Abbaye de Scourmont Bières de Chimay - Grande Réserve Barrel Fermented 2018 (RBC Exclusive)

While many of us have enjoyed Chimay’s exceptional blue-label Grande Réserve in the past, their Barrel Fermented vintage releases are truly special and hard to find. Each year since 2015, Chimay has taken a portion of their Grande Réserve and fermented it again in barrels – the type of which varies each year: Brandy, Whisky, Armagnac, Rum, etc. This elevates the beer’s flavor as well as its alcohol, making for a unique one-off beer capable of extended aging.

The Chimay Grande Réserve was originally brewed as a Christmas Ale by the Monks at Abbaye de Scourmont. The barrel fermented version of Grande Réserve takes this classic brew to new heights with a unique process of triple fermentation (tank, barrel, and bottle) and extended barrel aging. For this 2018 special release, Chimay Grande Réserve Barrel Fermented showcases a harmonious fusion of its signature character with the nuances of oak and whisky. Specifically, the aging process incorporates 34% French oak, 41% American oak, and 25% whisky barrels. The result is a masterful balance of smoothness and strength, highlighting the unique interplay of these elements. A favorite among beer aficionados, the standard blue-label Chimay is already a go-to for cigar pairings, but this barrel fermented and aged version elevates the experience even further.

Last winter, we had the good fortune of making a small number of bottles of this exceptional 2018 vintage available to our Rare Beer Club members via a special offer – at the time, these were the only remaining bottles of this vintage in the country. Recently, when the importer revealed they were able to bring in an allocation for us that had been maturing in the Abbaye de Scourmont’s cellar for over four years, we immediately jumped at the chance. We're excited to feature this remarkable offering as a very special release this month to all our Rare Beer Club members.

This edition of Grande Réserve pours a deep brown hue, reminiscent of rich maple syrup, topped with a light tan foam that, despite its high ABV, dissipates into a persistent lacing along the glass. Aromas of rich caramel and brown sugar dominate, complemented by notes of oak, dark fruit, and a subtle sweetness from the whisky barrels. The whisky influence enhances the already outstanding base quadrupel-style ale, adding depth and warmth.

The mouthfeel is rich and full, balanced by delicate, fine carbonation typical of Belgian ales. Light effervescence offsets the robust dark malts, sweet whisky, and oak flavors infused with vanilla. As the beer warms, vibrant notes of almond, vanilla, and warming whisky emerge, along with a touch of tannins that provide structure. A subtle burnt-sugar note adds complexity, keeping the flavors balanced from start to finish. This barrel-fermented and barrel-aged release is a stunning reinterpretation of a classic Belgian strong ale.

The monks of the Abbey of Scourmont at Chimay are members of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly referred to as Trappists. They follow the Rule of Saint Benedict, which dates back to the 6th century, and derive the name "Cistercians" from the monastery of Citeaux, established in Burgundy in the 12th century. Devoted to a life of service to God, these monks sustain themselves through manual labor, enabling them to assist those in need. While their traditional work focused on farming, over time they have expanded into small-scale industries, primarily in the food and agricultural sectors.

For centuries, beer brewing has been a tradition in the countries of northern Europe. In the summer of 1850, a small group of monks settled on the rugged Scourmont Plateau near Chimay, Belgium. Through immense effort, they established a Cistercian abbey and worked tirelessly to transform the region's barren soil into productive farmland. Over time, they built a farm around the monastery, which was both beautiful and modest, followed by the creation of a cheese-making facility and a brewery.

Chimay exemplifies what it means to be a true Heritage Brand. Global recognition isn’t earned simply through longevity—it comes from steadfast dedication to core principles across generations. As an official Trappist brewery and dairy, Chimay’s beer and cheese production has been overseen by the monks of Scourmont Abbey for more than a century. Remarkably, nearly 90% of its profits are donated to charity, reflecting its enduring commitment to both quality and purpose.

Given the 10.5% ABV and Chimay’s reliability, the Chimay Grande Réserve Barrel Fermented 2018 vintage should continue to age gracefully in one’s cellar for a number of years. We recommend drinking now as the holidays are approaching. The winter holiday dinner table filled with roasted turkeys, hams, rib roasts and all the trimmings makes for the perfect pairing. We’d also include caramel pecan pie, sticky toffee pudding, and Biscoff Trifle for dessert. Cheers!