Beers made by monks fall into what style?

Beers made by monks are classified under the Trappist style, which originates from the Trappist order of the Cistercian monks. This classification is significant because Trappist beers must be brewed within a Trappist monastery and adhere to specific guidelines that maintain traditional brewing practices.

Trappist beers are unique not only for their religious heritage but also for the influence of the monks on the brewing process, focusing on quality and authenticity. There are a limited number of recognized Trappist breweries, most of which are located in Belgium and the Netherlands, and these breweries often produce strong ales that may vary in type, including Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel.

While the Abbey style is also linked to monastic brewing, it does not carry the same strict requirements as Trappist beers; Abbey beers can be produced by non-monastic breweries and may not follow the distinct brewing traditions upheld by Trappist setters. Belgian blonde, on the other hand, is a specific style that is generally lighter in flavor and not exclusively related to monastic brewing. Imperial stout represents a different category altogether, often characterized by its high alcohol content and rich, dark, roasty flavors, which do not connect to monastic traditions.