Amazing Beer - Chimay

[zonomo]

I would not describe myself as a big beer drinker. I like it on occasion, especially when it's hot. Recently my wife brought home 1 bottle of Chimay Peres Trappistes Grande Reserve, that one of her close friends recommended. It had a cork in it like champagne bottle. I didn't know what to expect and have very little experience with Belgium beers. I have to say that this is the #1 best tasting beer I have ever had in my life. It had a little sweet flavor but also a beer flavor. I love this beer except for the price. It is only sold in 1 pint bottles at Whole Foods and costs $12.99 a bottle. So I bought 2 more bottles and will keep them for special occasions. If anyone is looking for a "special beer", I can recommend it without reserve (no pun intended). 8)

 

[papipeguy]

I had consumed many bottles of Chimay on my visits to Belgium. That country is like Disneyland for beer lovers. You're correct that at that price it is a special occassion quaff but worth it at those times.

 

[zonomo]

Hey papi - Do you know of a good place to buy it cheaper than Whole Foods? Google has failed me.

 

[rickpal14]

Zonomo

I find mine at my local beverage center. It carries a great selection of worldwide and craft brews. I am not sure how/where beer can be sold in WA (I think that's where u are from) but I would try the places that specialize in beer.

 

[papipeguy]

In Pennsylvania we have 2 choices of where to buy beer; at a distributor only by the case or a 6 pack store, ie Wegman's, at about the same rate you paid. Face it, the Belgians are pricey but oh so good.

 

[murf]

I was given a sampler pack with a glass in it, and a bigger bottle (liter?) of the blue. Have yet to sample it.
I'm saving it for a special occasion (when I finally get my master's degree).
Did you drink it at the 44 deg F they recommend?

 

[papipeguy]

The perfect temp, murf. We tend to chill our beer here too much

 

[captainsousie]

Yep, the Chimay beers are the classic Belgian/Trappist brews. My favorite of their 3 brews is the white.

 

[phred]

Chimay was what convinced me that beer was worth drinking... When I was living in Washington state, the grocery stores could sell beer and wine (but not hard liquor, which was restricted to state-run liquor stores). I understand that the laws have changed now, but the grocery liquor store sections should still be a good place to look. I've had good luck on my recent trips to the Seattle area at QFC stores - they seem to have a pretty good selection of quality microbrews, and the three types of Chimay (red, blue, and white label) are all well-known enough that anyone stocking Belgians ought to be able to get them... and not just in the teeny 1 pint bottles, either...

 

[phred]

Oh - and if you're looking around in the Belgians section, check out Delerium Tremens and Kvak as well.

 

[buster]

Yes, it is expensive but worth it! Good thing about it is you can cellar it like red wine. So buy a bottle or two and Squirel it away. My fave is the grand reserve.