Bières de Chimay S.A. Chimay Première (Red) (2016) – Dubbel at 7% ABV (C$5.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330 ml, best before 31-Dec-2020, acquired 19-Jul-2016, reviewed 14-Jun-2020)
Appearance: hazy ruby-tinged deep amber with one finger of loose white head diminishing gradually to a thin cap and ring, moderate spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: caramel, raisins, dark stone fruit, cedar. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium duration finish. (4/5)
The Great Cellar Drink Down continues. What? I’m in quarantine, so I can’t get anything fresh, and who knows how long my collection will go into a storage unit after we pack up here and find a new house – could be months, easily, subjected to wild temperature variations. No, better it end here, with dignity: cue the swelling orchestra.
This concludes my attempt at extended cellaring for Chimay varietals. This one indicates no perceptible difference between a ’16 in ’20, than a ’15 in ’19 – which supports my previous conclusion, that these do not improve after three or four years (or more) in the cellar. You can drink them “fresh” after brewer ageing, or you can hold them for a year to four, but beyond that, they’re not going to improve. Continue past that point if you like, but neither I nor they will be held responsible. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
