I am St. Bernardus Prior 8 — a Belgian Dubbel born from secrets once whispered in monastic silence.
Before I carried my own name, I was brewed under the watchful eye of the Westvleteren Trappist monks. From 1946 to 1992, our abbey brewed in their honour, and their legendary yeast still pulses through me today. I’ve kept their sacred traditions alive — and along the way, I’ve earned my own accolades, like being named World’s Best Dark Belgian Style Dubbel. Not bad for an old Prior, eh?
I pour chestnut brown with ruby glints and a silky, rounded head. My aroma rises with the warm embrace of red apples, figs, and dates, softened by a mellow swirl of caramel and roasted malt. I walk the line between strength and softness — malt-forward and fruity in equal parts, balanced just so with a touch of bitterness to keep things interesting.
I’m your companion for indulgent fare — think stews, creamy sauces, or rich cheeses — but I’m just as content setting the tone for a quiet evening. After all, I’m not just a Dubbel. I’m a keeper of stories, a toast to tradition, and a masterclass in Belgian brewing.
• World Beer Awards - Bronze Medal 2020, Gold Medal 2019, Bronze Medal 2017
• Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine - 93 Points
• DRAFT Magazine - 92 Points
The history of St. Bernardus, a former Trappist brewery, can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the Trappists fled to Watou, Belgium and started making cheese as a source of income. In 1930, the abbey was taken over by Evariste Deconinck, who later reached a 30-year agreement with a neighbouring abbey - the Sint-Sixtus Westvleteren - to brew and market his Trappist beers under licence. It was only in 1992 that the brewery started producing its beers under the St. Bernardus label that we know today, which features the iconic smiling monk holding a glass. Throughout its history, the brewery has been producing authentic and high-quality Belgian beers that are highly-respected by beer lovers and have gone on to win multiple awards over the years!
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