”Rochefort 8,” the newest addition to the line, dates from 1955. Originally this beer was only brewed for New Year’s Eve celebrations. “Rochefort 8” begins with a density of 20.8º Plato and reaches a final 9.2% ABV. Masculine in character, it lends itself best to being enjoyed among friends! Due to the overwhelming success of this beer, the monks decided around 1960 to brew it on a regular basis. Sometimes this beer is also referred to as the “Special.”

This trappist ale is the strongest in the Rochfort range and identified by a blue cap. Stylistically it is probably best described as a quadrupel. It is very dark, with a patchy head and a complex aroma, consisting of rich malt, elderberries, chocolate, cocoa, damsons, prunes and raisins. In the mouth it is smoky, fruity in a vinous way, treacley-bitter, peppery and has lots of woody depth to the malt flavours. In many ways it is reminiscent of a good malt whisky - smooth, grainy, but without a harsh alcohol hit (although the alcohol is certainly apparent). There are also pronounced dark chocolate and marzipan notes, although this is much less sweet than might be expected from its strength. It is heavy yet quite phenolic towards the finish, with a long aftertaste of treacle and dark chocolate. This is a pretty special but hard-to-find beer, perfect with a meal, facing off stiff competition from other top-strength trappist ales.

	Rochefort 6 is the softest and driest of the bunch with an alcohol content of 6 percent by weight and 7.5 percent by volume. Like the other Rochefort beers, the head on Rochefort 6 is thick and creamy. The color of this beer is a beautiful cooper, and the aroma is earthy, sweet, and somewhat fruity. The flavor is complex with caramel, fruit, and hints of raisins.