My New Year’s Resolution this year was to better appreciate Belgians. I was a stout guy and found Belgians too sweet and spicy/fruity.
Well after starting the year off brewing two Belgians and taking advantage of Ommegang not far from me, I was really able to appreciate Chimey. Though it sure hurt at the register, what a beer! My daughter was born three weeks ago and has spent more than half of her life in the hospital so far. After a six day hospital stay to start her life out, we were able to take her home for 9 days before taking her back for another six days. Just prior to the 2nd trip to the hospital, my father and brother sent me Brew Like a Monk and Farmhouse Ales. BLAM was great and I spent six days salivating thinking about great Belgians while I pushed through a mediocre 6 pack of Dundee Oktoberfest. Well after bringing my precious daughter back to my SIL’s today I cracked open a Chimay Red. What a worthy brew! Starts with that majestic Belgian pour, huge head that doesn’t seem to budge. All good things to those who wait. Such complexity and character. Great malty flavor without being at all cloying. So smooth, the esters from the yeast just draw you in until you get to the disappointing bottom of the glass and are left begging for more. I just wish I had another beer drinker to share one with (wife’s family doesn’t drink).