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1128 - 1142 - 1566 - 1629 - 1585 - 1798 - Today
In 1128, the Lords of Grimbergen asked Norbert van Xanten, founder of the Premonstratensian Order (or Norbertine Order) to build an abbey and he granted them their wish. Shortly after, in the same year, the Fathers of Grimbergen Abbey began to brew a local beer.
In 1142, the Lords of Grimbergen revolted against the Duke of Brabant. This was the beginning of the War of Grimbergen. The abbey was completely ruined, but in the years following the war it was rebuilt stone by stone.
In 1566, the Abbey was destroyed for the second time during the religious wars. The Fathers flew to Brussels, and could only return to Grimbergen 30 years later, to rebuiild their community.
In 1629, the abbey was re-established in Grimbergen. From that moment on, the fathers and the community decided to adopt the phoenix as a symbol of rebirth in their coat of arms, alongside the motto "ardet nec consumitur", which means "burned, but not destroyed”.
With the phoenix lifting the spirits of the Fathers, Grimbergen beer soon began to flow again. Yet a new danger was lurking: in the 18th century, during the French Revolution, all goods in churches and monasteries were sold. In 1798, the Fathers had to leave again. And the Abbey with its brewery was destroyed for a third time.
Today, the Grimbergen Fathers are sitll fully involved in their community, holding religious services, doing charity work and helping people in need. Beer is also a big part of their lives: under their close watch, new brews are developed, so we can continue satisfying all tastes… and keep reigniting people’s inner flame around the world.
Grimbergen recipe for beer has withstood the test of time, making it a lively beverage with unmatched character. Authentic, contrasted, unique and complex with multiple aromas, the Beer of the Phoenix gives rise to unexpected flavours that reveal themselves with each sip.
The Grimbergen's Fathers have put all their strength in rebuilding the abbey and keeping their savoir-faire in brewing alive through the ages. With time, new brews have been created to match all tastes, but the original and authentic brew is remaining and still reigniting inner flames.