A Visit To The Trappist For Some Black Damnation V
The Trappist, a specialty beer pub located in Old Oakland, held a Struise Mini Fest last night, featuring drafts of Black Albert, Cuvee Delphine, Struise Pannepot, Struise XXX Triple, Struise XXXX Quad, and the extremely rare Black Damnation V. It was a unique opportunity to taste Black Albert alongside Cuvee Delphine (which is Black Albert Aged in Bourbon barrels) and Black Damnation V (Cuvee Delphine that was ice distilled to 26% ABV).
For those of you who have yet to visit, The Trappist is a specialty beer pub located in a historic 1870s building and modeled after pubs typically found in Belgium and the Netherlands. The 28 rotating drafts feature Belgian specialties and local treats, served impeccably by well trained staff. Beer is presented in the proper glass at the correct temperature, which explains why the pub was named one of the best bars in America. Since opening in 2007, The Trappist has expanded to include a Front Bar, Back Bar and outside patio. The Front Bar, my favorite place to sit, offers 15 of the beers on draft and has a classic Old World pub feel. The Back Bar offers a less formal, tavern atmosphere and offers the other portion of the beers on draft. Don’t forget to take a glance at the bottle list – among the 100+ bottles you may have the opportunity to experience Wet Dream, a beer made by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of Evil Twin for The Trappist.
The Trappist has held many noted meet the brewer events featuring brewers from all around the world, such as Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø of Evil Twin, his brother Mikkel Borg Bjergsø of Mikkeller, and Brian Strumke of Stillwater. If you’re around for SF Beer Week, don’t miss out on another chance to meet Mikkel during the Mikkeller Tap Takeover on February 14, who is bring along Keith Shore, the clever artist behind many of Mikkeller’s labels.
After 5 successful years, the popular pub recently expanded to Rockridge with the opening the Trappist Provisions, a specialty beer cafe and bottle shop, in late December. See photos of the Trappist Provisions attached to this article. Featuring 9 drafts and hundreds of bottles, the Trappist Provisions aims to offer patrons some of the most coveted beer around. Yesterday the Trappist Provisions offered lucky new patrons 30 bricks of Westvleteren 12 for sale at 5pm. In the coming weeks, the space will include a loft for special events and guided tastings. The first guided tasting is scheduled for February 2nd with the brewer of To Øl. Space is limited, so if you are interested contact the Trappist Provisions at (510)594-2339 for further details.
Despite the recent addition of the Trappist Provisions, owner Chuck Stilphen isn’t settling down. Stilphen will soon enter the San Francisco craft beer scene with the “34 Mason Street Beer Cafe Project”. The new location at 34 Mason Street in San Francisco is rumored to provide over 40 drafts of European and American craft beer, specialty casks, a cellar of sour beer tastings, and full kitchen. Stilphen also owns a successful craft beer spot in Walnut Creek, ØL Beercafe and Bottleshop. Given Stilphen’s background in the craft beer scene, I’m excited to see what he’ll do next!
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The Trappist is located at 460 8th Street in Oakland. The Trappist Provisions is located at 6309 College Avenue in Oakland. ØL Beercafe and Bottleshop is located at 1541 Giammona Drive in Walnut Creek.
