Leicestershire’s Mount Saint Bernard Trappist brewery has added a 5 per cent blond beer alongside its Tynt Meadow dark ale.

Both are sold in 330ml amber bottles as Trappist beers undergo secondary fermentation. The beer matures for the first three years and, because of the inert nature of glass, it can have a much longer shelf life than that if the bottle isn’t opened. This would not be possible in other packaging such as cans. 

“Because of this process, if the bottles are kept in the right conditions – out of UV light, at a consistent room temperature – and the crown and bottle is kept sealed so that no oxygen can get in, the beer will last indefinitely,” said Peter Grady, brewery manager at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey.  

“The flavour profile of a Tynt Meadow changes drastically over the course of the first three years and, in our opinion, less so after that. This is why we put three years on the bottle, but it will last much longer than that as it’s packaged in glass.” 

Mount Saint Bernard now regularly brews more than 1,000 hectolitres every year, which is distributed throughout British and international markets. It is the only Trappist brewery in the UK and one of just nine worldwide. 

Grady said: “It’s rare for a Trappist brewery to launch a new addition to its core range. Our very premise is predicated upon the solemn production of the ales synonymous with our order, with Trappist beers having earned their reputation from their centuries-long tradition of Cistercian ale making, using closely guarded recipes in a time-honoured process.  

“Tynt Meadow Blond has been created to pay homage to this tradition, representing both a classical interpretation, yet uniquely Trappist take on this ever-popular mid-strength ale.” 

“Tynt Meadow Blond uses the exact same ingredients as our famous Tynt Meadow, but it brings a zesty, sharper twist on the original classic,” said Grady. “It carefully balances vanilla, mandarin and lemon with gentle hints of orange and sherbet.  

“After the solemn observance of Lent, Easter was the perfect time for us to introduce Tynt Meadow Blond, as we know it will pair perfectly with the lighter, brighter days of spring and summer.”