: Trouble from the Wars of Religion

During the religious crisis in Belgium at the end of the 16th century, the Affligem monastery was destroyed and the brewing tradition was temporarily interrupted.

4. 1885: The Restoration

After decades of neglect, the monastery was rebuilt and the brewing tradition continued to flourish, starting with the re-establishment of the gardens and brewery.

5. 20th Century: Affligem Internationalization

With exports to many countries around the world, the reputation of Affligem beer has spread far beyond the borders of Belgium. This brand has become a symbol of traditional and high-quality Abbey beer.

6. Present

Affligem continues to be one of the most popular and loved Abbey beer brands worldwide, with a focus on quality and tradition.

II. Product lines and styles

• Afligem Blond: A light golden beer, with a light floral and fruity flavour, alcohol content of about 6.8%.
• Afligem Dubbel: A dark brown beer with caramel and chocolate flavors, alcohol content around 7%.
• Affiliate Tripel: A bright golden beer with a complex, rich flavor and an alcohol content of around 9%.

III. Enjoyment experience

The Affligem beer experience is more than just drinking a beer. It is a journey of colours, sounds and emotions. Here is how to fully enjoy the taste and tradition of Affligem:

• Choose the right cup: Affligem should be enjoyed in a tall, slightly bell-shaped glass to keep the beer's head perfectly formed and allow the flavours to fully develop. Each Affligem beer has its own bespoke glass, specially designed to highlight its particular characteristics.
• Ideal temperature: Affligem beers should be served at 6-8°C for Blonde and 8-10°C for darker beers such as Double and Tripel. This temperature helps to highlight the flavour characteristics without losing the purity and freshness.
• Beer pouring technique: Start by tilting the glass about 45 degrees and pouring the beer from a distance, then slowly tilting the glass back to upright as you pour. This helps create a smooth, rich head of beer that retains the distinctive aroma.
• Enjoy with all your senses: Before you drink, take a moment to admire the color of the beer, from the bright gold of the Blonde to the deep caramel of the Double. Breathe deeply to experience the rich aromas of malt, spice and hops. Finally, savor each sip, feeling the balance of sweetness, bitterness and long finish on the palate.
• Combine with food: Affligem Blonde is perfect when paired with light dishes such as cheese, bacon; while the Double and Tripel lines are great when paired with main dishes such as grilled meats or desserts such as chocolate cake.

IV. Conclusion

Affligem is the embodiment of a long tradition and the pride of the Belgian land. Although not a Trappist beer, Affligem still carries within it the soul and tradition of an ancient monastery. Each sip of beer not only brings a rich and unique flavor but also tells a story about previous generations of monks, artisans who have devoted their lives to creating this quintessential product. Affligem reminds us of classic values, dedication and passion in beer making, as well as the delicate combination of traditional ingredients and modern techniques. When enjoying, we are not only drinking beer but also connecting with a part of the history, culture and soul of a nation. Affligem, through each sip, reminds us of the quintessence, uniqueness and pricelessness of time.