Chimay Première (Red) - Bières de Chimay S.A.

JoshatTownHall

5/5  rDev +21.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Served on tap at Hellhunt Pub in Tallin, Estonia. Paid €3.50. What a deal. I can see why people spend over $13 in the U.S. for it. Exceptional beer that exemplifies the style. I will gladly pay the price back in the U.S. for this brew. Again to reiterate, if you can afford the airfare Estonia is probably the place to go in Northern Europe for awesome beer at Bud Lt. price!

Serving type: on-tap

01-27-2013 06:39:42 | More by JoshatTownHall

LambicKing

Virginia

2.48/5  rDev -40%
look: 2 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.5

An 18cL pour into a Chimay goblet at Auberge de Poteaupré.

A: What the hell is this? I don't remember this beer ever looking this way. Looks completely flat....no head, no lacing. Almost entirely still. Med brown...translucent, not opaque. Light brown at the edges.

S: Smells pretty good. Sweet malt, some minor dark fruits and even a little banana and clove.

T: Lacking. It doesn't pop like other dubbels I've had...or even the previous times I've had Chimay Red. I can taste what I smell, but very subdued.

M: As suspected...very little carb. This aspect pretty much ruined the beer for me. It shouldn't be going nuts like some other styles, but there's got to be something there. I think the lack of carb dulled the flavors of this beer.

O: Disappointed because I've had much better from this specific beer. Maybe next time will be better. If so, I'll post another review.

Serving type: on-tap

10-01-2011 22:40:32 | More by LambicKing

kylehay2004

Florida

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: single finger head foamy. Mild gold with crimson hues

S: malt with dark fruit notes

T: malt and dark fruit. Mild hops, touch of bitterness in the aftertaste. Nice spice character.

M: medium body. Moderate carbonation.

Overall: A very well made and complex beer. Always pricey on draft but a decent pick up in bottles.

Serving type: on-tap

09-06-2011 01:12:09 | More by kylehay2004

ivanwatling

United Kingdom (England)

2.3/5  rDev -44.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Appearance: Frothy head, that started to spew out of the bottle when I took the cap off.

Smell: Nothing special, typical of a trappist ale

Taste: A huge disappointment. It was simply unpleasant. Sure, it had characteristics typical of a trappist ale but something was not right. I tried several sups before pouring the rest away

Mouthfeel: Too lively

Serving type: on-tap

04-17-2011 18:43:59 | More by ivanwatling

b3shine

Ohio

4.47/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Draft to said chalice. The perfect appearance for a Belgian dubbel. Orange and hazy; fairly opaque for its color. Great citrus bouquet. Tastes the part, too, and is the quintessential beer of its type. Very subtly carbonated. Mouthfeel is good too. An oldie but goodie.

Serving type: on-tap

04-11-2011 19:52:13 | More by b3shine

cjgator3

Florida

3.53/5  rDev -14.5%
look: 5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- Served in a Chimay chalice. Pours a dark reddish brown color with a huge light tan head with excellent lacing and retention.

S- The aroma is dark fruits, spices and a lot of yeast.

T- The taste like the aroma is sweet malt, a little bit of tartness and a dry yeasty finish. There is taste is also a bit chalky almost.

M- The mouthfeel is between light and medium bodied with a high amount of carbonation.

D- Overall, Chimay Red is a solid beer that is worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

01-05-2011 05:02:39 | More by cjgator3

erosier

Connecticut

4.38/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

L: Pours a nice hazy orange-red-brown color with a tall and very thick off white colored head that laces the glass nicely on the way down.
S: Smells of sweet roasted malts, aromas of fruits, sugar, and yeasty aromas.
T: Tastes of sweet roasted malts, rich caramel flavors, dark fruits, nice yeast flavors finish this off with a touch of hops at the end.
M: Smooth, rich, warming, perfect amount of carbonation, medium to heavy feeling.
D: Pretty drinkable, this is a big full bodied, full flavored beer with a medium amount of abv that is a classic example of a dubbel.

Serving type: on-tap

07-19-2010 10:42:41 | More by erosier

Amalak

New York

3.98/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I had off the tap at Mothers in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Graham Ave. Definitely worth the hype...but the price ($8) was somewhat steep for a 12 oz. beer.

It was quite bubbly with an average foamy head and decent lace. Fairly opaque in color. Dull brown and good citrus scent to it.

Citrus burst at first with a kind of vegetable aftertaste. Cider-ish, but really refreshing.

Serving type: on-tap

02-25-2009 03:06:35 | More by Amalak

hopdog

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This rating is from tap.

Poured a reddish brown color. Fruity, floral tastes and smells with berry hints (was that raspberries I smell). Lightly yeasty as well. Very smooth to drink with a dry finish. Very easy and enjoayable to drink.

Notes from: 7/12/04

Serving type: on-tap

01-27-2009 16:11:07 | More by hopdog

naterock

Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle into a chimay goblet.
A: pours a cloudy reddish brown, I even detect a slight yellow hue, might just be the goblet though.
S: smells of esters, sweet bread, fig, wine fruits, smells a little boozy, but you'll never hear me complain about that.
T: smoothness of bread flavors of figs, with an acidity comparable to oranges.
M: heavily carbonated and sparkly but appropriate to release the boutique.
D: definitely a legend in itself, never fails to impress

Serving type: on-tap

06-22-2008 12:39:43 | More by naterock

Rootdog316

Virginia

4/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Chimay (red) pours a copper/brown color with a frothy off-white head. The head dissipates slowly, and doesn't leave much lacing. The aroma is lightly fruity and hoppy, with the taste of smoke, caramel, light hops, and a dark fruit of some sort. It is initially somewhat lightly sweet and bitter, and a bit acidic. Not a bad beer at all.

Serving type: on-tap

04-05-2008 05:12:58 | More by Rootdog316

tobyandgina

Nevada

3.85/5  rDev -6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Upon pour, very large, off-white head. Not much lacing. Color of light orange. Body was hazy and lightly cloudy.

Pretty nice aroma. Some spruce, heavy yeast, and a hint of what appears to be coriander.

A light body with a slick texture to it. Average carbonation with a nice finish. Although, the flavor was short lasting and was moderately acidic.

I really enjoyed it even though it's on of the most expensive beers you can get on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

02-27-2008 22:48:31 | More by tobyandgina

BEERchitect

Kentucky

4.43/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Surprised to see this on tap at the Liberty Taproom, Myrtle Beach. Served in proper Chimay chalice and a reasonable temperature. The beer seemed under carbonated, especially for a Belgian Trappist, and was evident in the thin foamstand and the more dull texture. The aromas are candy sweet, malty, fruity tart, and berry like. Flavors bring the same characteristics as the aromas, and add dark, dehydrated fruits, syrup sweetness, bread, yeast, and cherries. The body was firm and moderate despite the light caronation. Finishes quite sweet with a hop bittering. True to Trappist quality, this is one fine brew.

Serving type: on-tap

07-16-2007 22:27:36 | More by BEERchitect

Mebuzzard

Colorado

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tap pour. Big head, white and foaming. Some chunks develop. body is dark orange/rust color, hazy.
Spice, yeast and soft fruit dominate the aroma, some phenolic hints.
Taste is very smooth mix of rich spicey yeast, some herbs and a bit of citrus zest. Seems to dough up, but the hops keep it from becoming sticky. Good feel to it, makes the drinking much easier.
I had this before an American stout. this one really wakes up the taste buds, followed a bit of cold water. nice.

Serving type: on-tap

03-18-2007 19:37:46 | More by Mebuzzard

alysmith4

District of Columbia

3.45/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Found this beer on tap at a local pizza joint. Poured a nice golden color with a decent 1 1/2 inch head. Smell was very yeasty, not all that pleasant. Taste was much better.. slightly sweet, yet a tad sour, with a peppery finish. A hit of clove and other herbal notes came through as well. Medium to low carbonation. Easy to drink, but not more than one or two. Pair with a nice red meat or a mild, soft cheese.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2006 04:48:18 | More by alysmith4

Metalmonk

North Carolina

4.33/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a coppery golden-brown, with a light bubbly head that retained well. Good bit of bubbles, and most excellent lace left during the drinking of both glasses. (Served in a Chimay glass at Natty Greene's brewpub in Greensboro, NC)

A subdued but still wonderful aroma: yeastiness allures, with a sweet malt backbone and herbal/flowery melange pervading over all.

Flavors were a hybrid of exotic spices, good ol' pepper, obvious but non-cloying alcohol, raisins, wild yeast subtleties and a solid malt/herbal presence that indicated a top-notch grain bill. Super enjoyable, just about a quintessential Belgian ale, much better from the tap than any bottle I've had.

Serving type: on-tap

05-20-2006 19:44:19 | More by Metalmonk

Jason

Massachusetts

4.03/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at the Sunset Cantina in a heavy goblet.

The lacing was great, just as I expected and it left some dazzling rings in the glass. Sweet raw honey-like malt aroma and flavour, some herbal medicinal flavour clash with a fresh tasting juicy hops. Ripe tropical fruit is vague but present. A hell of a lot sweet than what I am used in the bottle, I actually prefer the bottle but would certainly order this again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2003 16:36:59 | More by Jason

Blindpigbiz

California

3.93/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Style/abv: dubbel/7%

Smell: dark plums and tannins withe sweet vinegar subtleties

Taste: a dark fruit bouquet with semi-spiced peppers and red grapes with hints of bitter chocolate (maltiness)

Mouthfeel: slightly effervescent

This is an awesome beer to pair with filet crostini and caramelized onions as well as any cheese that has a sour taste, like a blue or a goat cheese

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 22:42:45 | More by Blindpigbiz

GarthDanielson

New Hampshire

4.35/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Poured from a bottle into a chalice, the beer is a dark, hazed, almost opaque amber coloring with a frothy, light, yellowish head that settles in around a quarter of an inch. Steady flow of carbonation throughout. Aromas of bready backbone with a rich date and fig sweetness, tart apple highlights, and some spicy notes. Very balanced aromas. Flavors are smooth and roasty, with an apple and date sweet backbone, some cinnamon and all spice, and a slight warmth from the ABV. Extremely well balanced. The aftertaste has more of a fruit bread character to it, with sweetness and richness balanced together. Robust, full body kept light by the carbonation. Smooth, slightly warming finish that beckons you back again and again. Delicious.

Serving type: bottle

05-12-2013 01:12:26 | More by GarthDanielson

RaphaelSC

Brazil

4.01/5  rDev -2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Served in my La Trappe goblet

A: Pours a Dark brown caramel body, with a thin head that dissipate almost instantly.

S: A softly dry fruit smell, finishes dry woody, some alcohol can be detected too.

T: Bitter hops with a dry woody taste, good carbonatation that give equilibrium to the bitterness, the alcohol despite its 7% its not present at all. When the beer warms a little a smooth fruit flavor begins to appear.

M:Bitter hops aftertaste, with softly fruit notes.

O: It is pretty bitter, but also refreshing, another great beer but not so complex as other trappists, anyway its worth the try!

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2013 02:40:27 | More by RaphaelSC

trxxpaxxs

New York

3.99/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

A: Pours a deep brown with dark oranges/golds around the edges of the beer. There is about one and a half fingers of light beige head that takes a while to settles. Good lacing on the glass as it drinks.

S: The nose is malt, spice, bread, and just a touch of yeast. It smells inviting and what I would expect for the style.

T: This beer starts off with a burst of malty sweetness, but the spices in the beer begin to take shape as it covers the palate. The finish is a mix of malt and spice with a touch of that bready yeast character.

M: Medium bodied beer. It's sweet to start but the carbonation makes is a bit prickly. Nothing lingers on the palate for an extended period of time.

O: This is a good beer, but it's not really my favorite style. I like it for what it is, but I don't see myself purchasing it on the regular.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 16:02:44 | More by trxxpaxxs

MichaelNickerson

Michigan

4.29/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Appearance - strong chocolate brown with a light tan/brown head

Smell - sweet and sour. Very unique qualities that I haven't smelt before in a beer. Several different qualities in which I can't even begin to think what they are.

Taste - extremely smooth chocolate flavors, which then get overridden by some fruity notes, followed by spices - peppery

Mouthfeel - leaves the palate clean and would be classified as a very drinkable beer

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2013 15:35:24 | More by MichaelNickerson

JerzDevl2000

New Jersey

4.05/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Picked this up at Top Hops recently, having never had this before. I loved the Chimay Blue when I had it and hoped that this would just as complex and wonderful. As much as it pains me to say this, this was just a bit underwhelming and even though this was solid in its subtlety and craftiness, I expected this to be more bold and complex given the hue, alcoholic content, and reputation that I heard about this.

I loved the pour to this, as it had a solid plum hue, expansive head, as well as a few solid rings left on my pint glass after the beginning sips. Not as much of an aroma as I anticipated but there were hints of booze and plum to be felt. Once the sediment from the bottom of the 11.2 oz. bottle was poured out, I could smell some more dark fruits and crystalline sugar. That was reinforced by a pretty medicinal mouthfeel and just a hint of cinnamon and peppery spice. This certainly wasn't a Christmas Ale but it reminded me of the Corsendonk Christmas Ale because of the blood-orange consistency of it and the hints of allspice underneath everything.

While this wasn't as strong, I could feel the booze in it by the time I finished off the bottle. I can't imagine that anyone would be disappointed by this but at the same time, there's not a whole lot in here to love. this is a solid beer that's one of the best of its kind, given what we are able to access here in North America. This is possibly one of the most accessible beers of its category, given the mild carbonation, clean finish, and lack of sourness from start to finish, though the alcohol in here was the strongest aspect of this from start to finish.

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2013 08:16:50 | More by JerzDevl2000

IdeaSpeeder

Ontario (Canada)

4.79/5  rDev +16%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75

Serving Type - 750ml bottle, poured into a snifter (due to lack of a chalice)

Appearance - Pours an amber color. Dark red-ish brown. A white head sticks around for a while but dissipates quicker than I'd like. Still quite the eye-candy while it lasts.

Smell - Overwhelming. So many things going on here. The most prominent is...'spice'? Pepper maybe. After that some fruit-like smells. It smells...sweet. Over my head I think.

Taste - Spice is coming through here as well. What exactly that spice is beats me. But it tastes damn good. Fruit flavours are coming through here as well. Some grape-esque flavours perhaps. Complement the spice flavour very nicely.

Mouthfeel - Medium carbonation, falls of the back of the tongue like rainbows. Dangerously drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

04-17-2013 05:50:55 | More by IdeaSpeeder

TwelveOunces

Kentucky

4.29/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

11.2 Oz bottle poured into a Chimay Goblet

A- Pours a hazy copper color with a huge and long lasting off white head. A nice looking brew.

S- Big clove, banana, Pepper, Some dark fruit, A lot of wheat and lemongrass. A very nice smelling brew.

T- A light flavor at first. A bit of a caramel sweetness. A slight dark fruit in the beer. A bit nice breaddyness to this beer in terms of flavor and it really helps add a silky smooth feel. A slight clove and a cinnamon, peppery spiciness. A lightly flavored beer but very pleasant and very well rounded.

M- A smooth beer and velvety on the tongue. Very lively with high carbonation.

O- This is a very nice beer. Well done and very delicious. The flavors could be bolder but not bad for 7%abv.

Serving type: bottle

04-16-2013 23:19:36 | More by TwelveOunces