Bières de Chimay S.A. Chimay Grande Réserve (Blue) (2016) – Belgian Strong Dark Ale at 9% ABV (C$7.99 at Quarry Park Calgary Co-Op, 330 ml, best before 31-Dec-2021, acquired 12-Oct-2017, reviewed 26-Dec-2021)
Appearance: clear ruby brown with one fat finger of fluffy ivory head, good retention and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: bready yeast, cherries, raisins, cloves. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, sweetish medium duration warming slightly astringent finish. (4/5)
I thought I was done with my extended cellaring experiment for Chimay, but found this one in my long-term storage fridge. About a year and a half ago, I tried a 2015 vintage that was nearing its five year BB date, and concluded that, compared to the three and four year cellaring examples, there was no clear improvement. That is, these are already aged sufficiently when bottled, so there’s little or no benefit to be gained by further ageing. With this different five year-old vintage, I’m again getting a hint of astringency in the finish, suggesting at least no further increase in quality, if not an actual decline as compared to the three year tasting. I’m sticking with my previous conclusion: might as well drink these by the time they get to be three or four years old, and certainly by five years old. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
