Grimbergen

Grimbergen first gains importance in the XII century , when of sv. Norbert Xantensky founded here one of the first abbeys of the order of premonstrants . Since ancient times, monks have been famous for their brewing art, therefore the Museum of Grimbergen beer is among the city attractions.

The Grimbergen Wars refer to conflicts between local feudal lords and Duke Gottfried III of Louvain (he ruled Lower Lorraine from 1142–1190). The destruction of Grimbergen Castle by the forces of the duke of Brabant forced the owners of Grimbergen to transfer their residence in Ninove .

Since the beginning of the XIV century. Grimbergen was divided into two halves, one of which was owned by the princes of Orange , and the other by the princes of Berg . The last prince of Berg from the ancient house of Brabant died in 1724, after which the title passed to his son-in-law, Count Wertingen of the French ducal family of Alber , the field marshal in the service of elector Maximilian .

In 1758, both halves of Grimbergen finally united under the rule of Princess Berg. In 1794, the city was occupied by the troops of revolutionary France, having expelled from their possessions the last feudal owner of these lands - Count Willem de Merode, Marquis of Westerlo and Prince Rubampre .

Abbey History

The history of the Grimbergen Abbey dates back to the XII century , to the foundation in 1120 of the Catholic Order of the premonstrators Norbert Xantensky , although the attempts of Augustinian monks to settle here were made earlier.

The abbey was founded eight years after the establishment of the order. Initially, the name of the settlement sounded like Grentberghis, which dates back to the Old Dutch “barrows of sand”. Throughout its history, the premonstrant community and the abbey building complex have experienced several devastating invasions.

The first time the abbey was destroyed in 1142 .

At the beginning of the 14th century, part of Grimbergen came under the authority of House of Nassau . In 1556 the abbey was again ravaged during the Religious Wars . In 1752, the lands of Grimbergen were re-united within the same principality.

In 1796, the abbey again fell into neglect. The abbey’s church powers were abolished in 1830 .

Abbey Nowadays

On the territory of the abbey there are several historic buildings:

• Baroque Basilica, built in 1660 . It is richly decorated with wooden sculptures of Flemish masters and frescoes ^[3] . In the tower of the basilica is located carillon . It is considered as one of the most beautiful and corresponding to the Baroque style of basil Benelux .
• Watermill Liermolen. It was originally purchased by the abbey in 1341 . The existing building dates back to the 17th century , reconstructed in the 19th century .
• Castle Prinsenkasteel. To date, only the donjon and one round tower have survived, and the castle moat has been turned into a pond. It was partially destroyed during World War II ^[4] .
• The Observatory . Founded in 1967 in the building where the abbey farm used to be located.

In addition, on the territory of the abbey there is the first in the world museum of abbey brewing. In it tourists can get acquainted with the history of the brewing Grimbergen. The museum is divided into an exhibition hall with authentic exhibits, a conference room and a tasting room ^[5] .

The abbey is now active, the liturgy in it is held all the days of the week ^[6] .

History of Grimbergen beer and brand Grimbergen

The Grimbergen brewery initially began to function shortly after the monastery was built. After 1796 , when the abbey was again abandoned by the monks, beer production resumed only in 1958 ^[7] .

The emblem and motto of the Grimbergen beer is connected with the history of the abbey. The emblem depicts the Phoenix bird rising from the flames, and the motto is “Ardet nec consumitur” (“Burning but not burning”). The image of the phoenix on the emblem of the abbey is being built to the 16th century . Later, the Grimbergen beer serving ritual on a burning tray was developed ^[8] . The manufacturer recommends that you set fire to the tray, put a branded glass of Grimbergen beer on it and serve it in this form.

The “manifesto of the Grimbergen beer” is also built on this image, beginning with the words “The Phoenix Bird has become a symbol of civilizations over the centuries. Persians, Greeks and Romans considered it a symbol of rebirth and tranquility. For centuries, its mystical powers have inspired people who longed for freedom and wanted to change. ”

Until 1978, beer was produced at the Waarloos plant, until 2007 - at the Brasserie Union, then - at Alken-Maes in Belgium.

In 2008, the rights to the Grimbergen brand were transferred to the Carlsberg brewing company. Since 2013, the official exclusive importer of Grimbergen beer to Russia has been the Baltika Brewery ^[9] . All in all, it is supplied to more than 30 countries of the world.

Grimbergen Beers

Under the brand Grimbergen, five beers are now produced, representing the classic set of Belgian abbey varieties ^[10] :

• Blond (light);
• Double-Ambree (amber);
• Blanche (wheat);
• Rouge (fruit);
• Noel (winter).

All varieties of the brewery - ales , fermented at temperatures of 28-30 degrees Celsius, which gives the beer spicy-phenolic and fruit tones.

There are four brewery varieties in Russia - Grimbergen Blonde, Grimbergen Double-Ambree, Grimbergen Rouge and Grimbergen Blanche.

• Grimbergen Blonde - 6.7% alcohol, bitterness 22 IBU (international units of bitterness).
• Grimbergen Double-Ambree - 6.5% alcohol, bitterness 22 IBU. According to beer writer Michael Jackson , it has a burgundy color, aroma of raisins, tastes of orange and toffee, and a spicy, cinnamon-like aftertaste ^[11] . The rating of beer Grimbergen Double-Ambree on the site ratebeer.com is 84 points out of 100 possible ^[12] .

• Official Website of the Museum for Old Techniques (German / French / English)
• The Prince's Fort in Grimbergen - Werbeka Netshop (eng.)