The Chimay Premiere 7.0% ABV The Chimay Premi?re is the oldest of the Chimays. Its coppery color and sweet, fruity taste make it a particularly tasty dark ale. Chimay Premiere is an authentic trappist product That means that it is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery under the supervision and responsibility of the monastic community, which is involved in the entire process of making and selling the ale. The bulk of the revenue that this activity generates is used to finance social services and cover the community's needs. ====== Chimay Premi?re was the first ale to be sold by the Trappist monks in 1862, hence the name. The monks did not want sell a beer that would compete directly with the lighter style beers in the region and harm the local economy for which they worked to reinvigorate. These local beers were known as ?household beer.? So, the first brand they brought to market was the Chimay Red in 750ml bottles. It became famous for its dark copper color, rich creamy foam and nutritious quality. The beer gives forth distinct apricot aromas and has a pleasantly light and silky mouthfeel which finishes with a touch of bitterness. At 7% alcohol the more subtle esters of Chimay's yeast strain emerge nicely which gives the perception of a variety of fruits. This yeast strain was isolated by reverend Father Theodore following his studies at brewing school in Leuven after WWII. It was an important achievement in brewing and set Chimay's reputation for consistency, quality and innovation that remains today.