While the Trappist monks were enjoying a good nosh, fire broke out in the 13th-Century Belgian abbey at St. Remy-Rochefort.
The building was evacuated while 70 firemen tackled the blaze and the great news is, the vats survived and production should be resumed in a few days.
Rochefort is one of only five breweries making Trappist beer, a strong (12%), dark brew and the tradition dates back to 1595.
This is not the first fire at the abbey. The building has been destroyed on two previous occasions, once by the troops of Lorraine in 1650 and then again during the French revolution. Fortunately, this did not put the monks off continuing their tradition of making a really excellent beer.
If you like traditional, dark beers and you have never tried Rochefort, it should definitely be on your list. Smooth, full of flavour…drool.