So I did what anyone with free time on a Friday night would do - I decided to taste-test some Belgian beers to see what all the hullaballoo is about.
First we started with a Chimay.
It was surprisingly refreshing. A little tingly when it first hit my tongue, then the effervescence gave way to a lively, citrusy, goodness that I just can't seem to shake.
Two thumbs up.
For those who are interested in the technical scoring, here's the complex scoring scale I used. All categories are scored on a 5-point scale.
Color: 3.5, appx the color of Newcastle or Shiner Bock, I wasn't overwhelmed by the darkness
Fizziness: 3, oooh..just right in the tingly department
Coolness of the name: 4, a pic of a glass w/ Chimay written on it was the root of the experiment
Initial Taste: 3, I just had a piece of my leftover birthday cake so a little bitter at first
Lingering Taste: 5!!!! amazing. love it. want more. lots more.
Total Score: 18.5 - C'est magnifique and I'm feeling gooooood.
Next up is the Duvel.
Hmm...not too impressed. Here's how the Duvel scored -
Color: 1.5, looks like Coors Light
Fizziness: 1, way too fizzy...I had to drink it slow to keep it from fizzing up my throat
Coolness of the name: 2, I'm neither here nor there on this one. Whatever.
Initial Taste: 4, had great promise. My tongue was hit with an almondy pleasure.
Lingering Taste: 2, the almonds turned into eyebrow twitching tartness. I'm not pleased.
Total Score: 10.5
The Verdict: Chimay might be my new favorite! No thank you to the Duvel, but I might have opened up a new door into the world of Belgian beers.
