As is the case every time I make notes about a beer and then publish them on the site, they are no more than my thoughts, for my own records, and for my own reference. They really aren't for any other purpose, but if others enjoy reading them or even find them useful, then great! If not, so be it. I say that here because I think that these notes are likely to run counter to many others thoughts about this beer, and that's just fine! Right off the top I'll admit that I'm just not a huge fan of...
Notes on beers brewed by
Bières de Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont)
Chimay Dorée (Gold)
In general, Dorée is a deeply misunderstood beer, but this is especially so in the USA. Firstly there is the issue with it being an infinitely more subtle beer that anything else that they make. Subtlety is not a trait that is appreciated a great deal in the USA, and that's true of all beers, but Dorée has another problem that compounds things. Relatively, very little of it gets to the States, and people don't know what it is, as a result it often sits on shelves or in warehouse for long...
Chimay Blonde 150 (Green)
Here we go with the much anticipated, already a little vaunted, Chimay Green. Shipped into the USA from Belgian Shop. With transit cost, the six bottles were approx. $10 a piece. An absolute steal at that price. The usual Chimay presentation, but with the forest green coloring and the '150' wreath moniker. Light golden, slightly hazed pour with a superb, generous, pillowed, dense white, pitted head. Great retention. Chimay glass does its job with a constant flow of carbonation rising from the...
Chimay Cinq Cents Tripel (White)
Additional Notes 07/28/22 I enjoy this beer a lot more than the notes below indicate, and 18 and 14 years on from those I have a true, and much deeper appreciation for the beer. However, I STILL maintain that the White is not necessarily a quintessential Triple. There's a hop note in the back end (the soapy element that I note below), and a distinct lack of driving alcohol sweetness that one gets with typical examples of the style. In that regard come with an open mind. It's a beautiful beer...
Chimay Première (Red)
Additional Notes 07/28/22 Great example of a Dubbel in my book, but I'm not a huge fan of Dubbels in general, so my notes are always slightly tainted. It's an easy drinker with the malts breaking constantly over the tongue, and a satisfying body to the beer. Not my favorite Chimay, but still a lovely beer that I would never turn down. Original Notes 08/31/2004 I've been drinking the Chimay range for years, both in the UK and in Belgium and what has always struck me about the Red is the...
Chimay Grande Réserve (Blue)
Spectacular style and most importantly spectacular experience. This brew exudes quality in every respect. Surprisingly, a highly carbonated pour with really quite a fizzy initial appearance. Murky brown color in the body. Dubbel appearance. Belgian yeasts are apparent in the nose with some fruits but they are difficult to distinguish specifically. Mouthfeel is a little on the thin side for the style and there are many better in the mouth than this one. Great trailblazer for Belgian beers...