Abbey

 Abbey ales are an ancient traditon in Belgium, much in the same manner as wine production was closely associated with monastic life in ancient France. Fewer working monasteries brew beer within the order (see Trappist), but many have licensed the production of the beer bearing the abbey’s name to larger commerical breweries. The characteristics of the can vary enormously in specific character, but more are typically very strong and are often labelled “dubbel” or “Tripel”.