Chimay Première (Belgium)
The Data
Country Belgium
Style Abbey Dubbel
Retail Price $12.99, single bottle, 750ml
ABV 7%
In the Glass
Appearance
Bright chestnut with thick, white, rocky head.
Aromatics
The nose is alluring and complex with scents of dense malt, earthy aged hops, and dried fruits with accents of bread dough yeast, caramel, and brown spices.
Flavor
The palate echoes the nose delivering a malty core with flanking notes of hops and earth.
Intensity & Texture
Medium-bodied with a creamy core while offering perfect balance and harmony.
Cool Factor
In a world now filled with beers that are laced by ridiculous flavors and an unbalanced hop profile, sipping a true classic Trappist Ale is the coolest beer experience.
Value Grade
The great Chimay Ales are not cheap but when you consider that they can be obtained for the same price asked by the flavor of the month you will find that they are incredible values.
Analysis
Chimay is an authentic Trappist Ale, one of just 11 in the world and among the six in Belgium. The brewery was founded in 1862 and today as in the beginning the work is done within monastery walls under the supervision and responsibility of the monastic community. The Chimay Première is often known simply as Chimay "Red". This great ale falls into the Abbey Dubbel style.
How to Enjoy
Serve chilled but not overly cold in an Abbey Ale glass.