Brasserie de Rochefort – Trappistes Rochefort 10
Brewery
Brasserie de Rochefort
Name of Beer
Trappistes Rochefort 10
Style
Location
A.B.V.
11.3%
Beeradvocate Score
99
Trappistes Rochefort 10 Description
Trappistes Rochefort 10 is the heaviest of the Rochefort beers, a quadruple-style beer that can be recognized by its distinctive blue label. This authentic Trappist beer is produced by one of only seven recognized Trappist breweries worldwide, brewed by the monks of Rochefort Abbey. This monastery originated in the 13th century. For more information, visit the Rochefort Brewery – Wikipedia. The earliest mention of a brewery at the monastery dates from 1595. However, the current brewery was established in 1899.
Approximately fifteen monks currently reside at Rochefort Abbey, drawing water for their beer from a well located within the monastery walls. They use Pilsener and Munich-type malts, complemented by Hallertau and Golding hops. At 11.3% ABV, this Belgian Quadrupel begins with a density of 24.5º Plato, and some consider it to be one of the great beers of the world.
Trappistes Rochefort 10 Tasting Notes
Rochefort 10 pours dark reddish-brown with a compact head, featuring a bouquet of port wine, leather, apricots, spices, and a touch of bittersweet chocolate. The aroma is rich and full of figs and plums, with bitter chocolate, malt, brandy, and smooth fruitcake elements, complemented by brandy cream, coconut, and caramelized brown sugar notes.
The flavor showcases a pleasant interplay of caramel and toffee notes from the malt, along with esters of raisin, plum, and date, as well as a subtle chocolate character. The flavor follows with a strong and prosperous malty body featuring notes of dark fruit, with a touch of sweetness that manages to stay on the dry side. The 11.3% alcohol is masked well, providing a warming effect.
Despite the 11.3 percent alcohol, the beer remains as creamy and quaffable as café au lait, with flavors of figs, spice cake, and caramel.
Trappistes Rochefort 10 Food Pairings
The Rochefort 10 is wonderfully suited for pairing with hearty dishes featuring spicy, dark sauces and pairs well with pungent cheeses. For a special treat, it pairs beautifully with a slice of cheesecake made with blue cheese, pure bitter black chocolate, or a Black Forest chocolate confection with red fruits, such as Rochefort 10.
A sturdy homemade hamburger, grilled to perfection, makes a great pairing, potentially topped with Belgian blue-veined cheese Rochefort 10. As a malty, superpotent quadruple, it’s suited to assertive aged cheeses, such as mature cheddar. The beer’s complex sweetness and rich fruit character make it an excellent complement to desserts, particularly chocolate-based treats, while its robust character pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes and strong cheeses.
Final Thoughts on Trappistes Rochefort 10
This beer ages well and can be cellared for at least five years while maintaining quality, making it one of the world’s most intriguing beverages. The monks historically used this nutritious beer to supplement their restricted diet, as it serves as both food and drink simultaneously, representing the pinnacle of centuries-old Trappist brewing tradition.