Chimay – Blue (Strong Dark) (330ml)
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Beer Type
Ale Learn More
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Beer Category
Dark BeerTrappist/Abbey
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Beer Style
Belgian QuadrupelSometimes referred to as Belgian strong dark, Quads have a relatively light body compared to their alcoholic strength, with medium-low to medium-high hop bitterness. 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
9.0%
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Tasting Notes
ComplexrichSmooth
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 dark brown in colour with ivory, long lasting foam. Chimay Blue pumps out extremely complex aromas of brown bread, molasses, dark fruits, and spice that lead into a rich palate with noticeable alcohol warmth. If it weren’t for the lively carbonation, this beer would be too cloying and heavy, rather it drinks light on its feet. Chimay Blue can, and should be aged for months or years to further develop it’s already complex flavour. Enjoy with a soft rind cheese, or on its own at a chilled, but not cold temperature.
Method
First brewed as Christmas beer, but kept on the roster after continued success. The Chimay Blue is the most complex, and strongest of the three main Chimays. 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 Quadrupel clocks in at a whopping 9% ABV but stays balanced and lively thanks to some strong carbonation! Expect rich notes that remind you of fruit cake (it was intended as a Christmas beer, after all) but still think about tucking this guy away for some bottle ageing- it will only contribute to the complex flavours.
Owen G
I shared this as a reward for a job well done, and that really describes this beer to a T. It’s not a wild experimental dark Belgian like you’d find from Delirium, and it’s not disappointingly basic like a lot of our local selection of dark beers. It’s very strong and flavourful but also very professionally restrained and nuanced. 5 stars.