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Belgian abbey reopens brewery after more than 200 years
Grimbergen Abbey Brewery will brew beers again for the first time in more than 200 years, after the building was destroyed during the French Revolution.
The abbey brewery is intended to serve as an innovative platform for premium quality, limited-edition brews that combine ancient brewing methods drawn from books in the abbey’s library with new and innovative techniques.
To celebrate its return, Grimbergen has launched three new beers: Grimbergen Magnum Opus Brut Beer, Grimbergen Ignis Quadruple and Grimbergen Astrum Pale Ale.
Cees ‘t Hart, CEO of Carlsberg Group – the global licensees of Grimbergen – said at the unveiling of the abbey brewery:
“It is a treat to be here at the beginning of Grimbergen’s next chapter and to experience what we believe will enrich the future of Belgian beer.
“Grimbergen is at the very heart of our growing portfolio of craft and speciality beer and it is contributing to the strong double-digit growth we’re seeing in the category. The new Abbey Brewery is an important step for us in continuing to develop our speciality brews to meet growing worldwide demand. We believe this beautiful Abbey Brewery will take us, and beer drinkers around the world, on an incredible journey of flavour discovery.”
The construction of the brewery was a partnership between the Grimbergen Abbey and Carlsberg Group. Father Karel Stautemas, Provisor at the Abbey has joined the team as Abbey Brewer. Per a press release, Father Karel said:
“The new microbrewery is a place to reignite past traditions, just like our symbol the Pheonix we always have the strength to rise again, but to add fresh thinking too. We want to combine our experience, nearly nine centuries of it, with innovation in pursuit of the most delicious and unique new brews. I think that the microbrewery allows us to do that, to explore and experiment with styles and ingredients in a really exciting way.”
Grimbergen Abbey Brewery also boasts an on-site bar and restaurant, where visitors can savour the brews, pairing them with the restaurant’s dishes.
We previously brought you the story of a group of French nuns who set themselves the ambitious aim of selling 9,000 bottles of wine in one weekend.