Upon its launch, the brewery began selling its beer to the public and was wildly successful. Chimay’s first brew was a doppelbock beer in Bavarian style, which was quickly followed by a high-fermentation dark beer. The two beers were an instant hit and the latter was the legendary predecessor of the current Chimay Rouge that put the Trappists on the world map of beer!

After the Second World War, the monks had to rebuild their brewery after the destruction wrought by the war, and after losing their copper kettles to the German army. With the help of the famous Belgian brewing professor, Jean De Clerck, the monks managed to re-establish their brewery and reformuThéodore late their beers to the modern standard.

The unique yeast strain that is currently used to brew Chimay beers today was developed by Brother Théodore in 1948, not without the help of De Clerck, of course. Grateful for De Clerck’s timely assistance, the monks allowed De Clerck and his wife to be buried in their private cemetery behind the abbey after they passed.

In 1966, the Chimay Blanche - also known as the Chimay Triple - completed the Holy Trinity of colour-coded Chimay beers that would go on to conquer the taste buds of fellow beer aficionados. In 1986, the tasty tripel was later relaunched in 750ml bottles to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the principality of Chimay, and was given the name “Cinq Cents”.

Although Chimay started as a means of supporting the Trappist monks and their monastery, it has grown to become the biggest and one of the most well-known among the 11 Trappist breweries in the world.

Like the other Trappist breweries, Chimay uses the Authentic Trappist Product (ATP) logo on their beers. In order to use this certification, the brewery must fulfil the following requirements:

1) The product(s) must be made within the walls of a Trappist abbey
2) The product(s) must be made by or under the supervision of the monastery community
3) Most of the profit must be spent on social work

Besides its world-class beers, the abbey also produces a diverse range of yummy cheese that pairs perfectly with its flavourful brews!