Chimay Blue Grande Reserve - Aging In My Cellar
By jason on Nov 27, 2007 in Aging Well, Belgian Styles, Reviews
Name: Blue/Grande Reserve
Brewer: Chimay
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Vintage: 2006
Cellared On: August 30th, 2007
Original Tasting: October 17th, 2007
I thought it would be only appropriate to follow up yesterdays post about aging the beers of Chimay with the results of my first Chimay Blue tasting.
I wasted no time in opening this bottle up. After I eagerly popped the cork, I had to pour this beer out v-e-r-y slowly due to the incredible amount of carbonation in the bottle. There were so many bubbles that I was feeling lucky that it didn’t spray all over me when I opened it. It was absolutely worth the work to pour it though, as all of those bubbles melded together into a delightfully creamy head. The beer itself was a dark coppery brown.
This was one aromatic brew. Sweet malt smells drifted up from my glass, reminding me of ripe dark fruits. I couldn’t tell for sure, but there might have been a touch of spice (pepper? clove?) in the air.
Delicious sweet malts greeted me as I tasted. The candy-like sweetness was definitely not cloying, but was in fact very well balanced against the fruity flavors of the malt. I was getting tastes of fig, raisin, spicy pepper, and a touch of sweet cherry. The sweet tastes of this brew dominated the finish also, but they were joined by a touch of hoppy bitterness and a flick of warming alcohol. Delicious.
18 Month Tasting: March 29th, 2008
Almost a carbon-copy of what I tasted before. The dark fruits were the most prominent flavor this time around, sweet figs and dates were very noticeable. About the only big changes from my original notes would be a deeper creaminess and thickness to the body of this brew as well as the relative absence of the sweet cherry hints.
I can’t wait for the next tasting.
Two Year Tasting: September 26th, 2008
Dark, rich, and fruity - much the same as my first two tastings. All of the dark fruit was still there, but this time I could make out the subtle cherry and apricot notes. It’s definitely creamier, and starting to dry up a bit - there was only a touch of candy sweetness this time around.
Do I really need to say how freakin’ scrumptious this was?
Cellar Outlook: This is a classic beer that only gets better with age, developing in both complexity and body. It will probably peak in three to four years. This is a beer that every beer lover needs in their cellar.
18 Month Outlook: No reason to doubt this one. I’m sure the next one I try will be even better.
Two Year Outlook: Same as above. I’m pretty sure this brew hasn’t peaked yet.
Next Tasting: September 2008
Jason
Definitely a beer that benefits from age. The carbonation becomes much smoother and the harshness you can get from Chimay Blue melts away.
Stonch | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
I always see these beers on the shelf and I pass them up. Next time I see them they will not be passed up =)
Dave | Nov 28, 2007 | Reply
Agree with Stonch…this beer clearly needs time. I have been underwhelmed on more than one occasion when drinking this beer as a 1yr and 2yr old. This changed when I drank a 1999 in late 2006 at Kulminator…bloody great! I have a few others at 4 and 5 years of age and I was of a similar view. Hang on to ‘em!
Stew | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
Hi I have tasted a Chimay which was 6 years old, it was great I have one in my cellar from 2001. When I sampled the one 6 years old I sampled it together with a fresh and a 3 year old. It was way better than the young ones. Much more fruity in flavor. So save them 6 month is not enough and when you sample them - sample them together with a fresh one - that gives you the best idea of what has happened.
Kristian | Apr 27, 2008 | Reply
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Richie Lee | Nov 13, 2008 | Reply
I have one of these in my fridge - I was planning on opening it soon, maybe in January. Now I’m thinking maybe I should cellar it for a few. Very interesting stuff to consider here!
Scott - TheBrewClub | Dec 24, 2008 | Reply