Does Chez Clément offer Trappist beers?

Trappist beers are one of Belgium's defining brewing achievements. The « Authentic Trappist Product » designation, managed by the International Trappist Association, certifies that the beer is brewed within the walls of a Trappist abbey, under the supervision of the monastic community, and that the proceeds support the monastic mission or charitable causes. Several Belgian abbeys hold this certification (Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren, and Achel depending on the period).

On Chez Clément's official beverage list, two Belgian Trappists are served: Chimay Blue (Grande Réserve, around 9 per cent), a dense and deep brown, and Orval, an amber refermented with Brettanomyces yeast, a profile unique in the world. The other Belgian Trappists (Rochefort 6/8/10, Westmalle Dubbel/Tripel, Westvleteren, Achel) are not on the permanent list, mentioned here only for general culture.

Chez Clément's beer list rounds out the two Trappists with a selection of Belgian abbey and brasserie beers: Leffe Blonde, Triple Karmeliet, 888 Triple Eight, Chouffe blonde, Duvel, Stella, Bertinchamps Triple, Lutgarde white. The house has a deep brewer-limonadier root: the second generation, Jules Clément and Marie-Lidwina (1923-1954), brewed beer directly on the premises. That filiation makes a serious beer list a natural complement to the wine cellar opened by Marcel and Andrée in 1976.

Trappist-and-food pairings sit at the centre of Belgian brasserie culture. Chimay Blue, a dense brown, is a magnificent partner for slow-cooked meats (carbonnade flamande when seasonally on the carte) and strong cheeses. Orval, with its singular acidity and bitterness, works wonders with house croquettes, fish in cream sauces, and certain white meats. It is a heritage pairing, fully embedded in the Belgian brasserie experience.