Chimay Première (Red)

Ah, one of the dozen or so beers that started it all for me (and many others, I'm sure). I was curious how this review would turn out, since not only had I not had a Chimay Red in many years, but this particular sample had been in my "cellar" for about 3 years. Brought this over for me and xlperro to sample last weekend.

Minimal head when poured -- perhaps slight cork failure? But no, the botom of the cork was moist and the top dry and firm.... Anyway, not a serious hit, but just something that I guess happens once and a while.

As a Belgian Dubbel, I would expect this to have the standard compliment of aromas and sensations -- fruit, nuts, spice..., all from the arcane Abbey ale yeast and centuries of brewing traditions. And yes , there's the typical mustiness that one expects from a beer like this. But I didn't quite expect it all to be so prevalent from the very first sip. Whatever changes this beer went through while being cellared (and perhaps roughly handled once or twice over the years) certianly didn't affect the beer's confidence.

Not really the creme ala'creme that I used to think of this beer, but this still a solid choice for a Abbey Dubbel, for times that you want to do things "old school".
//TB