Chimay Ale/ Trappist Beer

[wayfe]

I recently enjoyed a fabulous Chimay Rouge beer in Chagall bistro in Brooklyn. I liked it so much that I just bought another bottle.

I've read the label around the bottle and it seems as though this beer is made by trappist monks! According to Wikipedia, this ale is brewed in Chimay, southern Hainaut, Belgium by trappist monks in Scourmont Abbey, a monastery.

The monks, referred to as trappists, belong to the Order of Cistercians of Strict Observance- a Roman Catholic religious order and produce a variety of beers and cheeses to support themselves.

Is anybody familiar with this beer or this issue? Is it considered Avodah Zara to purchase?

[henche]

Ah yes, many of the best beers are made by monks. Some are very small productions, like in the hundreds of bottles.

There's a bar in chicago that specializes in them, and has like a zillion on the menu.

[DovtheBear]

Ah yes, many of the best beers are made by monks. Some are very small productions, like in the hundreds of bottles.

There's a bar in chicago that specializes in them, and has like a zillion on the menu.

Did you answer his question in any way, shape or form?

[henche]

Did you answer his question in any way, shape or form?

Well, I confirmed that it is a shaas had'chak since the best beers are trappist

[wayfe]

Well, I confirmed that it is a shaas had'chak since the best beers are trappist

Helpful, real helpful...

[DovtheBear]

Well, I confirmed that it is a shaas had'chak since the best beers are trappist

That would be a matter of opinion (probably), but OK.
So now, once he has it, its allowed?

[DovtheBear]

Helpful, real helpful...

Oh no, you haven't seen his helpful side yet.

[henche]

has anyone here tried culturing one and using it for a homebrew?

[wayfe]

One answer I received to the original q is that since beer brewing is not a religious act in and of itself, the beer is OK.

[farfallen]

This question comes up alot - do you have to be concerned with what the seller is going to do with his money. If a toy store says that all the proceeds will go to a"z can you buy in the store? IME the business and the monastery are generally two separate entities (the business is ran as a business and the proceeds go to a monastery) and i know of one such arraignment and the products  are certified kosher by a number of prominent hechserim..........

[bochur123]

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/650431/jewish/Can-I-drink-a-beer-or-liquor-manufactured-by-a-monastery.htm

[churnbabychurn]

This question comes up alot - do you have to be concerned with what the seller is going to do with his money. If a toy store says that all the proceeds will go to a"z can you buy in the store? IME the business and the monastery are generally two separate entities (the business is ran as a business and the proceeds go to a monastery) and i know of one such arraignment and the products  are certified kosher by a number of prominent hechserim..........

Makes sense...
It happens to be, that for tax purposes the income from the sale of goods would be considered an "unrelated business income" (as it is unrelated to the function of the organization) and would not be tax exempt. (Unless the workers are all volunteers)

[wayfe]

thanks, all!

[Salty]

Did you answer his question in any way, shape or form?

Is this forum only about answering questions using ways, shapes and forms?