Fuller's mines for Belgian monks' gold

Fuller's, the London brewer and pub operator based in Chiswick, has formed a partnership with Trappist brewer Bières de Chimay to become the exclusive UK importer of draught Chimay Gold. 

At 4.8 % ABV Chimay Gold, known in Belgium as Dorée (meaning Golden) has been brewed at the Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey, home of the Chimay Brewery, since 1862. Draught Chimay Gold has never been available in the UK until now. The beer was originally reserved for members of the Abbey monastic community, latterly being made available to guests of the community and to staff members working for Chimay.

As the name suggests, Chimay Gold is golden in colour and is a beer to be savored and explored. This Trappist beer balances sweet and bitter in an intriguing way. Watch out for the fruity bursts of ripened apples, oranges and grapes.

Managing Director of Fuller’s Beer Company Ian Bray says@ “To enter in to a partnership with Bières de Chimay is a privilege. Chimay Gold is a truly wonderful beer that has deep rooted heritage and history. Fuller’s and Chimay share a passion for brewing and create quality beers of distinction. We are confident we will present the prestigious beer, Chimay Gold, in the best possible way to the British consumer.”

Managing Director of Chimay Edwin Dedoncker says: “We have clearly kept draught Chimay Gold to ourselves for too long. We are extremely excited to be releasing this Trappist beer and making it available beyond the confines of the abbey walls. We are very happy to have agreed this partnership deal with Fuller’s and we know our precious beer will be in very good hands.”

As part of the partnership, from 1June 2013 Fuller's will become the importer and distributor of bottled Chimay Red, Chimay Triple and Chimay Blue into the UK Grocery, off-trade sector.

About Chimay:  In order to provide for their needs and those of their foundations, as well as to support employment in their region, the Cistercian Trappist monks of Chimay have, since 1862, developed the production of Belgian beers. Chimay is one of the six Belgian beers that can carry the logo, "Authentic Trappist Product".This means it is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery under the control and responsibility of the community of monks, and whose revenue is devoted to social service.

About Fuller’s:

Since 1845 Fuller’s has made beer at  the Griffin Brewery in Chiswick London on a site that has over 350 years brewing heritage. The company has two trading divisions - The Fuller's Beer Company and Fuller's Inns.

The Fuller's Beer Company brews London Pride, the UK's leading premium cask ale, as well as a portfolio of award-winning ales such as Chiswick Bitter, ESB and 1845. Three of Fuller's beers -- London Pride, ESB and Chiswick Bitter -- have all been named as CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain.