Abbaye du Mont des Cats – A Timeless Monastic Brew Reimagined
At TheCru.ie, we take pride in curating the finest and most fascinating beers from across the globe, and few are as unique and historically rich as Abbaye du Mont des Cats. Rooted in centuries of monastic brewing tradition, this Trappist-associated beer brings together heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity in every bottle. For those who seek depth, tradition, and refined flavour in their craft beer, Abbaye du Mont des Cats is a name worth knowing.
A Monastery with a Brewing Past
Located in Godewaersvelde, a small village in northern France near the Belgian border, the Abbaye du Mont des Cats has a long-standing place in the region’s spiritual and agricultural history. Founded in 1826 by Trappist monks from the nearby Westvleteren Abbey, the monastery quickly became known for its dedication to manual labour, self-sufficiency, and quiet excellence — values that are deeply woven into the beer it now produces.
Although the abbey was not originally renowned for brewing, it maintained a modest tradition for many years, alongside other artisanal pursuits like cheese production. In 2011, the monks revived the beer under the name Abbaye du Mont des Cats, tapping into the time-honoured Trappist brewing ethos while collaborating with fellow monastic brewers to produce something both meaningful and delicious.
Rooted in Monastic Values
The brewing philosophy at Abbaye du Mont des Cats is guided by the same principles that have defined monastic life for centuries — simplicity, quality, humility, and community. While not officially designated as an Authentic Trappist Product (because the beer is brewed at another Trappist site rather than within the abbey itself), the spirit of the Trappist tradition runs through every drop.
Their focus is not on trend-chasing or volume-driven production. Instead, they craft beer that reflects patience, depth, and careful balance — qualities that resonate deeply with craft beer Dublin drinkers seeking something contemplative and rich in history.
The Brewing Process
Abbaye du Mont des Cats is brewed using traditional Belgian methods, which place emphasis on bottle conditioning, rich malt character, and a distinctive yeast profile. The recipe includes a blend of pale and roasted malts, noble hops, and the use of top-fermenting yeast to create a deep, amber-hued beer with complex flavour layers.
Once brewed, the beer undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle — a technique that contributes natural carbonation, a smoother mouthfeel, and an evolving flavour that improves with age. This unhurried approach is key to the beer’s identity and one of the reasons it has become so well-regarded among fans of European craft beer.
Signature Beer – Mont des Cats Amber
The signature release from the monastery is Mont des Cats Amber — a beautifully crafted 7.6% Trappist-style ale that balances malt sweetness, fruit esters, and a touch of bitterness. With its warm amber colour and lasting off-white head, it’s a beer that immediately captures the eye, but it’s the flavour profile that leaves a lasting impression.
Expect notes of caramel, dried fruit, mild spice, and earthy yeast, with a rounded, velvety mouthfeel. The finish is dry and gently warming, making it a contemplative sipper that pairs well with food or stands alone just as confidently.
This isn’t just another Belgian-style ale — it’s a carefully brewed tribute to a way of life that values depth over dazzle, consistency over flash.
Recognition and Respect
While Abbaye du Mont des Cats might not chase awards or media attention, it commands immense respect in the world of monastic and traditional brewing. The beer has been embraced by discerning drinkers and beer professionals alike for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and understated excellence.
In Ireland, the beer has developed a quiet but devoted following, particularly among those who appreciate the roots of European brewing and the rich stories behind the bottles they open.
A Place in the Irish Craft Beer Landscape
Though Abbaye du Mont des Cats isn’t brewed on Irish soil, it holds a meaningful place on our shelves — and in the glasses of those who love thoughtful, expertly made beer. It complements the variety and quality found in craft beer Ireland while introducing something slightly different: a beer built not on modern hype but on centuries-old traditions of care and contemplation.
Whether you’re shopping for something unique in our craft beer shop Dublin or exploring the full range of craft beer online, this is the kind of beer that adds depth to your selection and story to your next drink.
Discover a Trappist Treasure with TheCru.ie
At TheCru.ie, we’re proud to bring beers like Abbaye du Mont des Cats to Irish drinkers — not only because they taste exceptional, but because they embody the values we admire most: tradition, quality, and authenticity.
Shop the best of craft beer Ireland and from around the world online with TheCru.ie or in our Dublin craft beer store, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. Whether you’re a long-time Trappist fan or a curious newcomer, this is a beer that’s worth discovering and savouring.
Order your craft beer online for delivery or for collection in our craft beer Dublin shop, Carry Out Tyrrelstown in Dublin 15. With fast service and top-notch selection, we make it easy to enjoy world-class beers wherever you are in Ireland.
For the True Connoisseur
If you appreciate beers that tell a story, that reflect a deep-rooted sense of place and purpose, then Abbaye du Mont des Cats deserves a place in your collection. From its rich amber hue to its layered flavour, every aspect of this beer reflects the values of the monastery that inspired it.
So whether you’re expanding your palate, exploring Europe’s brewing heritage, or simply looking for a new standout among your favourite craft beer Ireland online picks, Mont des Cats Amber is a quiet masterpiece waiting to be enjoyed.
Add it to your next order today and experience a true monastic brew — timeless, thoughtful, and full of character.