Trappistes Rochefort is one of the world’s most treasured breweries, and is certainly a jewel in Belgium brewing’s rather large crown. It only produces 3 beers, due to its commitments to God first, the brewery is always second, and they only produce what they need to sell to keep the monastery going. Their 8 is the middle brew, and is often regarded as the ‘special’.
It is a Belgian Dubbel which is reflected in its dark copper colour and its complex aroma of raisins, bananas and dates. It has a smooth, rich taste before a herbal finish with fruit notes. This top fermented ale can be paired beautifully with cheese and stews.
Stevie L –
My introduction to Belgian beers after torrential rain forced me and my better half off the E411 on our first bike trip through Belgium – the definition of serendipity. Never had the legendary Westvleteren but all three Rocheforts are the best Trappist ales I have ever tasted. The 8 is rich and fruity and if you can restrain yourself will develop even more richness and warmth if you let it mature in bottle for at least 6 months. A four star beer only denied 5 to differentiate it from the 10. Just stop after two though if you are planning an early start on Belgian motorways the next day!
Sharpie –
Poured out a murky brown ale, the thick head disappeared quickly but did not detract from the taste. Like most of the trappist ales I’ve tried there’s a lot of flavour going on, too much for my palate to start identifying the composition. Because of the balance of flavours in this little belter, you don’t detect the 9.2% ABV!
John Sanders –
This, like its big brother the 10, is one of the world’s great beers. It pours a cloudy chestnut brown, courtesy of the yeast, with a deep tan head that eventually collapses back to the glass. The aroma is wonderfully fruity, but spicy too – almost like Christmas Cake. The taste just follows the smell in spades, and the finish lasts for ever. I prefer this beer to the 10, but it’s a photo-finish.
Kristin –
This beer has a nice sweetness, I prefer it to the Rochefort 6 (but not in the same league as 10)
John Kelly –
A wonderful beer, rich and flavoursome, my favourite from Belgium. And vegan too!
Harmen Gudde –
I would definitely recommend this one – a great dark beer from the Belgian part of the Trappist family. It’s dark, it’s sweet, it’s got a nice round taste – I prefer this one over Orval or Piraat.
Sam Dutton –
I think this is one of the best.
Full flavour from start to finish: malty and slightly sweet, then a pleasant dryness with no off notes. Lovely deep brown colour.
Jennifer –
Flavorsome and rich. A dark beer for slow drinking.
Peter Robinson –
Definitely one of my all time favourite beers – very clean and pure with no hint of any hangover, but at 9.2%, a few of these will definitely bring you closer to God.
Mark Charrington –
Tawny red body small firm head Odours of figs spice bread The tongue finds fizzy bourbon soaked malt loaf a well-rounded easy drinking Belgian Strong Dark Ale worthy of small sips and many swirls. Like Chimay Blue one to try before U die,
Michael Horsley –
What a fabulous beer, I’d recommend it wholeheartedly
Xavier Crepin –
Rich and malty, one of the best belgian triple !
Geoff Jackman –
Lovely. An all-time favourite.
Luke Manley –
Prefer the 10 but his is still lovely stuff.
Steve Bruce –
One of my top 10 favourites. Not as heavy as the 10 but its a beautiful beer. Dark fruits, nice carbonation and don’t forget to add the sediment… changes the taste for the better in my opinion. Lovely stuff. I’m now a Rochefort fanboy.
Kris –
A classic of the genre which should be in the beer hall of fame.