Chimay Première (Red)
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(3 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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We’re only two days into this Belgian adventure, but I’ve already learned quite a bit during my excursion into Trappist ales.
Yesterday, I linked to some required reading — but for today, how about I serve up some “required viewing”. Tom Bedell sent me an interview he taped for Tim and Amy Brady’s great video blog Here For The Beer. In the video, which you can find here, Tim talks with Tom Bedell and they sample many of the same Trappist ales I’ll be drinking over the next several days.
Chimay Red (Rouge, or Première), the first beer they try, also happens to be what I drank tonight.
This Dubbel was quite a bit darker than the White, more dark or reddish brown. Spent yeast made the beer very cloudy beneath its compact, bubbly head. As the yeast settled on the bottom of the glass, the speckles against the reddish background made me think of strawberry seeds.
There’s a little fruit in the aroma, too, but the dominant force in the smell is yeast peppered with some spice. As for the taste — Red is juicy, with lots of sweet and sour flavor that got my saliva flowing. There’s a lot of fruit, plums and prunes and maybe something tropical, mixed with herbal spice and a mildly bitter hop aftertaste.
On its website, Chimay describes the Red as being:
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.
Really, it was quite good; but I’ve been told tomorrow’s beer — Chimay Blue — will knock the socks off anyone who likes the Red. Stick around and find out!
Recommended reviews of Chimay Red / Première:
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4 Comments
March 26th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Thanks for the link. Chimay Red is an excellent drink that quickly grows on you. It’s flavors really come out as it warms up. If you liked the Red you’re really going to love the Blue Chimay. Some of the best beers in the world.
March 26th, 2009 at 9:08 am
Thanks Andy for the plug. Great site. Love the “He Said She Said” section. Enjoy the Blue tomorrow – that was our favorite… Thanks again – consider yourself bookmarked :) Cheers Amy
March 26th, 2009 at 10:31 am
Good stuff. The Chimay White was my first Chimay (a few years ago). Never intended on trying the other 2. But when I did… ooh boy. Goodbye white! (though a quality brew, the red and blue just pummel it. At least IMO) :)
March 26th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Dave – Cheers, I’ll try out the Blue later tonight!
Amy – I quite enjoy your site. I have a video/studio production background and your video posts are very well crafted. I’m expecting a new “He Said She Said” this week, so stay tuned!
Chodite – It’s hard for me to pick favorites, but I’m discovering some great beers. Something about the dryness of the White really appealed to me, I liked it quite a bit.