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Chimay
 scrapes in
 decent
 good
 excellent
 sublime
Chimay, Red Label Trappist Beer (Belgium) 
The Trappist monastary at Chimay in the south west of Belgium has been brewing its beers and making its cheeses since 1862. Red label, at 7% ABV, is the least alcoholic of the three beers they produce. It pours with a lovely deep red colour, and tall, foaming head that is very persistent. The nose is intensely fruity, with notes of dried apricots and fig and a chocolaty background. On the palate it is smooth and silky-textured, with a luxurious mouthfeel. There is plenty of nutty, dry, but concentrated fruit character and a spicy, malty finish with plenty of bit. A great beer. 7.0% ABV, 33cl, �1.69, Asda, Booth's, Luvians, Majestic, Peckhams, , Sainsbury's.  |  |
Chimay, Tripel Trappist Beer (Belgium)
Also known as Chimay "white" (because of the label), this is another live beer from Chimay, that pours a hazy golden brown colour with a dense, high-rise off-white head. The nose is dramatic and powerful, with a darkness of raisins and demerara sugar playing against much higher, almost floral notes, masses of clove and pepper, and a core of nettly hops. On the palate it is dense, thick and full-bodied, with an immediately sharp, bitter chicory and endive flavour. There's a caramel in the background, but it is no match for these aggressive and pungent green flavours that leave this beer very crisp and clean despite the weight and richness. Excellent stuff. 8.0% ABV, 33cl, �1.99, Booth's, Luvians, Peckhams, , Surf4beer. |  |
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