Beer Tasting – Chimay Grand Reserve (Trappist Ale)
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 8:42 pm
I cheated a bit on this. I am studying for my Cicerone Beer servers exam. It cost $199 for the exam and the online course and I’m loving it. I’m learning all the styles.
I didn’t like this beer when I first tasted it, but now I’m loving it.
It’s brewed within monastery walls in Belgium. There are only 7 monestaries that can use the designation of Trappist Ale and this is one of them. Profits raised go to charity.
It’s an ale, and the yeast gives a high level of esters …plum, pear and raison flavours and a “light black pepper or white pepper spiciness.” I agree totally with all that.
It’s a classic example of a Belgian dark strong ale.
Low perceived bitterness. Colour …amber to dark brown.
9% ABV.
It’s the dark beer on the left in the outdoor tasting session.
I’d buy this one again.
ps. Post comments on this beer please or do a full Sandy Style Review using the following template:
Aroma (as appropriate for style) Points out of 12 =
Comment on malt, hops, esters, and other aromatics.
Appearance (as appropriate for style) Points out of 3 =
Comment on color, clarity, and head (retention, color, and texture).
Flavor (as appropriate for style) Points out of 20 =
Comment on malt, hops, fermentation characteristics, balance, finish/aftertaste, and other flavor characteristics.
Mouthfeel (as appropriate for style) Points out of 5 =
Comment on body, carbonation, warmth, creaminess, astringency, and other palate sensations.
Overall Impression Points out of 10 =
Comment on overall drinking pleasure associated with entry, give suggestions for improvement.
Total points out of 50 =
Food Pairing Suggestion:
I didn’t like this beer when I first tasted it, but now I’m loving it.
It’s brewed within monastery walls in Belgium. There are only 7 monestaries that can use the designation of Trappist Ale and this is one of them. Profits raised go to charity.
It’s an ale, and the yeast gives a high level of esters …plum, pear and raison flavours and a “light black pepper or white pepper spiciness.” I agree totally with all that.
It’s a classic example of a Belgian dark strong ale.
Low perceived bitterness. Colour …amber to dark brown.
9% ABV.
It’s the dark beer on the left in the outdoor tasting session.
I’d buy this one again.
ps. Post comments on this beer please or do a full Sandy Style Review using the following template:
Aroma (as appropriate for style) Points out of 12 =
Comment on malt, hops, esters, and other aromatics.
Appearance (as appropriate for style) Points out of 3 =
Comment on color, clarity, and head (retention, color, and texture).
Flavor (as appropriate for style) Points out of 20 =
Comment on malt, hops, fermentation characteristics, balance, finish/aftertaste, and other flavor characteristics.
Mouthfeel (as appropriate for style) Points out of 5 =
Comment on body, carbonation, warmth, creaminess, astringency, and other palate sensations.
Overall Impression Points out of 10 =
Comment on overall drinking pleasure associated with entry, give suggestions for improvement.
Total points out of 50 =
Food Pairing Suggestion: