The La Trappe guys and gals (Munks and Nuns) tell us to “Taste the silence”. * What the hell does that mean? I imagine cursing in a Monastery represents some kind of sacrilege, but really? I’ve heard the sounds of silence, the original and the excellent cover by Disturbed, and that silence was deafening! ** I’m fairly certain that the saying “silence is golden” was coined by a grandparent and does not pertain to the hue of my brew. *** I guess getting the silent treatment in the Monastery is not quite the same (or for the same reasons) as the experience at home.
La Trappe is not our first Trappist tippling, all though we wish it were. Our last Trappist tasting involved the trials and tribulations of a heaping helping of head over the tankard top that, unlike the blond who is my far better half, would not settle for me.
This blond poured a hefty head as well, but it came back to earth tout de suite. A creamy hazy golden presentation, a brond ombré shade of blonde. A full malty aroma, the smells of silence? First taste is a substantial mouthfeel, with a malt slightly sweet body with a touch of fruit going to a dry finish and aftertaste. Busy, a bit more complex than needed in my opinion. The creamy malt stays, the sweet becomes a bit more pronounced, and the finish smooths out. Not at all boozy but let’s put it this way, it’s not restoring my faith in Trappist brews.
Maybe in the Monastery silence is golden but when it comes to beer I much prefer a strong blonde that rocks.
*Editor’s Comment: Trappists Monks do not take a vow of silence but speak only when absolutely necessary. Idle chatter and small talk is discouraged. And yes, there are female Trappist monastics, often referred to as Trappistine Nuns.
**Editor’s Comment: I do enjoy an oxymoron as much as the next beer review website Editor, maybe more so. Paul Simon’s classic song “The Sound of Silence” was a number 1 hit in 1964 when it was recorded by Simon & Garfunkel. 51 years later, Disturbed’s hard core cover of the song received critical acclaim including a nod of approval from Paul Simon who called it a powerful and wonderful interpretation of his original song.
***Editor’s Comment: The term “silence is golden” originated from a proverb of uncertain origins but most likely from 10th century Arabic culture. The English translation “speech is silver, silence is golden” was published by John Ray in his 1682 Collection of English Proverbs. John Ray had 4 children but his first was born in 1682, 4 years after the collection was published, so he was not a grandparent. The origins of the saying are often attributed to “wise old men” as opposed to cranky old men. It is probable, but not confirmed, that those wise old men had grandchildren.
***Reviewer’s Comment: While reading your last comment the true meaning of the saying “silence is golden” really hit home.
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