Abbaye Notre-Dame de Scourmont

Threee bottles of Chimay

Bière Chimay

Brewed within the serene confines of the Scourmont Abbey in Belgium, Bière de Chimay stands as a pillar of the Trappist brewing tradition. As with all Authentic Trappist Product-certified breweries, its operations are overseen by the monastic community, with profits dedicated to supporting the abbey and charitable works in their area. The brewery's foundation dates back to 1862, with a lineage that can be traced to monks from the renowned Saint-Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren. A pivotal moment in Chimay's history was in 1948 when Father Theodore isolated a unique yeast strain that remains central to their beers' distinctive character. All of Chimay's beers are unpasteurized and bottle-conditioned, allowing their flavors to evolve and mature over time, in the bottle. The exquisite evolution is pronounced, upon first pour and sip.

The Styles

Chimay Première (Red): The original expression of Chimay’s craft, this Dubbel-style ale pours a deep coppery-brown with a rich, inviting head. It offers a beautifully layered palate of dried stone fruit like apricot and plum, balanced by a subtle caramel sweetness and a touch of peppery spice that leads to a clean, dry finish.

Chimay Cinq Cents (White): A brilliant golden Tripel that shines with a vibrant, white foam. This is the brewery’s showcase for its unique yeast, releasing an intricate bouquet of muscat and golden raisin. Its crisp, dry character and lively bitterness elegantly balance its spicy and fruity notes.

Chimay Grande Réserve (Blue): Often considered the flagship and most celebrated for its age-worthiness, this dark, strong ale presents an estute, deep mahogany color. Its rich, creamy head precedes a complex tapestry of dark fruit, brown sugar, and a hint of dark chocolate, culminating in a warming, peppery spice. With time, it can evolve to reveal nuanced notes of sherry and tobacco. Many believe this one is better with age.