Bring Forth the Belgians!

To some, Belgium is the end all, be all country in the beer world. Belgium may be the most passionate beer country. Beer is to Belgium what wine is to France. And, there’s no mistake that many Belgian beers are prized and cellared like fine wine.
The beers of Belgium are unique and exciting to experience, different from nearly all other styles of beer available. Many are corked and caged, and undergo second fermentations in the bottle, hence they can be kept for many years under the right conditions.
Trappist monks brew several styles of amazing beer. These varieties fall under the moniker of Trappist ales. Currently there are only seven Trappist monasteries that brew beer, and are labeled authentic.
The most famous and widely available of the Belgian Trappist ale brewers is Chimay from Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont in Baileux, Belgium. Considered the standard by many for the group of beers known as Belgian strong ales, Chimay make three readily available Trappist ales: Première (red), Grande Réserve (blue), and Tripel (white).
Chimay Red is the original beer from the brewery. It falls under the style of Belgian Dubbel, a Belgian strong ale. It’s possible that this style of beer is also the oldest style still currently produced in Belgium, dating back to the Middle Ages. When served in the 750ml. custom bottle, Chimay Red is called Première, although it is also available on draught and in smaller, 33cl bottle that is capped, not corked.
Belgian dubbels like Chimay Red should be poured into a goblet-style glass, for better head retention and aroma. In the glass, the beer appears a hazy, deep ruby color, very pretty. The head is creamy, off-white, and the bubbles are almost indiscernible, it stays with the beer throughout. The lace is amazing, and sticks to all surfaces of the glass, a ring for every sip.
Aromas of gentle fruit and sweet malt intermingle, followed by a spicy pepper and clove scent. The smell given off by this beer is intricate. Taste is a rich combination of yeasty creamy smoothness, sweetness of plum, a pepper tang, and just a hint of light, flowery hop to keep things in check. Finishes with a hint of yeast. Just below medium in the mouth, this ale is soft and very smooth and fluffy.
The mouthfeel is possibly the most unique aspect of this ale, and gives it a very non-beer quality. It will get slightly drier as you proceed. Chimay Red checks in at 7% ABV, and you will notice a slight alcohol warmth in the taste and body. This is not an overwhelming beer, but if you think about it as you sip, and try to notice the different nuances of the ale, I think you will be overwhelmed. Enjoy the brews … Cheers.
Gene’s Haufbrau has at more than 200 beers in bottles or on tap. Gene’s is located at 817 Savannah Hwy. 225-GENE. E-mail the Beer Snob at publisher@westof.net.