Bières de Chimay S.A. Chimay Tripel (White) – Abbey Tripel at 8% ABV (C$6.99 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 330 ml, best before 31-Dec-2020, acquired 12-Oct-2017, reviewed 23-Mar-2020)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fingers of pillowy pale ivory head, excellent retention and heavy chunky lacing. (5/5) Aroma: doughy yeast, banana, apple, earth, spices. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (9/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, lively carbonation, off-dry lingering bitter warming finish. (4/5)
For my money, this remains one of the reference standards for the style – and it’s not that much money! I especially enjoy the way the malt and orchard fruit retain an emphatic character without the result being excessively sweet. More than two years’ cellaring hasn’t affected this at all, as far as I can tell, so I think the BB date is really more a suggestion than anything. Of course, the flip side of that coin is, why bother to cellar it, if it doesn’t develop further? I think I might finish off the last one I have of this vintage tonight and call it done. (18/20)
9/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
