Belgium - Breweries

Achel Brewery or Brouwerij der Sint-Benedictusabdij de Achelse Kluis is a Belgian Trappist brewery, and the smallest of the currently approved Trappist breweries. It is located in the Abbey of Saint Benedict in the Belgian, Hamont-Achel. In 1914 during World War I, the monks left the abbey due to German occupation. The Germans dismantled the brewery in 1917 to salvage the approximately 700 kg of copper. In 1998 the monks decided to begin brewing again. Monks from the Trappist Abbey of Westmalle and Rochefort Abbey assisted in the building of the new brewery.
As with all Trappist breweries, Trappist beer is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery, under the control and responsibility of the community of monks, who are involved through the process of making and marketing the beer. The beer is sold only for financial support of the monastery and good causes. The majority of the profit from the sale of the beer is distributed to charities and for community development around the region.
Some of the Brewery's Range
Achel Blond 5° - Only available on tap at the abbey
Achel Bruin 5° - Only available on tap at the abbey
Achel Blond 8° - Launched in 2001
Achel Bruin 8° - Launched in 2001
Achel Extra Bruin -
Achel Extra Blond - Only sold in the abbey.

Over the years the brand identity is updated and re-launched with subtle changes, a change of Logo or a new font.
Sometimes this brand update is done by the new owners after a brewery has been sold, other times just to give the brand a fresh new look on the ever growing market.

Below are some notes to help identify some of these changes and an aid to reference the year of the glass.