I like the fact that the monks are not teetotalers. My pastor hosts a weekly "Theology on Tap" at a craft beer pub located down the street from my church - to give folks an opportunity to have a few brews and discuss religion and religious issues in a laid back environment. I think that is a refreshing approach.
I am Catholic. Last week, Ash Wednesday, while I was fasting, I purposely had a beer since it's not specifically excluded from "the rules". Liquid bread & water! I was careful not to eat too much all day though.
We have a Catholic priest as a member of our local homebrew club as well. He's pretty deep into craft beer and getting into the brewing thing as well. Unfortunately he's on a Navy ship someplace now as a chaplain so I won't see him often anymore. We had some interesting discussions and times together though, I can tell you.