Beer Safari BOTW 1/16 - 1/23: CHIMAY PREMIER RED

[Broodwich]

Fun facts: This legendary beer is a key ingredient in Beef Carbonnade, a popular Belgian dish.

Country of Origin: Belgium

From Chimay Website: First sold in 75 cl (25.4 fl.oz.) bottles, it is noted for its coppery colour which makes it particularly attractive.

Topped with a creamy head, it gives off a light, fruity apricot aroma produced by the fermentation. The taste perceived in the mouth is a balance confirming the fruity nuances noticed in the fragrance.

Its taste, which imparts a silky sensation to the tongue, is made refreshing by a light touch of bitterness. To the palate, the taster perceives a pleasant astringency which complements the flavour qualities of this beer very harmoniously.

This top fermented Trappist beer, refermented in the bottle, is not pasteurised.

Buyers Notes: This is not a cheap beer, but it is guaranteed not to disappoint. One of my top personal favorites.

BeerAdvocate.com Information: Chimay Première (Red) - Bières de Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont) - Beer Advocate



Purchased / Confirmed Availability: Cyclone Liquors, Ames, IA

Cost: $9.95 for Large (~2 Beers), $4.50 for Small (~1 beer)

[cstrunk]

Sounds like something I'd try maybe once, then never drink again.

[whirlybirds]

its not bad. i gave it a vote of average. its a pretty strong tasting beer

[cyfan964]

For the record this is supposed to be one of, if not the best, red ale brewed. If you don't like it... might as well not bother trying other red ales.... cheers!

[herbicide]

Didn't try it this time, but I have had several times before. Chimay beers are some of the best in the world. IMO the Belgian Trappist beers are the best.

[BvK1126]

Like herbicide, I am rating this on my past experience with this beer. It's very good, but a little expensive for regular drinking, in my opinion. I remember it being kind of tart and thus fairly unique when compared to a lot of beers. It's not something I'd drink on a regular basis, but would always enjoy when I do have it.

[brianhos]

Where can we get it?

[herbicide]

Hy-Vee's typically carry it

[Broodwich]

Should be available at any self-respecting liquor store.

[iceclone]

This is an excellent first choice! I rated it based on prior enjoyment, but I'll get a bottle tomorrow for the official tasting and review.

[herbicide]

**NOTE**

This beer is meant to be drank a bit warmer than we Americans typically drink beer. It (and most European beers) should be at least warmer than ice cold. Not as warm as room temperature, which is a common misconception. The Europeans tend to drink beer around the 45 degree area, where we tend to drink it less than 40 degrees.

They really do taste better if they are allowed to warm up, but not to room temperature. Let it sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before drinking. Most notice the effect as they drink more of it, it seems to taste better. The big reason for this if the beer is too cold, it hides many of the subtle flavors it has.

American lager beers do not have subtle flavors (I'll argue they have no flavor at all besides wet white bread).

[Cy Hard]

I enjoy Chimay, probably more the Blue, but a great beer. That said the price does keep me, and I expect many, from drinking this on more than a rare occasion. If I see it in a bar, I may go for it just for giving that establishment props for carrying it.

[iceclone]

Originally Posted by herbicide

**NOTE**

This beer is meant to be drank a bit warmer than we Americans typically drink beer. It (and most European beers) should be at least warmer than ice cold. Not as warm as room temperature, which is a common misconception. The Europeans tend to drink beer around the 45 degree area, where we tend to drink it less than 40 degrees.

They really do taste better if they are allowed to warm up, but not to room temperature. Let it sit out of the fridge for a few minutes before drinking. Most notice the effect as they drink more of it, it seems to taste better. The big reason for this if the beer is too cold, it hides many of the subtle flavors it has.

American lager beers do not have subtle flavors (I'll argue they have no flavor at all besides wet white bread).

I would argue slightly with you on the temperature issue. Room temperature is indeed fine, but it is the room temperature of European houses before central heating (around 60 degrees or so). I would only slightly chill this beer; and chilling it much below 60 would be excessive, in my opinion.

[Iastfan112]

From my experiance in Germany yes they drink it warmer than over here, the rest in just quiblling over temperature. Most of them store beer in a cellar of some sort and we'd drink it pretty much straight from there so the 60 is probably a fair estimate. At resturants and bars, however, I would say the beer was somewhat colder.

[ColoradoClone]

Originally Posted by herbicide

Most notice the effect as they drink more of it, it seems to taste better. The big reason for this if the beer is too cold, it hides many of the subtle flavors it has.

So that's why when I take a 12 pack out of the fridge, the 11th and 12th beer always tastes better than the first!