Family Belgian Ale Style Dark Belgian Ale
Country Belgium ABV 7.0%
Price $$$$$ Packaging 25.4oz/750ml, 11.2oz/330ml
Characteristics Malty, strong, unusual, yeasty

Overview Chimay Red (called Première in the 750ml packaging) is only slightly less strong, and slightly less widely available, than the Blue. Neither has quite the snob appeal of the smaller-production Trappist beers, but they held their own in our tastings, and better recognition and sell-through decreases the chances of getting bad bottles.

Flavors and aromas This beer lacks the extremes found in some Belgian ales, but it more than makes up for that with complexity. There are the expected fruity esters, a variety of medium- and dark-sugar flavors, hints of cinnamon and allspice, and just enough sweetness and alcohol to give it a warm, full body. The carbonation is less forceful, which works with these darker, more restrained flavors.