Chimay - Some of Belgiums Finest

Chimay is one of Belgium's famous Trappist beers. The Chimay Ales may carry the name “Trappist” as they are made in one of the 171 Trappist monasterys. Only 6 beers in Belgium can carry the appellation: Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren and Achel.

The Chimay brewery was founded inside the abbey Notre-Dame de Scourmont, in the Belgian municipality of Chimay in 1863. Although the brewing facility was updated in 1988, the recipes and brewing techniques have remained the same for over 144 years.

The ingredients have been the subject of great interest. Chimay ales are made from malted barley, wheat starch, sugar, hop extract,yeast and water that is drawn from a well located inside the monastery walls. Malt extract is now used in Rouge and Bleu for colouring, and may currently be used in the white also.

Only Three varieties of Chimay are available to the public, Chimay Rouge (Red / Premiere), 7% , Chimay Bleue (Blue / Grande Reserve), 9% and Chimay Blanche (White / Cinq Cents), or Chimay Triple, 8%.

Another rare varity called the Doree, not as strong as the 3 commercial ales is brewed only for the monks themselves. The rare Doree bottles which manage to make their way out of the Abby are through unofficial sources. Even the brewery's own web site makes no mention of this variety.