In the spirit of beer being the beverage of the everyday man (and woman), we present Musical Cheers, a column that puts real beer in the hands of real people. Musical Cheers is guest authored by a revolving selection of friends and columnists with tastes as varied as the beers they review.
BIO
Guest reviewer name/occupation: Aimee Suzanne Kruse-Ross, glass artist, goldsmith and queen of a jewelry empire
Currently listening to: Hers (the U.K. indie group that died in the U.S. in March)
Currently watching: “The Crown" on Netflix. Prince Philip is my hero.
Gold, silver, platinum?: Gold — 22K Gold
Favorite gemstone: Brazilian citrine, black Boulder opals
Preferred Blue Collar Brews: Heineken, Guinness
Preferred White Collar Brews: Does Glenlivet count?
THE REVIEW
Name of beer reviewing: Chimay Première (red label)
Type of beer: Trappist Belgian Dubbel
ABV: 7 percent
Pre-tasting: Robust in smell, typical of the Belgian beers I've tried. It's reminiscent of Guinness to the nose — malty but more complex: raisins, pear. Pours a rich brown with a frothy caramel head. Plan on it being similar to other Belgian dubbels.
Post-tasting: Not quite like other dubbels; Chimay has its own thing going on. Complex flavors you don't expect in a beer. The nose comes through in taste. I even taste a hint of licorice but it still tastes like beer. Great for autumn pot roast or with a hearty meal. This is homemade apple pie versus store-bought. Smooth and balanced despite the higher ABV.
You'll like this beer if: You like heavier beers or beers that drink like a meal.
You'll dislike this beer if: You're a lightweight.
Rating 1 – 10: 10
