Tag: religion

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One Less Trappist

It appears that Achel will have to switch their labeling from Trappist to Abbey in the near future as the monastic community has dwindled down to (from what I have read) just two monks.

It was probably understood when the Trappist rules were laid down that this rule could be the Achilles heel of the Trappist designation. Not only is religion taking a dip in attendance but the monks average age has been on an upward trajectory as well.

Westmalle has been brewing the beer for awhile but even they are at only 27 monks.

It will be interesting to see if any changes to the three rules are made or if they make tiers and promote the tiers equally. I would be for more truth in advertising such as monk brewed, monk supervised or profits go to monks but they are not involved, just the recipe is trademarked.

I think tradition is grand but having the beer still around is grander.

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A Book & A Beer – Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman

2020 is a bubble year in many different aspects. NBA players live in one in Florida, I live in a modified one herein Glendale and Deborah Feldman lived in an even more restrictive one growing up in a Jewish sect in Williamsburg in New York City.

This book had so many moments where I would not have survived. My brain is not wired to “behave” just because some dude says so. And for women, well the situation was much worse. Unless of course, you are one who is wired to follow a particular course.

Unorthodox has become a Netflix show quite different from the book. If you have binged that show, the book will be a good companion piece with additional information that will stagger the mind.

It would be an easy reach to say the He’Brew range of beers would be a good choice to be drinking. Especially considering that beer is not part of the ceremonial aspect of the religion. Instead I would look for wine/beer hybrids since that libation is more associated with the church. Firestone Walker makes a good many grape must beers as does Homage and Smog City.

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Wine from Water (or beer)

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I make good efforts to not proselytize or talk politics.  Some of it seeps into my commentary which is a bit on the contradictory side and, let’s just say it, agnostic.  But I do enjoy having actual conversation with people who do have faith.  And as much as I would probably choose to go to nearby Noble Ale Works more.  The fact that Valiant Brewing hosts a religion based outreach under the admittedly cool name of Theology on Tap seems super cool to me.

Now I am not down with some learning like that but there are some topics like Christianity and Democracy that do pique my interest.  Oh, and there is beer.  Some dark malty stuff that Valiant seems to enjoy.