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

TheDoctor

Quebec (Canada)

4.31/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A:
Pours a rich reddish amber with a fat beige head that pours big and settles to a nice, creamy half-inch. Great retention and great lacing.

S:
Big malt smell but otherwise nothing to write home about. Some dark fruit and bisuity notes. Pretty unobtrusive.

T:
Malty but there is a constant hop presence backing it up. Rich and full of malt, minerals, earth, grass, brown sugar.

M:
Nice, borders on thin but isn't bad. Okay carbonation, creamy (but could be more). Smooth finish with some lingering carbonation-feel and cherries.

O:
Solid beer. Good in all the right ways. The taste is nice and complex but I feel the the hoppy yeasty funk it has is a little too much (it is fucking delicious, but it fights with the overall malty character and prevents me from saying it is well-balanced). Either way, great! Good enough that I have to nitpick it : )
Would certainly have again in a heartbeat!

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2013 00:24:20 | More by TheDoctor

IchLiebeBier

Virginia

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

Appearance: Cloudy copper with big head

Aroma: spicy hops; malty; dried fruits (raisins?)

Taste: Peppery hops; malty, smooth, well balanced

Remarks: Had it as part of the 4 beer sampler at the Inn at Chimay.

Did not score A, T, S, M at that time; disregard those scores

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2013 12:10:29 | More by IchLiebeBier

Oakenator

Pennsylvania

4.44/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a hazy dark brown with a generous head. Head retention is nice - still remaining well after pour. Some spotted lacing sporadically on the glass.

S: Malty and sweetness.

T: Super quality malts - nice and smooth yet multiple layers. Middle to end is a nice candi sugar flavor with a pop of hops somewhere in between.

M: Fun drinking beer - really nice body - not too heavy and not too light.

O: Great brew.

Serving type: bottle

06-12-2013 23:36:28 | More by Oakenator

utopiajane

New York

3.7/5  rDev -10.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 4

Pours a caramel brown with a quickly disappearing head to a nice cap. Little yeast floating on top. Light fruit and spice on the nose with a lot of bready malt up front. Good lacing, medium carbonation. The body of the beer is a little heavy. The toffee malt and fruit esters combine for a pronounced sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2013 12:02:02 | More by utopiajane

soju6

Missouri

4.18/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A: Pours a hazy reddish brown color with a good head that fades to bits of lacing.

S: Aroma is quite complex with dark fruit, spices and a bit boozy.

T: Taste of dark fruit, spices, caramel and a subtle sweetness. Very mild bitterness and a clean finish with just a bit of lingering sweetness.

F: Medium body, smooth with a velvety texture. The character changes as it warms.

O: Great beer, complex with a lot going on from start to finish.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2013 00:12:44 | More by soju6

emd

Pennsylvania

4.78/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

Presentation:
Simple yet elegant bottle with not particular art. Corked.

Pour & Appearance:
Tons of head that sticks around for a while and leaves lacing. Dark brown with a bit of golden to it.

Scent:
Very complex scent with notes of nuts, dark and rich spices and more things that I can't even pinpoint.

Feel:
Quick to foam, Chimay Red MUST be sipped or taken in small amounts. Extremely filling due to the carbonation level but incredibly rewarding at the same time. While I have downed an entire bottle of this way too quickly before, it is certainly a treat that should be savored or split with a friend.

Taste:
Chimay Red presents a complex and detailed taste that evolves from start to finish with each tasting. Hints of apricot, nuts, and spices come out at various points during the tasting. Brilliantly complex and never disappointing.

Conclusion:
When I'm in the mood for a complex beer, Chimay Red is one of my favorites. If you want something to pound down with some buddies, this isn't for you. If you want to relax with a friend or by yourself and pay attention to the subtleties and nuances of a beer, this is a must taste.

Serving type: bottle

05-29-2013 23:34:42 | More by emd

Roguer

Connecticut

4.58/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A - Huge, 3+ finger off-white (almost yellowish) head. When I popped the cork, it was accompanied by quite a sound. Head maintains quite well for a while, and leaves nice lines of lacing. The beer itself is a dark nut brown, with no trace of haziness or carbonation; that's how dark it is. A hint of coppery-yellow glow when held up to the light.

S - Instantly, a strong note of banana, wafting from the bottle itself. Closer inspection reveals nuts (walnut?), dark malt, still some banana, and maybe clove. One of the best initial smells I've ever had from a beer. Fades to an easy nuttiness as the beer warms.

T - Dark and nutty, with a smooth, rich sweetness following. A slight alcohol warmth in the third finishes it off. Not particularly spicy for a dubbel; very smooth. As it warms, the strong nuttiness fades a little, leaving an easy flavor (hard to define other than Belgian yeast, or "dubbel"-like), and allowing a bit of candi sugar/banana flavor to come through.

M - A little spicy and carbonated (expected after popping the top), not as smooth as I'd like, but since this is definitely a sipping (vice gulping) beer, it's not a problem. Slightly oily, allowing the flavors to wash over the tongue; the carbonation stimulates the taste buds just slightly, allowing each flavor to stand out in order. Mouthfeel improves as it warms, and coats the back of the throat wonderfully.

O - It's not too often that a beer is exactly what I expected, but this is exactly the case here. I can only compare it to the Westmalle dubbel, but there are differences enough that it is a separate beer, no doubt. I don't get those who call Chimay overrated; this is an excellent dubbel. Very drinkable, very tasty, and exactly what a traditional dubbel should taste like.

Bottled October 2011 (so just over 1.5 years), poured into a Duvel tulip.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2013 20:30:24 | More by Roguer

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