Virtual Trappist Tasting: Drink with the Monks

Join us for a tasting of beers from the famed and oldest ongoing beer brewing community, the Trappists. These celebrated beers are brewed exclusively by Benedictine Monks within their respective abbey walls. Only a few select beers in the world have the right to be labeled “Trappist.” As we taste, we’ll go over each brewery’s unique history as well as glassware, temperature, and everything else that goes into creating these world-class beers.

This hour long class will showcase 4 unique beers, with limited availability, ideally suited for fall sipping. Featured breweries will include Rochefort, Orval, Chimay and more.

To ensure that you receive your beer in time for class, we kindly ask that you register with the following deadlines in mind:

• Register up to the day prior to class if you live within 3 miles of Top Hops.
• Register up to 3 days prior to class if you live outside of the above zone in Manhattan or in the boroughs.
• Register up to 4 days prior to class if you live outside of NYC. Please note we cannot ship to MA. 

Class is $80 to include the cost of your custom four pack, designed specifically for the class, class notes, plus tax, shipping and handling.

Once you sign up for class, you will receive a shipment of a custom four pack specifically designed for your class. Your instructor, Eric Hanson, will follow up by email ([email protected]) the day before your class with your virtual link and tasting notes. Then, simply use the provided link when class begins and follow along with Eric as he guides you through our tasty selection from the comfort of home.

Eric will allow several minutes for everyone to join the class, navigate any technical issues and introduce himself. The tasting class will last for approximately 45 minutes with time at the end of the tasting for discussion and Q&A. You can use the "chat" section of Zoom to ask questions, submit questions ahead of time to eric@tophops or submit questions after class via email.

Note that we require a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 20 devices.

Class Cancellations:

We understand that schedules change. For that reason, our cancellation policy is as follows: A refund will be issued in the original form of payment for all cancellations over 48 hours in advance. Unfortunately, no refund will be issued for cancellations within 48 hours. No credit/exchange is possible.

Top Hops reserves the right to cancel any and all classes due to scheduling conflict, illness or poor attendance. Attendees of cancelled classes will be given a full refund and at least 24 hours notice whenever possible.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: We ship within NY state and a handful of other states. Please contact us for any exceptions at [email protected].

Virtual Class FAQ:

What will be included in my Virtual Class package?

One ticket includes an access link to your online class, tasting notes as well as a custom 4 pack of beers curated specifically for your class and shipped to your home. You must be 21+ to accept the delivery. 

*NOTE: No beer shipment for Fridge class.

The class, hosted by Zoom, will last for an hour and will feature our very live Top Hops expert instructor, Eric Hanson, who will walk you through your tasting as described above. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as participate from home.

What are the basic format rules?
Everyone will be muted to eliminate background noise. Guests will be unmuted should they want to ask a question during the class.

How many people are allowed to participate with the purchase of one ticket?
Each ticket is good for one "device" (i.e. one computer, phone, tablet, etc. you'll be logging in from). This ensures we don't get more people in the class than the instructor can handle. Having said this, we understand that a couple or two friends may login on one device. This is ok with us. However, any more than 2 people can become problematic. We ask that you simply be respectful and act in good faith.

Am I able to ask questions or interact with the class?
Yes, you'll both be able to ask questions using the chat function in Zoom, as well as at the close of class. If the class winds up being on the smaller side, more spontaneous interaction/questions will be encouraged. 

Do I have to show my video or speak during class?
While we recommend you do show your video and speak when encouraged to by the instructor, video and audio participation are never mandatory. We find classes have more fun experiences when people are engaging with one another, but understand not everyone will want to do so and that's ok!

Are there any prerequisites?
There are no “prerequisites” for any class at any level. Though classes may assume a foundation of beer knowledge, we promise to never “talk down” to any student. Asking questions is a founding principle of Top Hops and so is making beer fun and accessible to everyone.

When do I receive class details? Webinar link to watch?
Our virtual public classes are hosted on Zoom. The Zoom password will be emailed the day before class. Please ensure you download Zoom ahead of class so you don’t run into connection issues day of!

This email will also include tasting notes for your selected beers. *IF YOU ARE NOT SEEING THESE EMAILS, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER. It may have been rerouted. Emails will come from your instructor, [email protected].

Will the class be recorded?
Yes! We record all of our public classes and send them to all attendees following the live session. This is for anyone who had a later delivery, couldn’t make the live session, or simply want to review information from class.

What if this is a gift?
A wonderful idea for a gift! Please ensure the ‘attendee’ information is filled out with shipping details and email address of who is receiving the gift, not the purchaser. The attendees information is what is pulled for shipping details and class emails from instructors.

Will I need anything from home to use in the class?
First, you’ll need a reliable internet connection! You can access the stream via smartphone, tablet, or a computer. We recommend you arrive to class 5-10 minutes early to ensure you're able to set up your device and connection.