Style: Belgian stong dark ale
Brewery: Chimay
Origin: Belgium
Size: 37.5cl
Alcohol: 10.5%
Price: 129kr
Systembolaget: –
Brasserie Chimay is one of the most iconic and oldest Trappist breweries and is located in the town of Chimay, in the Walloon Region of Belgium. Only 3672 bottles were produced in 2024, with this edition matured on oak brandy barrels. Chimay holds a very special place in my heart, as it is one of the first beers that really got me into exploring the world of Belgian and Trappist beers. I’ve had the regular edition Chimay in a few tastings, with some aged for over five years before tasting. As this is currently rated 4.09 on Untappd and 97 on Ratebeer, I was eager to see just how this measured up to the regular blue cap beer. I can happily say that this was amazing!
It had a lovely medium to thick chocolate brown colour with slight ruby highlights, topped with an off-white creamy head. The aroma was a complex blend of metal, caramel, dried fruit, brown sugar and yeast. These followed swiftly into the taste, with the distinct candy sugar notes up front. This was backed by dates, raisins, toffee and a subtle woody notes which I presume is from the barrel ageing. The aftertaste was fairly short, with a sweet, sticky layer left on the tongue. The alcohol warmed the chest but was never overpowering, merely adding an extra level to the complex taste.
This was a magnificent beer and another winner from this Trappist brewery. The oak ageing added an extra dimension to the already complex beer and elevated it up even more. This was simply an exceptional beer and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this dark Belgian strong ales.