Grimbergen Blonde Beer

Grimbergen is a legendary Belgian abbey beer with a heritage dating back to 1128, when it was first brewed by the Norbertine monks at Grimbergen Abbey. The brand is famously symbolized by the Phoenix, representing the abbey's history of being destroyed by fire and rebuilt three times throughout the centuries, hence the motto Ardet Nec Consumitur ('Burned, but not destroyed').

Today, the manufacturing of Grimbergen is split between major global brewing entities and a recently revived on-site microbrewery at the abbey itself. Since 2008, the Carlsberg Group has held the global licensing rights for the brand outside of Belgium, primarily producing it at the Kronenbourg Brewery in France, as well as locations in Poland and Italy. Within Belgium, the brand is brewed and distributed by Alken-Maes under a long-term license from Heineken. In 2021, the Fathers of the Abbey officially returned to brewing limited-edition batches on-site for the first time in over 200 years through a partnership with Carlsberg.

Ownership of the brand remains complex due to historical acquisitions. While the Carlsberg Group manages the brand globally, Heineken controls the rights within the Belgian domestic market. This collaborative yet divided structure ensures the wide availability of the 'Abbey' style beer while maintaining its historical ties to its birthplace in Belgium.