The Beer of the Phoenix

The Grimbergen Abbey in the town of Grimbergen, Belgium was founded in 1128, and shortly after that began brewing beer. Since that time, the Abbey was destroyed by fire three times (1142, 1566 and 1798) and re-built by the fathers each time. In 1629, as the monastery was re-opened following its second burning, it adopted the symbol of the Phoenix rising from the flames as signifying rebirth. Their motto is “Ardet nec consumitor” – “Burned but not destroyed.”

Rebirth

After more than 200 years of not brewing in the Abbey, 2021 marked the return of brewing at Grimbergen. The new limited-edition beers and a new chalice-shaped glass marked a true rebirth for the Abbey and the Grimbergen community. Tradition and innovation define the mission of beer-brewing at Grimbergen.

Grimbergen Beers

Quality of ingredients, traditional styles, innovative brewing techniques and a unique strain of yeast are what make Grimbergen beers exceptional. Grimbergen currently brews ten beers and has earned a stellar reputation among Belgian Abbey breweries.

  • Grimbergen Blonde is a classic Belgian blond with fruity and spicy notes of pineapple. pear and clove are harmoniously balanced and complex. 6.7% ABV.

  • Double Ambrée is a Dubbel-style amber ale with complex notes of rich malt, caramel, dried fruits and hops, giving it a bittersweet character. 6.5% ABV.

  • Grimbergen Belgian Pale Ale is lightly hoppy and refreshing, with citrus and tropical fruit notes and pleasant hoppy aromas from dry hopping. 5.5% ABV.

  • Blanche is a classic Witbier with characteristic notes of citrus, coriander, clove and bergamot. 6.0% ABV.

  • Rouge Intense is a sophisticated and flavorful beer, ripe with raspberry and elderberry flavors, and balanced by subtle hops and distinct clove notes. 5.5% ABV.

  • Triple d’Abbaye is full-bodied and rich with notes of coriander, clove, and spicy floral notes. 8.0% ABV.

  • Brassin de Noel is brewed for the winter holiday season. Malt, caramel, licorice, apple and ripe fruits produce an aromatic and complex beer to be enjoyed during the cold months. 6.5% ABV.

Special Limited-Edition Brews

To celebrate the return of brewing to Grimbergen after more than 200 years, three limited-edition beers were brewed to offer unique drinking experiences.

  • Astrum Pale Ale is smooth and refreshing, using Galaxy hops and traditional Flemish hops to create a balanced, crisp and refreshing brew. 6.0% ABV.

  • Ignis Quadruple is full-bodied and intense with beechwood-smoked malt and caramelized sugar notes. Dried fruits, plums, figs and yeast notes make this beer a rare treasure. 10.0% ABV.

  • Magnum Opus Brut Beer is considered by the Grimbergen brewery to be its masterpiece. Golden malts give this exceptional beer its crisp elegance. Pear, orange and vanilla bring out the noble characteristics of this beer.

Grimbergen is an excellent example of an Abbey brewery that puts quality and brewing expertise above all else. They have learned a lot in 10 centuries.

Charlie GottenkienyComment