Named Grande Réserve in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, it is principally distinguished by its character of a strong beer. This is a beer whose fragrance of fresh yeast with a light, flowery rosy touch is especially pleasant. Its flavour, noticed when tasting it, only accentuates the pleasant sensations perceived in the aroma , while revealing a light but pleasant touch of roasted malt. This top fermented Trappist beer , refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.

If you think that Magnum is just a Chimay Blue in a 150 cl (51 fl.oz.) bottle, you are forgetting one essential fact, for it is important to appreciate that a large volume of beer affects the development of taste in the second fermentation of the beer in the bottle and gives it a fuller and smoother character. A vintage like its little sisters of 33 (11.2 fl.oz.) and 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.), Magnum Grande Réserve may be conserved in dark conditions for several years. This is how the beer acquires a light and pleasant taste of port. Convivial and festive, the Magnum is a must for the connoisseur who will not forget to serve his beverage at cellar temperature in "Gourmet" glasses (18 cl/6 fl.oz.).

Named Cinq Cents in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, this beer with its typical golden colour, its slightly hazy appearance and its fine head is especially characterised by its aroma which results from an agreeable combination of fresh hops and yeast. The beer's flavour, as sensed in the mouth, comes from the smell of hops: above all it is the fruity notes of muscat and raisins that give this beer a particularly attractive aroma. The aroma complements the touch of bitterness. There is no acidity, but an after-bitterness which melts in the mouth. This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.

	Westmalle dubbel, Orval, Achel, Rochefort 8°, Chimay blauw, Westmalle tripel.

Trappist beers are strong, top fermented and bottle conditioned. The Trappist name itself is restricted by law to a handful of breweries, of which Rochfort is one, producing three beers. This is the middle of the three in strength, identified by a green cap and the number 8. It has a loose, bubbly head that subsides but leaves delicate lacework on the glass. The beer itself is dark brown in colour, with lots of dark, dryish fruit aromas. Figs and dates predominate, but there are also pronounced phenolic notes, the whole combining to give elements of both Christmas pudding and cough candy. It is smooth on the palate, with lots of chocolate accompanying the dark puddingy fruit, and perhaps some grapes in there too. A yeasty chalkiness adds to the smoothness, but there is quite an alcohol hit on the back of the throat, along with a touch of sweetness. Finish is warming alcoholly malt and chocolate, leaving a malty, slightly treacley aftertaste lightened a little by the phenols. A strong, complex ale, hard to find but well worth the trouble. Fabulous as an after-dinner drink or an accompaniment to cheese.