Rating: 5/5

Trappist Achel Extra by Brouwerij der St. Benedictusabdij de Achelse or St Benedictus Abbey in Achel Belgium is a 9.5%ABV Belgian Strong Trappist Ale. While this beer taste more like a quad ale, there is something about the way the 7 trappist abbey breweries (La Trappe, Orval, Wesvleteren, Rochefort, Chimay, Wastmalle and ofcourse Achel) make the beer that gives them the authority toproduce “ Authentic Trappist Products”. I think all these beers subscribe to the “Dulce de leche caramel” Belgian yeast of beers. Seriously, I had Westy 12 (The best beer in the world) last week and differentiating a quad between a Belgian Strong is something that truly takes some damn good skills. This taste just like westy except it leans more toward some earthy oak bitterness. Something my measly 1 year of experience can only gasp in awe to the experts that really know their shit. Unfortunately my life has other importances other than beer, but maybe with time I will find out. I will tell you this much, There is something about this beer that I do love that is closer to Westy 12 than St Bernardus abt 12. Even Trois Pistoles, which is my second favorite in the world, unfortunately does not compare. According to BA, This is number 3 in top Strong Belgians of the world while Chimay Blue is number 1 and Trois is number 8. I would gladly put this one over Chimay Blue for sure. Chimay is more easily found but I think the reason people love chimay is because chimay as I had stated in a previous review, is more widely produced but also more malty bitter that compliments the extra sweetness rather well. In short, I have thing for sweet candy Belgians :P. Which Trappist Achel does provide. Maybe one day I will have to do a special review to distinguish the differences between the 7 Trappists of the world while still comparing my all time favorites, St Bernardus and Trois Pistoles.