Grimbergen Beer: Montreal's Best Buying Locations

Grimbergen is a brand of Belgian abbey beers, originally crafted by monks in the Belgian town of Grimbergen. The beer is now brewed by different breweries across Belgium, France, Poland and Italy. In Montreal, Grimbergen beer can be purchased at Dépanneur Paul, a convenience store located at 50 Avenue des Pins, Montréal, QC H2W 1N5. Additionally, there are online options for purchasing Grimbergen beer, with some websites offering worldwide delivery.

Grimbergen beer in Montreal: online options

If you're looking to buy Grimbergen beer in Montreal, there are a few online options to consider.

Local Stores

Firstly, it's worth checking local stores that offer delivery. Go to the GotoLiquorStore website and enter your address details to see product pricing and availability in your area.

Belgian Beer Factory

Alternatively, you could try the Belgian Beer Factory, which offers worldwide delivery and has Grimbergen beer available to buy online. This website also offers over 1300 beers, so you may discover some new favourites!

Dutch Expat Shop

The Dutch Expat Shop is another online option, delivering Grimbergen Double beer worldwide. They offer fast delivery and the lowest shipping rates, with parcels up to €500 fully secured and a 100% delivery guarantee.

TapHunter

While not a direct place to purchase Grimbergen beer, the TapHunter website can help you find the beer near you.

Specialty Beer Stores

There are also a few specialty beer stores in Montreal that may be worth checking out, such as Dépanneur Paul on Avenue des Pins.

So, whether you're looking for local delivery or worldwide shipping, there are plenty of options to get your hands on Grimbergen beer in Montreal.

Local Montreal stores selling Grimbergen

If you're looking to buy Grimbergen beer in Montreal, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can try local convenience stores such as Dépanneur Paul on Avenue des Pins. They may have Grimbergen in stock, but it's always a good idea to call ahead and check before making a special trip.

Alternatively, you can explore online options. Websites like Belgian Beer Factory, GotoLiquorStore, and DutchExpatShop offer Grimbergen beer for purchase. These sites may deliver to your area in Montreal, so be sure to check their delivery policies. When buying online, keep in mind that some sites may have restrictions or minimum order requirements.

In addition, some mobile apps, such as the one mentioned on TapHunter, can help you locate Grimbergen beer near you. By entering your address, you can find local stores that carry the product. This can be a convenient way to discover Grimbergen beer sources in your neighbourhood.

Lastly, Grimbergen beer is also available at certain restaurants and pubs. For instance, in Vancouver, it has been spotted on tap at Bier Craft and served at the Irish Heather on Carral Street. While these specific locations are not in Montreal, it highlights the possibility of finding Grimbergen at similar establishments in your city.

Buying Grimbergen in Quebec

Grimbergen is a brand of Belgian abbey beers, originally crafted by monks in the Belgian town of Grimbergen. The brand is now produced by different breweries in Belgium, France, Poland, and Italy.

In Quebec, you can purchase Grimbergen at the Dépanneur Paul convenience store in Montreal, located at 50 Avenue des Pins, Montréal, QC H2W 1N5. This store carries a selection of Grimbergen beers, although availability may vary.

Alternatively, you can order Grimbergen online from specialty beer retailers such as Belgian Beer Factory, which offers worldwide delivery. They have a wide range of Grimbergen varieties, including Blond, Dubbel, Tripel, Optimo Bruno, Gold, Summer, Winter, and Spring.

For those willing to cross provincial or international borders, Grimbergen can be found at various locations in Ontario, British Columbia, and the United States. In Ontario, you can order Grimbergen at any LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store, and in Whistler, BC, it is available at a local liquor store. In the US, Grimbergen has been spotted on tap at select pubs in Vancouver, and it is generally easier to find there.

Grimbergen varieties available in Montreal

Grimbergen is a brand name for a variety of Belgian abbey beers. The beers are now brewed by two different companies, Alken-Maes and Carlsberg Group, with Alken-Maes brewing for the Belgian market and Carlsberg for international markets.

The following Grimbergen varieties are available in Montreal:

• Blond (6.7% ABV): This is a Belgian blond ale, which is one of the classic styles of Grimbergen beers. It is characterised by its golden colour, smooth taste, and slightly fruity aroma.
• Dubbel (6.5% ABV): This is a Belgian dubbel, a dark amber or brown beer with a rich, malty flavour and hints of caramel and dark fruit. It is one of the oldest varieties of Grimbergen, dating back to the original monks' recipe.
• Double-Ambree: A stronger, amber-coloured variant of the classic Grimbergen beer.
• Tripel (Blond): A stronger, golden variety of Grimbergen with a higher alcohol content and a complex flavour profile.
• Optimo Bruno (Brown): A brown, full-bodied Grimbergen beer with a rich, malty taste.
• Gold (Blond): This is a newer variety of Grimbergen, characterised by its golden colour and smooth taste.

In addition to these core varieties, Grimbergen also offers seasonal beers, such as the Winter, Summer, and Spring editions, as well as limited-edition brews like the Christmas Beer produced in France for year-end festivities.

Grimbergen: the brand and its history

The Grimbergen brand name is derived from the Norbertine abbey founded by Saint Norbert of Xanten in 1128 in the Belgian town of Grimbergen. The beer was originally brewed by the Norbertine monks in the abbey and was served to visitors alongside hospitality. The monks were famous for this, and they handed down the recipe over the centuries.

The abbey was disbanded and ultimately destroyed during the French Revolution, bringing an end to brewing on-site for the third time in its history. The brand was, however, reborn in the middle of the 20th century when the abbey licensed its name to a local Belgian brewery, Brouwerij Maes (Maes Brewery). In 1958, Maes Brewery proposed to the monks at the abbey that they commercialize the dark beer they had developed under the brand name "Grimbergen".

Since then, Grimbergen has changed hands several times and is now brewed by two different companies. Alken-Maes, located in Alken, Belgium, brewed the beer before 2008, after which it was taken over by Heineken International. As part of the takeover, the brand name Grimbergen was transferred to the Carlsberg Group, with Heineken retaining a long-term license to use the brand name in Belgium. As a result, Alken-Maes brews the beer for the Belgian market, while Carlsberg is responsible for marketing outside Belgium.

The beers marketed under the Grimbergen brand name are now available in a range of varieties, including Blond, Dubbel (brown), Tripel (blond), Optimo Bruno (brown), and Grimbergen Gold (blond). The beers are the result of traditional brewing techniques and tireless innovation, with the brand continuously exploring new flavors and recipes.

The label on Grimbergen beers has always featured a mythological phoenix, symbolizing rebirth and peace. This symbol is fitting, given the abbey's history of being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. The abbey's slogan, "Ardet nec consumitur," translates to "burned but not destroyed," referring to the resilience and survival of the abbey over the centuries.

Today, Grimbergen beers are enjoyed worldwide, and the brand continues to innovate and explore new flavors while staying true to its rich brewing heritage.

Frequently asked questions