Chimay Grande Reserve

Chimay Grande Reserve

Strong Dark Ale

9% ABV

Belgium

The monastery was founded in 1850.

It was the first monastery to sell beer commercially.

  The first to use the term Trappist Beer.

First Trappist Brewery to use "Wine Bottles" with Corks.

I  have seen this listed as being from various areas, sometimes called Chimay.

I did not know if that was the name of a town or what, 

so I consulted the highest authority possible...

Michael Jackson;

Produced at the Abbey of Notre Dame, on a hillside called Scourmont.

Near a place called Forges, close to a town callled Chimay,

in the province of Hainaut.

Generally referred to as "Blue." Or Blue Label/Blue Cap.
The large bottles say Grande Reserve. The small bottles do not.
(Color of bottle labels differ according to strength.)

with Chimay Cheese and Spanish Almonds.

Pours a beautiful deep, dark nutty brown color.
Smells like sweet bread and dark fruit; figs, raisins, plums, dates.
Tastes like dark fruit, caramel, roasted malts, and brown sugar.
Slight chocolate backdrop flavor. Mostly dark bread and sweet, spicy yeast.
Quite tasty and affordable.
Since it is so readily available, highly recommended.
I buy it at my local grocery store.
It sort of tends to get overlooked somewhat.
Since most people can get it anywhere, anytime.

Served in it's own etched goblet.
Yes it tastes better when served in it's own personally etched goblet.
Monastery advises two years cellar storage.
Michael Jackson advises longer.

Pairs well with food. Shown here with a homemade Paella,
and Caesar Salad.
Goes well with strong cheeses,
and would compliment any meal that would typically go with red wine.