The monastic life doesn't seem that sexy in 2023.

But now, the increasing lack of interest in a traditional religious 'vocation' could impact iconic Belgian Trappist breweries like Westmalle Trappist.

As this feature details, many of these ancient breweries face an uncertain future - including losing the coveted 'Trappist' status - because they struggle to find enough monks/nuns to oversee the beer production.

With a day that revolves around silence and starts with a 3:45 am wake-up for prayer time, it's perhaps little wonder that they can't find more folk to help out, even with the promise of the world's best beers to sustain them...