Chimay Ale Peres Trappistes Premiere (Belgium)
Appearance (0 to 4 stars): 3.5. Red, almost dark guava color. Slightly murky, not transparent at all. Very frothy/foamy on the pour.
Aroma: 3.0. Rich, but not unique despite the color.
Flavor: 3.0. Strong all the way through, including the aftertaste.
Texture: 2.5. Twangy, lots of carbonation that stays long after the ale is poured.
Drinkability: 3.0. That twang is something to love or hate for most drinkers. I'm ambivalent about it.
Overall score: 15.
Cost: $10, 1 point, 9.4 oz.
On the label: "Alcohol 7% by volume. ... Brewed at Scourmont Abbey and bottled by S.A. Bieres de Chimay, Belgium. ... The registered trademark "TRAPPIST" certifies that this ale was brewed within the walls of an existing trappist monastery under the control of the trappist community. A major part of the sales revenue is used by the monks to support charitable works. The exceptional yeast isolated by Father Theodore, combined with the purity of the highly protected water of the abbey's wells, gives Chimay its unique richness. Since 1862, Chimay's secondary fermented ales have neither been pasteurized nor filtered and only natural ingredients are used. To fully appreciate the pleasant sharpness and the light hint of bitterness of the Chimay Premiere, serve slightly chilled, in a wide-mouthed glass."
Summary: I'm glad I gave this ale a shot. It's certainly not worth $10, but it's a well-made, interesting-looking beer made with care. It's packaged nicely, but even a plain-looking bottle like Newcastle contained a superior-tasting brew.
Monday, August 20, 2007
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