New Brew Thursday continues! This time around we have another import from the well known Chimay brewery...
Bières de Chimay - Chimay Grande Réserve
Beer Type: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Appearance: Short brown bottle with the classic "Chimay" blue look. Beer poured a hazy chestnut brown color with a bubbly beige head.
Smell: Yeast, a bit of spice and dried fruits come through in the aroma. Smells a bit of alcoholic cherry and prunes.
First Drink: First the alcohol kick quickly followed by a dried fruit (raisins or prunes) and followed by some grain and a nice cherry finish.
Mouthfeel: Has a bit of bite in the carbonation, overall it is creamy but not as smooth as I would like (though seemingly common with this style).
Last Drink: More cherry flavors come through as the beer warmed up. Getting more of the yeast now as well.
Drinkability: You can't hammer these beers without being hammered (both physically and financially). Good for one or two if you can find a way to buy them individually (or handle a full 750ml).
Notes: A classic beer made in an equally classic style. It has been too long since I had this beer. The last time I drank one it was the "straw that broke my stomach's back" in a sickened haze. Glad to be back on the Chimay train.
Verdict: 4.75 out of 5. Well crafted to a superior level. I don't see how you can go wrong with this brew if you enjoy strong ales or Belgian Trappist ales.
Links: Beer Advocate and Bières de Chimay.
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