This beer is brought to us by Bières de Chimay (Abbaye Notre Dame de Scourmont). As the website states “In order to meet their needs and those of their foundations as well as to sustain employment in their region, since 1862 the Cistercian Trappist monks of Chimay have been developing the production of Trappist beers and cheeses which, owing to their character and qualities are well known and enjoy great success.” To be considered a Trappist beer, the beer must be breed under the control of trappist monks in a Trappist monastery. Only seven of the monasteries produce beer, of which Chimay is one.
Brewed a dubbel, or double, beers of this type are similar to a brown ale in some ways. They typically have a higher alcohol content, hence the name. The origin of the style originates back to the Trappist monastery of Westmalle in the mid-1800′s. With this style, you will typically see some fruit and spice characteristics, as well as some mild to moderate hop bitterness. Notes of caramel are also often present and most dubbels are medium in body.
Pours a brilliant medium copper into a specialty tulip glass. A plethora of of bubbles immediately rises to the top producing a wonderfully creamy two finger head. The lacing left stays on the glass only long enough to watch out slide away however. Possibly something to do with the temperature it was brewed?
I could keep my nose in this one for a while I think, and almost did! The aroma smacks of peaches, nutmeg, roasted caramel and a hint of chocolate I think. Molasses perhaps? Either way a nice earthiness comes to light.
Taste was like experiencing dessert in a bottle. The rich molasses flavor I smelled dominated along with a well balanced alcohol feel. Another taste brought out the peach flavor as well, which was a nice balance with the spices. I had to have another and another! Well done with the malts in this one is all I can say. What I likd is that the alcohol presence made itself known, but certainly did not dominate the flavors.
Mouthfeel was also well balanced. Medium bodied, yet with a crispness to it that i think those wonderful bubbles had something to do with.
Overall, a wonderfully well balanced dubbel. One that you could have a second or third if you wanted, as again, the alcohol presence does not overpower you. Weighs in at 7% ABV. I was blessed to enjoy this one with a creme brule.
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