Rochefort Trappistes 8

Belgium — Trappist & Lambic, Belgium

The accessible middle expression of Rochefort's range at 9.2% ABV. Dark amber; dried fruit, caramel, brown sugar, clove, and bitterness. More approachable than Rochefort 10 — the ideal introduction to Belgian Trappist dark ale complexity. Bottle-conditioned; serve at 12°C in a chalice. One of the great food-pairing beers for cheese courses and red meat.

Pairing intelligence

• main: The most classic Belgian beer pairing: Rochefort 8 and carbonade flamande, the Flemish beef stew traditionally made with Belgian dubbel. The beer's dried fruit and caramel notes integrate into the braising liquid; mustard provides the acid contrast to the beer's sweetness.
• main: Rochefort 8's balanced Trappist character bridges the waterzooï; a Belgian abbey ale for Belgium's most beloved regional stew
• cheese: Rochefort 8's amber Trappist bridges the young Herve; a Liège abbey tradition of washed rind and monastery ale
• casual: Rochefort 8's malt warmth bridges the Liège waffle; a Trappist ale for the pearl sugar tradition
• main: Rochefort 8's Trappist character bridges the rabbit cooked in abbey ale; a Belgian game tradition for a Belgian table
• casual: Rochefort 8's approachability bridges the boudin blanc; a Trappist ale for a Belgian charcuterie tradition
• dessert: Rochefort 8's dark malt bridges the dark chocolate mousse; Belgian abbey ale for Belgium's signature chocolate dessert