Chimay Blue?

Question

I have kept a couple of the corked bottles of Chimay Blue from every year since 1999. Michael Jackson (Beer Hunter) says it gets better with age. When should I start drinking the 1999 and 2000 ones?

Answer 1

I had heard that Chimay Blue bettered in taste when it was kept in the cellar, and even 25 year old samples were still very drinkable. The ageing of Chimay Blue influences the aroma and flavor of this great beer.
Chimay Blue 1999

75 cl bottle with cork, tasted 16.05.03. Sadly, the bottle is corked, the flavor and aroma of cork is clearly noticeable in the beer and especially overpowers other aromas. Caramelflavor with bitter walnuts and alcohol. Good lacing.
Bierkoning rates the 1999 taste as,
Aroma: 7, appearance: 4, flavor: 7, palate: 1, overall: 13. Total: 3.2
No return on 2000
All in all, Chimay Blue seems to be at its peak after 3 or 4 years cellaring. The harsher flavors have eased away somewhat and the aroma is at its peak. After those three years the beer deteriorates very slowly, but keeps its quality for a very long time.