Monks of the Trappist order, so I understand, are sworn to silence. So how do they show appreciation of the fine range of beers they have brewed for centuries? Do they sip the dark, malty Chimay beer and simply nod wisely at each other? I put this question to Alister Hill, a former financial adviser now making an honest living by importing a significant range of unusual-quality beers. He simply nodded wisely at me.
But Mr Hill has a lot to speak about when it comes to beers, ales, stouts, pilsners, lagers and porters. He comes from Oxford, in the heart of England. The Campaign for More Real Ale was his kindergarten. Now a partner in the beer-and-wine importing firm of Timepiece (fax: 2541-3313), he is bringing in premier brews, beers with character.
The four distinctive monastery beers come from Belgium, where fine brews are a religion. This little corner of the Continent is the powerhouse of European beer.
The hardy Trappists are a working order who mix prayers with toil. Famous for their cheeses, they established Scourmont Abbey, near the village of Chimay, in 1850 and set about establishing a dairy factory and a brewery.
Brewing traditions stretch back to the Middle Ages but the brewery now employs modern equipment to perpetuate these old traditions. The results are spectacular. Timepiece imports four varieties. Chimay Red Premier ($32) is in a large standard-sized bottle with a Champagne-style cork. It's got a marvellous welcoming fruity aroma and an impressive flavour. You don't gulp this back, but sip and savour.
Most beers ferment in brewery vats. This solid, old-fashioned brew with seven per cent alcohol continues to ferment in the bottle, giving it rare strength and body.
If you think this is 'serious stuff', try the half-bottle Chimay Blue ($17) which packs a whacking great nine per cent alcohol content. It is black, powerful and with a flavour strong enough to linger.