Some beers are brewed by companies. Chimay is brewed by monks. For more than 160 years the Cistercian community of Scourmont Abbey in southern Belgium has made beer to support itself and its region – and today you can pour that same tradition into a glass here in New Zealand. Recently, one Chimay beer even made it onto the big screen: Brad Pitt drinks Chimay Blue in his new film Heart of the Beast – and the production team ordered Chimay Blue from WhiskeyOnline ahead of filming in New Zealand.
Below we explain what makes Chimay so special, walk through the three Chimay 330ml beers we stock – Red, Triple and Blue – and help you choose between a single bottle, a 6-pack or a full 24-bottle case.
Brad Pitt, Queenstown and a Bottle of Chimay Blue
Heart of the Beast is Brad Pitt's new survival thriller, directed by David Ayer (Fury). Pitt plays James Belmont, a retired Special Forces veteran who, with his combat German Shepherd Odin, has to fight his way out of the Alaskan wilderness after a plane crash. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe co-star.
Although the story is set in Alaska, the film was shot right here in New Zealand – principal photography began in Queenstown in March 2025 and wrapped that May (NZ Herald).
Heart of the Beast opened in New Zealand cinemas in late September 2026. Watch it, spot the Chimay Blue, then pour one yourself:
What Makes Chimay Special?
1. A genuine Trappist beer
Only a small number of breweries worldwide may carry the hexagonal "Authentic Trappist Product" logo, which is controlled by the International Trappist Association. To qualify, the beer must be brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, under the monks' supervision, with profits going to the community's upkeep and charitable work rather than to shareholders. Chimay is one of the best-known members of this exclusive club.
2. Brewed at Scourmont Abbey since the 1860s
The abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont was founded in 1850, when monks from Westvleteren settled on the Scourmont plateau near the town of Chimay. Brewing began soon after, and the water still comes from the abbey's own wells.
3. A yeast with its own legend
After the Second World War, a monk named Father Théodore spent years isolating a new yeast strain. From 1948 onward, that yeast has been used in every Chimay beer, giving them their signature fruity, spicy character. The same work led to a Christmas special that eventually became the year-round "blue cap" – today's Chimay Blue (Chimay official site).
4. Bottle-conditioned and built to age
Chimay is refermented in the bottle, so it keeps developing after it leaves the abbey. Chimay Blue in particular has excellent ageing potential – which is why the larger bottle is called Grande Réserve. Buy a case, drink some now and cellar a few to taste how it evolves.
Chimay Red vs Triple vs Blue (330ml)
| Beer | ABV | Style | What it tastes like | Great with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimay Red | 7% | Dubbel | Copper-red, soft and fruity – apricot, light caramel, gentle spice | Roast pork, burgers, washed-rind cheese |
| Chimay Triple | 8% | Tripel | Golden, dry and crisp – citrus, herbal hops, peppery finish | Seafood, Thai dishes, roast chicken |
| Chimay Blue | 9% | Belgian dark strong ale | Deep brown, rich and warming – dried fruit, caramel, mocha, spice | Slow-cooked beef, aged cheese, dark chocolate |
Serving tip: pour Chimay into a wide chalice or goblet (browse our glassware), slightly cooler than room temperature for the Blue and a touch colder for the Red and Triple. Pour slowly and leave the last centimetre of yeast sediment in the bottle – or swirl it in if you like a fuller, cloudier glass.
Three Beers, Three Ways to Buy
Every Chimay 330ml at WhiskeyOnline comes as a single bottle, a 6-pack or a 24-pack, so you can try one, share a few or stock the fridge.
Chimay Red 7% 330ml
Chimay Triple 8% 330ml
Chimay Blue 9% 330ml – the "Heart of the Beast" beer
Which one first? New to Belgian beer? Start with the Red. Prefer something crisp and hoppy? Go Triple. Want the full, rich Trappist experience – and the bottle Brad Pitt's film chose? It has to be the Blue. Can't decide? Grab a 6-pack of each and hold your own tasting night.
Buy Chimay Online in New Zealand
WhiskeyOnline delivers Chimay Red, Triple and Blue nationwide, with the bigger packs offering the best value per bottle. Explore the rest of our beer range for more Belgian and international favourites.
Please enjoy responsibly. You must be 18 or over to purchase alcohol in New Zealand.
