Chimay – White (Tripel) (330ml)
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Beer Type
Ale Learn More
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Beer Category
Gold BeerTrappist/Abbey
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Beer Style
Belgian TripelComplex, sometimes mild-spicy flavour characterizes this style. Yeast-driven complexity is common. Learn More
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Country
Belgium
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Region
Hainaut
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Sub-Region
Chimay
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Size
330ml
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ABV
8.0%
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Tasting Notes
ComplexFruitySpicy
Chimay is the name of the Trappist brewery* that produces beer within the Scourmont abbey, 1km from the French border, and they have been brewing beer since 1862. Losing their copper brewing kettles to the Nazis during the war, the brewery had to restart over, but have since become arguably the most well-known Trappist brewery in the world. Like most Trappist breweries, Chimay has a house yeast culture, some may call a “super-yeast” that can produce exceptionally complex, and elegant styles of beer.
*The term Trappist Brewery relates to beer made within the walls of a Trappist abbey, where the brewing is performed by, or under the supervision of Cistercian monks. There are only a handful of legally defined Trappist breweries in the world.
Tasting Notes
Pouring a vibrant golden colour with dense white foam. The most hopped of the three, Chimay White exhibits herbal aromas of spice, golden raisins, honey, and floral notes. The palate is very complex, and drinks surprisingly light on its feet for such a high alcohol beer, this is largely thanks to the high carbonation and dry finish. Serve chilled, but not fridge cold.
99 pts Rate Beer
Method
The newest beer from Chimay, being introduced in 1966 by Father Theodore. The Belgian Tripel style is complex, sometimes mild spicy flavor characterizes this style. Yeast-driven complexity is common. Tripels are often on the higher end of the ABV spectrum, yet are approachable to many different palates. These beers are commonly bottle-conditioned and finish dry. The Belgian-style tripel is similar to Belgian-style golden strong ales, but are generally darker and have a more noticeable malt sweetness. Bottle conditioned for 21 days before release, giving the finished beer an effervescent mouthfeel. Father Theodore cultured and developed the yeast strain in the 1940s helping to create the profile all Chimay beers are known for today. Daily testing and tasting are performed at Chimay to ensure exceptional consistency.
Our Thoughts
This Belgian tripel is what I’ll be reaching for on warm patio days ahead. It is a stronger beer at 8% ABV, but drinks refreshingly dry; hops, citrus notes, and high carbonation come together beautifully. All I’d need to complement the Chimay white is a hot dog loaded with spicy mustard and sauerkraut – the perfect beer garden pairing!
Owen G
The tasting notes on the site here are right on the money – it feels like a nice easy golden taken to 11. I was quite satisfied for the night with only my half bottle when sharing, but it’s the sort of thing I could imagine drinking regularly if I had a little more money! Very much a “no tricks, just thumbs up” brew to pair with a laid back evening and a more subtle dish like fresh veggies, legumes, or poultry.