Which is the oldest Trappist brewery?

The oldest Trappist brewery is actually Chimay, founded in 1862. In this context, Westmalle is significant because it was one of the first to make a true Trappist-style ale, establishing a long-standing reputation for quality. Westmalle's brewery was established in 1836, which makes it the oldest existing Trappist brewery, though it is not the oldest in terms of initial founding dates of Trappist monasteries associated with brewing.

Chimay is often associated with the broader development of the Trappist beer tradition, as it played a pivotal role in popularizing Trappist ales. Understanding the context of each of these breweries is crucial; all are recognized for their contributions to the Trappist brewing tradition, yet Chimay remains the oldest in terms of its operation as a commercial brewery, representing a critical piece of brewery history within the Trappist community.

In a quiz context, knowing the history and founding dates of these breweries is important. Trappist beers are defined not only by their quality but also by their origins in monastic brewing practices.