Chimay Dorée (Belgium)

The Data

Country Belgium

Style Belgian Style Blonde Ale

Retail Price $9.99, single bottle, 750ml

ABV 4.8%

Score 4.5 Stars

In the Glass

Appearance

Pale, golden straw color with a thick white head.

Aromatics

The spices jump from the glass with malt and citrus notes filling in the core.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose with bright citrus accents enveloping the vibrant malt core.

Intensity & Texture

Medium-bodied while being clearly the lightest of the Chimay portfolio. Chimay's version of the session Ale.

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 Dorée is often known simply as Chimay "Golden". This great ale is similar to the Chimay Red stylistically while lighter and with the addition of spices. The Chimay Dorée was available only at the Abbey until 2013.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled but not overly cold in an Abbey Ale glass.