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Recipe Kit Chimay Blue
This is our take on Chimay Blue, one of Belgium's most celebrated Trappist ales. It brews a rich, dark Belgian strong ale (dubbel) with a complex fruity, peppery character, a deep amber copper colour and a warming 5.8 to 6% ABV.
Makes 21L , about 64 bottles
5.8-6% ABV , Chimay Blue
Extract
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Recipe Kit Chimay Blue
Sale price$74.50
The details
Belgian strong ales reward patience and a steady fermentation. The pale malt extract, crushed roasted grains and a touch of brewing honey build a layered malt base, while the Belgian ale yeast does the heavy lifting on flavour, throwing the spicy, fruity esters the style is known for. Ferment on the cooler side, 15 to 20 C, for a clean and complex result.
This is our take on Chimay Blue, one of Belgium's most celebrated Trappist ales. It brews a rich, dark Belgian strong ale (dubbel) with a complex fruity, peppery character, a deep amber copper colour and a warming 5.8 to 6% ABV. A kit for brewers who want a beer with real depth and genuine Belgian character.
What it is like to brew
Belgian strong ales reward patience and a steady fermentation. The pale malt extract, crushed roasted grains and a touch of brewing honey build a layered malt base, while the Belgian ale yeast does the heavy lifting on flavour, throwing the spicy, fruity esters the style is known for. Ferment on the cooler side, 15 to 20 C, for a clean and complex result.
Why this kit works
- Authentic Belgian dubbel character from a true Belgian ale yeast
- Pale malt extract, roasted grains and brewing honey for layered malt depth
- Optional high-strength path to a Chimay-like 9% ale
- Deep amber copper colour with a creamy off-white head
When it makes sense
A good choice when you want to move beyond easy-drinking ales into something with complexity and strength. It suits cooler-month brewing and rewards a few weeks of conditioning. Comfortable for an improving beginner and ideal for an intermediate brewer.
Specifications
| Style | Belgian strong ale (dubbel) |
|---|---|
| ABV | 5.8 to 6% (standard 18L), about 9% optional high-strength |
| IBU | 35 |
| Colour (EBC) | 60 to 70 |
| Original gravity | 1.050 to 1.052 |
| Final gravity | 1.010 to 1.012 |
| Fermentation temp | 15 to 20 C (Belgian ale yeast) |
| Batch volume | 18 litres (15 litres for high-strength) |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Ready to drink | About 4 to 6 weeks |
What's in the box
- Pale malt extract (3.2kg, the fermentable base for body and strength)
- Crushed roasted grains (for colour and malt depth)
- German and English hop blend (for balancing earthy, spicy bitterness)
- Belgian ale yeast (ferments the sugars and drives the fruity, peppery character)
- Step-by-step brewing instructions
You will also need: 220g of honey (not included in the kit). It is an important addition, bringing a dry, warming complexity.
Optional: 500g soft brown sugar (not included) for the high-strength variant.
Flavour profile
- Appearance: Amber copper with a creamy off-white head
- Aroma: Earthy, spicy, herbal and floral
- Flavour: Rich and fruity with peppery yeast spice and warming malt depth
- Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium to full bodied
- Finish: Dry and warming
Hamish's verdict
Ferment this one cool and slow. The temptation is to let a strong ale run hot, but holding 15 to 18 C keeps the esters elegant rather than solventy. Give it 4 to 6 weeks in the bottle and the honey and roasted malt round into something genuinely special.
Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, June 2026. Last updated June 2026.
What's In The Kit
- Pale malt extract: 3.2kg, the fermentable base for body and strength
- Crushed roasted grains: for colour and malt depth
- Brewing honey: 220g, for a dry, warming complexity
- German and English hop blend: for balancing earthy, spicy bitterness
- Belgian ale yeast: ferments the sugars and drives the fruity, peppery character
- Step-by-step brewing instructions
Brew Specs
- Style: Belgian strong ale (dubbel)
- ABV: 5.8 to 6% (standard 18L), about 9% optional high-strength
- IBU: 35
- Colour (EBC): 60 to 70
- Original gravity: 1.050 to 1.052
- Final gravity: 1.010 to 1.012
- Fermentation temp: 15 to 20 C (Belgian ale yeast)
- Batch volume: 18 litres (15 litres for high-strength)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Ready to drink: About 4 to 6 weeks
Flavour Profile
Appearance: Amber copper with a creamy off-white head
Aroma: Earthy, spicy, herbal and floral
Flavour: Rich and fruity with peppery yeast spice and warming malt depth
Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium to full bodied
Finish: Dry and warming
Aroma: Earthy, spicy, herbal and floral
Flavour: Rich and fruity with peppery yeast spice and warming malt depth
Mouthfeel: Creamy, medium to full bodied
Finish: Dry and warming
Who it's for
A good choice when you want to move beyond easy-drinking ales into something with complexity and strength. It suits cooler-month brewing and rewards a few weeks of conditioning. Comfortable for an improving beginner and ideal for an intermediate brewer.
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Is this an official Chimay product?
No. This is an independent recipe inspired by the classic Belgian Trappist dubbel. It is not affiliated with, licensed by or endorsed by the brewery. It is our own take on the style.
Can I brew this stronger?
Yes. The standard 18 litre batch finishes around 5.8 to 6% ABV. For a bigger, Chimay-like strong ale closer to 9%, add 500g of soft brown sugar (not included) and brew a smaller 15 litre batch. Expect a longer, slower fermentation and give it extra conditioning time.
What makes a Belgian beer taste the way it does?
Most of the character comes from the Belgian yeast rather than the hops. Fermented warm, Belgian ale and abbey yeasts throw fruity esters such as banana, pear and stone fruit, along with spicy phenols like clove and pepper. It is the defining feature of the style.
Do I need temperature control to brew this?
No, and warmer Australian conditions actually suit it. Belgian ale and abbey yeasts ferment well at room temperature, and the warmth helps develop the fruity, spicy yeast character. Just avoid going above the listed range, which can push harsh fusel alcohols.
How much beer does this kit make?
It makes 18 litres, which is roughly 24 longneck bottles (750ml) or about 48 stubbies (330ml).
What equipment do I need to brew this kit?
A fermenter with lid and airlock, a no-rinse sanitiser, a thermometer, a hydrometer, and bottles or a keg for packaging. Our starter equipment kits include everything you need.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9-4pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
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