Last night I traveled to The Globe Gastropub in Garden Grove for the unique opportunity to try Chimay Première (aka Chimay Red) on draft. Chimay is the brand name for a set of “Trappist beers” brewed by the Cistercian monks at Notre-Dame de Scourmont Abbey, Belgium and Chimay Première is the flagstaff of three beers available for purchase. In short, Trappist beer means that the beer is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery under the control and responsibility of the community of monks, and whose revenue is devoted to social service.

Chimay Première is a Belgian Dubbel style of beer. The Belgian Dubbel is a rich malty beer with some spicy / phenolic and mild alcoholic characteristics. The beer is typically light brown to dark in color and may exhibit some yeast haze. Some dark fruit aromas and flavors may be present, but much less than a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. This style of beer exhibits a medium-low to medium hop bitterness with no lingering hop flavors. It may show traits of a caramel flavor from the use of crystal malt or dark candy sugar. Fruity-ester flavors (especially banana) are appropriate at low levels. Look for a medium to full body with an expressive carbonation. The Belgian Dubbel is a great style of beer to pair with cheeses such as Brie, Gouda, and Havarti. The Belgian Dubbel also pairs well with meats (especially beef) and chocolates.

Here are my tasting notes from last night.

Chimay Première (7% ABV): This beer poured a hazy amber copper color with rich white foam with tiny bubbles that left lace rings down the sides of my chalice glass. Aromas of brewer’s candy, apricots, and spicy phenols signaled the delightful flavors present in this beer. Chimay Première was full-bodied and creamy with mild carbonation. The beer had a deliciously sweet malt flavor with apricot and dark fruit tones, light clove, very mild peppery spice, and a slightly dry and sweet finish. Chimay Première is a world-class beer that delivers heavenly flavors.

• Suggested Pairings – Brie, Gouda, and Havarti cheeses; Beef or rabbit stew; Chocolate
• Serving Temperature – 45-50 degrees F
• Glassware – Chalice or goblet

If you hurry, there’s still a chance for you to drink Chimay Première on draft at The Globe Gastropub. Kudos to The Globe’s friendly and gracious proprietors, Michael and Marijke Pauwels. They have created the most authentic Belgian pub atmosphere in Orange County and the absolute best selection of Belgian beers on draft in this area.