France: A French Trappist beer

Connoisseurs will be able to taste their first French Trappist beer.  Marketed since June 16, 2011, by the monks of the Abbey of Mont-des-Cats in Godewaersvelde (Nord-Pas-de-Calais), the brew is supposed to benefit from the trademark “Authentic Trappist product”, La Croix reported on June 6.  Previously only seven varieties of beer could be advertised as “Trappist”:  Westmalle, Achel, Chimay, Rochefort, Orval, Westveleteren in Belgium and La Trappe in Holland.  In order to have a claim to that prestigious title, the beer has to be brewed, under the direction of the monks, in a Trappist abbey, and part of the revenues must be applied to works of charity.  (Sources: apic/La Croix – DICI no. 237 dated June 25, 2011)