Chimay Trappist Beer Dinner

I was tuned into the Chimay Trappist Beer Dinner by would-be in-laws.  I’m more of a traditional Northwestern Beer drinker.  I like my hoppy IPA’s and other craft beers.  Still, there was no way I was going to turn up my nose at an opportunity to try some renown Chimay Trappist beers, so I found an interested friend in the area and made our reservations for this event.

Trappist beers have their roots in Europe, traditionally being brewed by Monks for both consumption and sale to support the monastery.  They’re notable for their flavor and quality, which generally improves with age.  I’m not terribly familiar with them, but I was excited to give each of these selections a try alongside some carefully prepared companion dishes.  

The selection of beers we enjoyed are as follows:

• Chimay Cinq Cent
• The Chimay Doree (Gold)
• Chimay Premiere (Red)
• The Chimay Grand Reserve (Blue)
• The Chimay Grand Reserve Vintage 2012
• The Chimay Grand Reserve Vintage 2014 Jeroboam

Lacking a sophisticated beer-tasting palate, I’ve provided the appropriate links to Beer Advocate to share the reflections of those with far more discrimination and scrutiny in the realm of beer-tasting than I can provide.  The last two on this list are simply alternate vintages of the previously listed Grand Reserve.  The Blue and the 2012 vintage were served side-by-side, allowing us to taste the difference in taste and flavor that age brings these brews.  The flavors definitely seemed to get more confident and bold as the age of the brew increased.  Despite this, I found myself savoring the Premiere Red the most, perhaps because of the stronger bitter tones that I usually enjoy.  Surprisingly, the fruity and strong dark malt flavors of the Grand Reserve didn’t bother me – I’m usually not fan of strong dark ales, but these were an exception.  The Cinq Cent and Gold were light and flavorful, but their unique characteristics didn’t stick with me throughout the evening nearly as well as the subsequent beers did.  Maybe it was the alcohol?

The food pairings were excellent, and I thought the slow roasted lamb shoulder was exquisite, but the beers really stole the show – as they ought to for a beer tasting!  At the end of the night, we were told that we could take home any of the Chimay beer chalices – these were acquired for the event and the restaurant had no need or use for them.  Score!   I took a pair of both the large and small glasses.  I figure that one of these pairs would make an appropriate give to the folks whom I consider family that tuned me into this event in the first place.

Hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to try a wide variety of beers in my travels, and maybe even be so lucky to partake in some more of these beers directly from their source!