Spencer Trappist Brewery donates product to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State's Annual Event - The Big Toast

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) is pleased to announce the participation of Spencer Trappist Brewery at their 4th Annual ‘The Big Toast.’ The Spencer Trappist Brewery, in Spencer, MA is the first and only certified Trappist beer made in the United States. In 1997 the eight Trappist breweries (all in Europe) came together to form the International Trappist Association, a non-profit that protects the Trappist name by establishing rules for monasteries seeking certification and the privilege of using the “Authentic Trappist Product” logo. According to Mary Jeffcoat, PR Manager for the Trappist Monk Brewery, “A decade ago, the Spencer Monks underwent a strategic planning session with their advisory council to balance their income and expenses.” The Spencer Trappist Monks were already making and selling an assortment of jellies and liturgical vestments. Many different ideas were thrown around to increase revenue, but brewing beer “came to the top.”

The process of becoming a brewery was a long one for the Spencer Trappist Monks. The Belgium Trappist Monks had been brewing beer in their monastery for centuries. Their product, approved by the International Trappist Association, went through a great deal of hoops in order to be considered “authentic.” It first must fall into the three cardinal rules for certification. 1. Products which carry the Trappist label are produced within the walls of the monastery or in the vicinity of the monastery. 2. The monastic community determines the policies and provides the means of production. The whole process of production must be in accordance with the business practices proper to a monastic way of life. 3. The profits are primarily intended to provide for the needs of the monastic community and for outreach to disadvantaged communities, groups and individuals.

“The Spencer Trappist Monks went to Belgium where they lived for several months. They tasted many of the beers made by the Belgium Monks, but it was a special beer (the Potters Ale) served in the monastery to the monks with dinner, that the Spencer Trappist Monks loved most of all. They developed the recipe, independently, and were supplied, by the Belgium monks, the “family” yeast. This is what gives the distinct beer its crisp and light flavor,” said Jeffcoat. Now, after a decade of hard work, in January 2014, the Spencer Trappist Monk’s recipe was approved by the International Trappist Association and is now considered “authentic.”

To celebrate this achievement the Spencer Trappist Monks are “honored” to be taking part in Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean States’ ‘The Big Toast.’ This annual event, presented by B101, will take place September 26, 2014 from 7 - 11 pm, at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. This fundraiser, to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State’s youth mentoring programs, will offer unlimited samples of craft beer, wine, spirits and amazing food from more than 40 of Southern New England’s best bars, restaurants, wineries and distilleries. Honorary Chair, David Dadekian of EatDrinkRI and Chairperson, Food & Beverage, Branden J. Lewis, MBA Chef Instructor at Johnson & Wales University – College of Culinary Arts, will add their experience and taste to the event to make it a night to remember. Tickets will sell quickly, be sure to get yours today! Early Bird, Military, Mentor and Designated Driver discount tickets available. Visit www.TheBigToast.org and use promo code EARLYBIRD to save 20% on tickets through August 31st.

To learn more about the Monks of St Joseph Abbey and Spencer Trappist Brewery visit spencerbrewery.com