{"id":12156,"title":"Review: Chimay Blue","description":"We test the Chimay Blue Trappist beer","content":"

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Published in<\/strong>: RIDES & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>

We test the Chimay Blue Trappist beer.<\/p>

\"ChimayA classic dubbel beer produced in the Wallonian region of Belgium by the monks of Scourmont Abbey. An ideal beer to drink whilst watching the semi-classic Binche-Chimay-Binche.<\/p>

Background<\/h3>

Scourmont Abbey, which produces Chimay beer, was established in 1850 with the first beer being produced in 1862. The Abbey of Scourmont resides in the Wallonian town of Forges, some 90 kilometres due south of Brussels.<\/p>

Like all Trappist beers, it's sold to enable the monks to carry out \"good works\". In this case, it's to provide employment opportunities to the local community. The industrial region of Wallonia has been in steep economic decline and consequently suffers high rates of unemployment.<\/p>

It's why Chimay beers are sold and advertised more heavily than other Trappist beers such as the rather more retiring Westvleteren<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>

The Abbey struggled through the two world wars. Throughout the first world war, the monks became stretcher-bearers and sustained a number of casualties. During the second world war, the Germans stole their copper brewing kettles which prevented any brewing.<\/p>

You can serve beer, God and be carbon neutral<\/p><\/blockquote>

It's all much more peaceful now and the monks continue to produce the beer using water from their own wells. They've started to use solar and wind energy to reduce their carbon footprint. This goes to show that you can serve beer, God and be carbon neutral.<\/p>

Chimay Blue<\/h3>

There are six Chimay beers to try including the new Grande R\u00e9serve. We taste-tested the Blue. It's a dubbel with a classic dark brown hue. The Chimay website describes it as a \"match made in heaven\". And who is to argue with the monks on such a subject?<\/p>

\"FormerFormer Binche-Chimay-Binche winner Adrie van der Poel (right)<\/em><\/strong> Image: The Mich Searle Collection<\/em><\/p>

It was originally brewed in 1954 as a Christmas beer so it is no surprise to find it has a light chocolatey taste combined with a 9% strength. The main sensation, however, is one of luxuriant smoothness. It's a beer to be savoured and enjoyed slowly with game or a dessert.<\/p>

5 out of 5<\/p><\/blockquote>

We rate the beer 5 out of 5. But don't forget to savour it. With a 9% strength, it's easy to get carried away.<\/p>

Availability<\/h3>

Due to the monk's aim of creating employment for locals through their brewery, it's marketed and sold quite extensively. Up until recently, it was available in a number of British supermarkets such as Tesco and Waitrose.<\/p>

Unfortunately, at the time of writing, it only seems to be sold by specialists and online beer shops.<\/p>

Connected race<\/h3>

Originally the\u00a0Binche-Tournai-Binche, the Binche-Chimay-Binche was renamed the Memorial Frank Vandenbroucke in 2010. Vandenbroucke was the last winner in 1996 prior to the race's re-birth following his death in 2009.<\/p>

Notable winners include Adri van der Poel in 1985, Jelle Nijdam in 1995, Britain's Adam Blythe in 2012 and Zden\u011bk \u0160tybar in 2014.<\/p>

It's a classic-style race that feels like it should belong in Spring with other cobbled classics.<\/p>

\"Retro<\/u><\/a><\/p>

5 October 2021, Tim Costello<\/em><\/p>

All images and text are the copyright of Rijden unless stated otherwise.<\/em><\/p>

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