Lexington bar celebrating anniversary with beer that’s never been on draft in US
A Lexington craft beer retailer and tasting bar is celebrating its 15th anniversary with special tappings, including one that has never been on draft in America.
The Beer Trappe, which opened in 2010, is toasting its achievement May 5 to June 1 at the Chevy Chase neighborhood bar with 16 special beers on tap.
The bar will have four highly sought-after craft beers on draft, owner Brett Behr said. But one keg in particular stands out.
A Trappist beer made by Belgian monks that has never been on draft before in America will be available at The Beer Trappe on May 13. Three kegs of Rochefort Triple Extra were sent to Kentucky, and Behr was able to get one.
“I reached out to a lot of friends in the industry that worked for all these breweries, and I just told them what the deal was, and they kind of helped me out,” Behr said.
Belgian monks, particularly those in Trappist monasteries, are known for brewing traditions and making a variety of Trappist ales.
The two other kegs coming to the U.S. are going to bars in Louisville Behr said. At the Beer Trappe, the Rochefort Triple Extra will be $10.50 for 9 oz. pour and be served in a proper Rochefort glass.
Another highlight during the draft beer celebration, Behr said, is Toppling Goliath Term Oil Coconut Cookie Monster with 12.3% alcohol by volume.
“It’s very high alcohol. It takes a long time to make it with the higher alcohol and more ingredients,” Behr said. “It is very expensive, but it’s one of the top beers you can get.”
What beers does the Beer Trappe have?
But Behr said not to let the rarity of what’s on the celebration menu scare you. Despite The Beer Trappe taking pride in specializing in ultra-premium beers that are brewed and distributed in very small quantities, they make sure to cater to those who might feel lost.
Behr said they have an expert on staff who has been with them since their opening 15 years ago to help walk you through the beer menu, which gives notes on all the different flavors and what to expect.
“So even if you know nothing, we can steer you there,” Behr said.
You can even sample a beer, but because the kegs are smaller, there is a charge — $1 for a 2-ounce taste of most offerings.
There are 14 beers on tap, with six pretty much staying the same, Behr said, including a German wheat beer, German Pilsner, Trappist beers and another Belgian. The other eight taps rotate throughout the year.
“So once the keg runs out, we put on something different,” Behr said. “I try to keep certain styles on throughout the year.”
The average cost for a draft beer is $6, Behr said, but he has one that’s $18 for a 6-ounce pour.
In addition to the draft options, The Beer Trappe has about 400-500 bottled and canned beer options, plus around 300 vintage offerings in a downstairs cellar.
The special beer menu is open to anyone, and Behr said he thinks no one else in the state has a cellar program like his. He has built up the collection of hard-to-find and rare beers over the years, adding that many age like fine wine.
The Beer Trappe
What: 15-year anniversary celebration
When: May 5-June 1
Where: 811 Euclid Ave.
Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 1 p.m.-10 p.m.
Online: thebeertrappe.com
