Val-Dieu Grand Cru 11.2 oz 1.5 lb

Belgian Dark Strong Abbey Quadrupel

Brewed by: Val-Dieu Abbey
Country: Belgium
Style: Quadrupel

ABV: 10.5%
Ratebeer.com rating: 97
BeerAdvocate.com rating: 93

Val Dieu Grand Cru (ABV 10.5%), from the Brewery of Val-Dieu Abbey, is a dark, rich, and powerful Quadrupel ale. Nearly black in color with a creamy brown foam, its aroma is complex, with notes of molasses, dark fruit, and toffee.

Made with strongly roasted malt, its flavor profile includes chocolate, port wine, and spice, with medium bitterness and a slightly dry finish.

Winner of the silver medal in the Brussels Beer Challenge 2016. Ratebeer.com rating: 97 (out of 100).

Brewery Information:

Val-Dieu Abbey (Abbaye du Val-Dieu): Aubel, Belgium

Val-Dieu Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery in Belgium, founded in 1216 in what was then an isolated valley with a stream for agricultural and brewing activities. They called their settlement Vallis Dei (French: Val-Dieu; English: Valley of God).

Like many such ancient monasteries, Val-Dieu suffered recurring damage and destruction during wars and invasions; the church was destroyed and rebuilt four times, the last during the French Revolution. In 1844 the remaining buildings were resettled by the last living monk of Val-Dieu from the time before the Revolution, together with four monks from Bornem Abbey. In 2001 the last three Cistercian monks left.

Since 2002 a small lay community (the "Christian Community of Val-Dieu") has lived at the abbey, under the leadership of rector Jean-Pierre Schenkelaars, overseen by the regional ecclesiastical authorities, in association with the Cistercian Order. The new project was founded on the conviction of St. Bernard: "In life we must seek peace: Peace with our God, peace with our neighbor, peace with ourselves." The project is open to all Christians: couples as well as single people, the religious and the laity, people who, as a permanent commitment or for a limited time, wish to live and to deepen their faith with the support and sincerity of a Christian community.

The Brasserie de l'Abbaye du Val-Dieu (Brewery of Val-Dieu Abbey) was established in the abbey farm as the only non-Trappist brewing abbey in Belgium, brewing a recognized abbey beer in the tradition of the former Val-Dieu monks. In addition, a shop, a restaurant, and tours of the buildings and vast grounds help to support the community.