Spencer Trappist Ale is America's first Trappist beer, inspired by the traditional refectory ales known as patersbier ("fathers' beer" in Flemish) in Belgium. These sessionable beers are brewed by the monks for their dinner table and are typically available only at the monastery.
Spencer is a full-bodied, golden-hued ale with fruity accents, a dry finish and light hop bitterness. The beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, preserving live yeast that naturally carbonates the beer in the bottle and keg and contributes to the beer's flavor and aroma. 11.2 oz. bottle.
Click to learn more about Trappist Ales
Spencer is a full-bodied, golden-hued ale with fruity accents, a dry finish and light hop bitterness. The beer is unfiltered and unpasteurized, preserving live yeast that naturally carbonates the beer in the bottle and keg and contributes to the beer's flavor and aroma. 11.2 oz. bottle.
Click to learn more about Trappist Ales

St. Joseph's Abbey: Spencer, Massachusetts
St. Joseph's Abbey is a monastery of the Catholic Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.), popularly known as the "Trappists", located in Spencer, Massachusetts.
The Abbey was founded in 1950 by Belgian and French Trappist monks from the Monastery of Our Lady of the Valley in Valley Falls, Rhode Island, which had burned to the ground. In the rustic hills of central New England, they established a new home in which to follow an age-old contemplative way of life.
The monastery became known internationally as the origin of the Centering Prayer movement in modern Catholicism and Christianity, whose leading proponents were monks at the monastery: Fr. William Meninger, Fr. M. Basil Pennington and Fr. Thomas Keating.
Work has always been greatly esteemed in the Cistercian tradition, since it gives the monks the opportunity to follow in Christ' footsteps and share in His Divine work of creation and restoration. The monks participate in three major industries which provide for their livelihood and for the care of the poor. Since the 1950s, they have produced Trappist Preserves, their popular line of 30 flavors of jams and jellies. Since 1949, The Holy Rood Guild has created beautiful, finely-tailored liturgical vestments to enhance the dignity of the Sacred Liturgy. In 2014, with the advice and assistance of their brother Trappists in Belgium, the monks founded Spencer Brewery, producing the first and only certified Trappist beer made in the United States.

Write a Review
Dec 17, 2021 | By David
Feb 13, 2021 | By John
Nov 3, 2020 | By sarah e.
Jun 6, 2020 | By Greg
May 12, 2020 | By Thomas D.
Jun 21, 2019 | By P. J. K.
Jun 24, 2017 | By Tristan
Jun 19, 2017 | By Gene C.
Aug 2, 2016 | By Jane B.
Jul 18, 2016 | By Belgian Beer Journal
Reviews
10 reviews
Amazing





I absolutely love this beer. As close to perfect as possible .
David
Great stuff





I love Spencer Ale. It's what I drink when for special occasions and when my own homebrew table beer or saisons aren't ready to drink. I love the yeast spice and the classic belgian flavors. I'd love to know what yeast and hops Spencer uses in this.
John
To be enjoyed





This is a wonderful refreshing ale. You will not be disappointed
sarah e.
America's Abbey Ale





I have had several Belgian ales over the years and have recently been focusing more on Abbey Ales (all varieties). I tried several different Spencer ales, but I enjoyed the Trappist Ale the most. The hint of apricot hit the right note on this duvel. This is the best of the Spencer Abbey ales. I did not try any of the IPAs, since my preference is to the darker, less hoppy beers and ales. The monks at the Abbey hit the mark on this duvel. I hope the brothers stay the course and continue with their divine work.
Greg
consumer





very good
Thomas D.
Fine ale





Served it to some company, all agreed, very refreshing!
P. J. K.
An amazing beer with unique origins





Spencer Trappist Ale is a very special beer which can be difficult to enjoy depending on your location. Thanks to the brewery and Monastery Greetings for the opportunity to sample some fine work from Joseph's Abbey. The shipment was very well cared for and arrived in impeccable condition. Note that shipping is not climate controlled so choose appropriate weather in depending on your approximate shipping route.
Tristan
Foxtrot 101st





This beer has two levels of flavor that can be altered by carefully pouring the beer into the proper Spencer "Chalice" and allowing the yeast (the B complex vitamins) to remain at the bottom, to be consumed separately. When poured like that, the flavor is light and aromatic. Giving a brisk sensation at the back of the palette. With a crisp aftertaste. If the yeast is married to the beer by a swift shake prior to pouring, or when its consumed separately, the flavors are heavier and more complex. In the second form, the beer can be allowed to lose its chill and enjoyed over a long period, like a fine wine. With a cigar.
Gene C.
Spencer beer





My son's favorite- it is a gift for his birthday, he is coming to visit us in 3 weeks.
Jane B.
BrewView on Spencer Trappist Ale





OVERALL IMPRESSION: A very refreshing Trappist ale, it is good to see a Trappist Single being made - not too many of them around, let alone an American Trappist! It was worth the original effort to get our hands on this beer. For more, visit our BREWVIEW ON SPENCER TRAPPIST ALE: https://belgianbeerjournal.com/brewviews/spencertrappistale
Belgian Beer Journal