I had a Chimay Blue with dinner last night. This used to be one of my favorite beers but I hadn't had one in a couple of years because of life etc. It was as tasty as I remember but I was struck by one thing: it seemed hoppy in a way I did not remember. Not a bad way, but it made me wonder. Has it always been that way, and I just didn't notice back in the day because I was drinking so many double IPAs in those days? Are other traditional Belgian beers hoppy that I never noticed before (excluding things like Houblon Chouffe that are deliberately marketed as hoppy)?
I’ve never gotten a hoppy vibe from Chiat blue. Not saying you’re wrong for saying so I just personally never have gotten a big hop presence from it. Maybe the monks are doing a clandestine dry run to condition the public for Chimay Belgian Hazy’s impending release upon a hapless public.
Might have simply been a younger bottle? A few of the Trappist Abbey ales can be pretty hoppy when fresh. Westvleteren in particular, but Chimay can be, too.
Good point and we Europeans gets them generally fresher. Might have been a young one. Otherwise I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference over the years with that fine brew.
I have several bottles of Chimay Blue and I never noticed much in terms of bitterness. I did a quick web search to see how many IBUs this beer has and I found: “Profile ABV: 9.0% IBUs: 30 Served at: 50 - 52º F” https://beerconnoisseur.com/beer/abbaye-de-scourmont/chimay-grande-reserve Yeah, about 30 IBUs is consistent with my drinking experience, not too bitter. During this web search I read some ‘hits’ which reminded me that Chimay has a ‘new’ brand out now: Chimay Green (150). I have yet to see this beer at any of my local beer retailers but I hope to someday. Cheers!
As others have said, probably a young bottle. I tend to get Chimay Blue quite fresh and it does have some subtle earthy, bitter hops to me. That's what makes it my favorite example of the style, actually.
