Tynt Meadow: England's very own Authentic Trappist Beer

The link between monasteries and beer has a long history, and now that history just got longer with the arrival of Tynt Meadow, England’s very first Trappist Beer. Brewed in Mount Saint Bernard in the very heart of Englad, this characterful English Strong Ale is already generating a lot of interest – and column inches!

Authentic Trappist Beer

Brewed at just a handful of sites around the world, the list of Trappist breweries features famous names like Orval, Chimay, Westmalle and Westvleteren and now the addition of Tynt Meadow by the Monastery at Mount Saint Bernard brings the number of breweries to display the Authentic Trappist Product label to 12.

In order to bear this prestigious title, Trappist beers must be brewed under the supervision of the brothers of the monastery and any profitsthat the sale of their beer brings in is used for the upkeep of the monasteries as well as providing charity to visitors and the wider community.

The certification process is long and rigorous, and Tynt Meadow only received its badge on 17 September 2018 to join Netherlanders La Trappe and Zundert, America’s Spencer, and Tre Fontane from Italy.

Necessity is the mother of invention so when in 2013 a fall in milk prices jeopardised the Abbey’s income from homemade artisanal cheese the ever-resourceful monks turned instead to brewing. Reviving one of the monastery’s most ancient crafts they set about modernising the brewery.

That doesn’t mean that the Mount Saint Bernard Abbey will be gradually increasing their production, as they want their product to remain entirely artisanal, bringing in just enough money to ensure the Abbey can continue its good works.

Tynt Meadow - a classic English Strong Ale

Fresh out of the vats, Tynt Meadow is a strong dark beer, made with barley and English hops for an English Strong Ale style with a classic mahogany body with warm ruby highlights and a thick tan head. A classic Strong Dark Ale through-and-through, the bouquet is full of chocolate, fruity fig and date, and hints of liquorice and nutmeg. The ensemble is full-bodied with hints of dark chocolate, fig and pepper, leading to a dry and warm finish at the same time.

Initially only available in the UK through a few specialist retailers, Tynt Meadow is now available to buy at Saveur Bière and HOPT.