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Chimay Red

Hey everyone, I hope you've all been able to have a great weekend.  Today I am going to begin to explore the world of Chimay as a result of a great Christmas present from my wife!  Hopefully along the way we can all learn something about this brewery/abbey that we did not know before.

Chimay is a town in Belgium where the Scourmont Abbey resides.  The monks who live at the abbey operate a farm, a brewery and a cheese plant, all within the confines of the abbey.  The money the monks make selling their beer and cheese is used for the upkeep of Scourmont Abbey, and what is left they use for social services, such as aiding the poor and less fortunate.

The Scourmont Abbey is known as a Trappist Abbey.  Monks who live at a Trappist Abbey follow the Rule of St. Benedict, which leads the monks to living a simple life, with no private possessions.  They live to follow their religion and to help those less fortunate.  It is important to note, that to be considered Trappist, a beer must be made within the confines of a Trappist Abbey.  There are some beers that are made in a "Trappist style", but are not truly Trappist beers.

(I found the info above at Chimay's website.  For more info, I've provided a link to the Chimay website, located above.)

More info on Chimay and Scourmont Abbey next time.  Now let's move on to the beer!
Chimay Red
Bières de Chimay S.A.
Dubbel (although not called a dubbel on the Chimay website)
7% ABV
When in 750 mL bottle, corked and caged, this beer is known as Chimay Première.  
Poured into a Chimay goblet.  The wide mouth on the goblet maintains head retention, and assures an attractive looking beer.
Chimay Red pours a reddish brown with a two finger width off white head.  Pleasant lacing is left on the glass as the head slowly dissipates.  There are aromas of dark fruits, earthiness and alcohol.  The flavors are much like the aroma, just twofold.  It tastes of sweet malts, dark fruits and a touch of alcohol.  It has a dry finish, which for me just makes me want to take another sip!  Medium mouthfeel/average carbonation.

 Overall:  A great beer, with fantastic flavors.  This beer is well rounded and balanced.  I could see giving this to someone who is unfamiliar with Belgian beers as an introduction to the style.

 Have you had Chimay Red?  What did you think?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 Don't forget to come back to Mould's Beer Blog as I take on the other beers offered by Chimay!  Cheers!

 As always, find me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!  




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