166333 Thu Oct 03 11:21:27 -0700 2002 20 14 Washington DC & Baltimore Area 0 888627 Chimay - Belgian beer made by Trappist monks - is now on tap at The Reef on 18th St. in Adams Morgan (where the old Star of Siam used to be). waitress told me they were the only place in DC to serve it on tap so far. I don’t know if this is actually true. I only recently discovered this beer at a Belgian beer tasting dinner at Little Fountain in Adams Morgan (fabulous dining experience). To my knowledge, there are three different versions: the white label, the red label and the blue label. I like the white label for its creaminess and richness (characteristics not everyone likes, I know). Its not too easy to find at restaurants(getting easier), though I have found it at these places: Little Fountain (waitress retrieves it from the bar upstairs); White Tiger (Indian restaurant on the Hill); 9:30 club (?!) (discovered this while attending a Dolly Parton (?!) concert there, was so excited that I didn’t bother to look at the price tag. I don’t remember exactly how much they charged, but it was close to a gazillion dollars); and now the Reef has it on tap. I have to admit (and I know this is heresy to some) but I prefer the beer in a bottle. But if you want to try the draft version - try the Reef. As for loading up for home, I have found that Calvert Woodley offers the best deal on Chimay. Thu Oct 03 11:21:27 -0700 2002 0 lizmc 1 888633 If you want to buy some Chimay for home consumption, it's pretty easy to find at better beer shops. It comes in 750ml cork-finished bottles and smaller bottles with crown caps. And while most beers might benefit from draft dispense, many Belgian ales are meant to be refermented in the bottle, and are likely better that way. I believe you can find draft Chimay at Dr Dremo's Tap House, 2001 Clarendon, Arlington. Thu Oct 03 12:06:20 -0700 2002 888627 0 Jim Dorsch 1 888635 are you sure? I went there with some friends in mid July SOLELY b/c this was mentioned in the Post - and they told me they did not have it, it was only a short time promotion for their new opening in the spring. Personally I thought the food sucked there. if they do have it, again, though - I may go back. The Brickskeller however DOES have it - oh heaven. Thu Oct 03 12:12:48 -0700 2002 888627 0 beth 2 888641 I was there two weeks ago and they had it. The waitress informed us that they had just started serving it - which would explain why it wasn't available in July. I am surprised you didn't like the food. I have had dinner there twice and have really enjoyed my meals. I have to confess I'm stuck on the Buffalo hangar steak w/ the herb fries and haven't ventured beyond that. I found the steak tender, perfectly cooked for me (pink) and I really loved the fries, crisp but not brown, tossed in a wonderful mix of herbs. A healthy portion of food, all for $11 - I think thats a great deal. My fellow diners also enjoyed their meals. Perhaps timing had something to do with it. Both times I went, it was during the week and it was not crowded, so service was good & food was hot. I know someone who went on a Saturday and was dissatisfied - though her complaints seemed more service oriented. Thu Oct 03 12:49:01 -0700 2002 888635 0 lizmc 3 888657 Great, thanks! Sounds like you had a better experience. I don't know why the beer wasn't on tap, the Post raved about it, and when I asked the waiter said it was only a spring thing (maybe he didn't know what he was talking about?) I will give it one more try, if only for the beer. I did like the looks of the rooftop! Thu Oct 03 14:25:34 -0700 2002 888641 0 Beth 1 888640 Chez Antoine's, the crepe place in Adam's Morgan has a nice selection of Belgian beers, including Chimay. They also have french ciders and a wonderful drink with mango sorbet and cider. Not to mention the homemade ice cream, selection of French cheeses, beautiful omelettes, and totally authentic sweet and savory crepes. I really love the place and can't imagine why there is a line out the door of The Diner (not to dis it, it definitely fills a void) every weekend when there are almost always tables available at the far-superior Antoines... Thu Oct 03 12:48:37 -0700 2002 888627 0 butterfly 1 888677 Anyone know a place in or around DC that serves Blue Moon draft? I had it in Frederick, MD, where it is reportedly very popular. Served with a slice of orange-- better than bottled. For anyone who doesn't know Blue Moon--it is an American-made version of Belgian weiss beer, which is fresh and less sour than the Belgian version (flavored with coriander and bergamot or curacao orange, I'm not sure which). My former eclectic beer purchases are now limited to two favorites: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale and Blue Moon. Thu Oct 03 22:54:33 -0700 2002 888627 0 zora 2 888679 Call the wholesaler, Northern Virginia Beverage, 703.922.9190. They can tell you about NoVA, and should be able to tell you who wholesales BM in DC and MD. Fri Oct 04 07:11:21 -0700 2002 888677 0 Jim Dorsch 3 888684 The Big Hunt south of DuPont on Ct. Ave has Blue Moon on tap. Fri Oct 04 08:57:13 -0700 2002 888679 0 ep 2 888707 Kramerbooks in Dupont Circle has blue moon on tap. (Coincidentally) just had one tonight... Sat Oct 05 00:24:41 -0700 2002 888677 0 butterfly 3 888713 Thanks! I'm on my way! Sun Oct 06 18:06:53 -0700 2002 888707 0 zora 1 888709 Chimay White is more like a treat when you find it on tap. The supply is very limited and the 30 liter kegs are more than $125. Thats almost three time what Blue Moon costs. Plus Blue Moon is just another Coors Product in disguise. Chimay is made by a Trappist monk order that has been in existence for hundreds of years. Enjoy Chimay whenever you find it. Sat Oct 05 10:15:34 -0700 2002 888627 0 dorkus5 2 888720 uh oh...now I need to find that white chimay on tap. where have you had it? do you know who might serve it around here? when I asked the waitress at the Reef which Chimay was on tap - white, red or blue - she said none of the above, so I really don't know what version they were serving. and as I said, I actually didn't like the draft version they served as well as the bottled versions I have tasted. Mon Oct 07 10:11:52 -0700 2002 888709 0 lizmc 1 888723 My name is Jeff Wells and I work for the Craft Brewers Guild. We represent Belukus Marketing who is the importer for Chimay. Chimay on draft is an interesting topic.The Abbey of Scourmont have always been very serious about the different types of Chimay. When the three beers are bottled they are virtually all the same. Due to the amount of liquid, yeast, and air space these three beers undertake different secondary fermentaions thus effecting thier flavors throughout time. The small bottles are known as "red cap", "white cap", and "blue cap". The large bottles are given seperate names-"Premiere, "Cinq Cents", and "Grand Reserve". These larger bottles are still identified by there crown corks that are color-coded to match the small bottles. The Brewery also makes Magnums and Jeroboams of the Crand Reserve that again would undergo a seperate secondary fermentation. The monastary also makes a lower gravity version of the white cap for the monks themselves, this beer is known as "gold cap". To bring up the subject of the draft, this beer is called "Triple", this is the same beer as "white cap" or "Cinq Cents". This beer is a revolutionary beer on draft. The kegs are actually re-fermented which required the use of a new type of keg with an extended tube. What this tube does is pull beer from the bottom-up therefore despensing the yeast evenly. I believe this is the first keg of it's type in the world-although someone else might know of another. From my experience most belgian draft beers are either left unfiltred or are pasteurized. Therefore this beer on draft known as "triple" is another beer due to it's refermentation. I have to say I think the "triple" on draft is a little mellower than the bottle versions, this could be bad for some beer enthusiasts, I personnaly love it and can even sort of treat it as a "session beer". I think this a great introduction to begian beer for the average consumer and is a great first impression for the Chimay line. To summarize it looks as if Chimay now produces 10 beers. Altough when they are packaged they are only three available for commercial use and the "gold cap" for the monks. Any questions please contact me at hoppyjeff@hotmail.com Cheers, Jeff Wells Craft Brewers Guild Regional Sales Manager Mon Oct 07 11:11:00 -0700 2002 888627 0 Jeff Wells 2 888733 wow! thanks for all the information. that clears up the mystery for me. when I asked the waitress which was on tap - white, red or blue - she said none of the above. and since it didn't taste at all (to me) like the bottled versions I had had before, I assumed it was a completely different animal. now that you've clued me in, I'll have to go back and try the "Triple" somehow I think the newfound knowledge may enhance the flavor of the beer. and since you mentioned it, i've got to ask - how does one get the gold cap? sneak into the monastery under cover of darkness? Mon Oct 07 14:16:27 -0700 2002 888723 0 lizmc 3 888734 I once had the Westmalle brew that the brothers drink, just about under the circumstances you mention! Actually, I was on a press trip, and we naturally had a tasting of the abbey's beers. I believe the public can sample the brothers' version of Orval at the monastery's restaurant, just down the road from the abbey. Mon Oct 07 14:23:48 -0700 2002 888733 0 Jim Dorsch 1 888786 If you like Chimay (which I sure do!) you should try the three beers from the Oomegang Brewery in Cooperstown NY. It is truly authentic Belgian beer brewed here in the States. Its a fun brewery tour, if you are ever in Cooperstown, but short of that they sell it at Sutton Place in Rockville. Link: http://www.ommegang.com Tue Oct 08 22:11:38 -0700 2002 888627 0 david 2 888791 Brewery Ommegang's Hennepin, Ommegang and Rare Vos are available at other stores as well. Another good 'American Belgian' brewery is Allegash in Portland, ME. And Victory in Downingtown, PA does some nice Belgian-style brews (in addition to many others), including Golden Monkey tripel and the newly released V-10, which I haven't seen here yet (but will soon). Wed Oct 09 04:06:08 -0700 2002 888786 0 Jim Dorsch 2 888800 I just want to say that the Ommegang brew is *wonderful*. I first tried it at the White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia and it quickly became my favorite (better than Chimay, IMO, but of course less ubiquitous). It's a really dark, rich beer that goes wonderfully with food. The label says it's "burgundian" and it really is. I've found it in liquor stores in Philly and NJ, too. Allie Wed Oct 09 10:57:41 -0700 2002 888786 0 Allie D'Augustine 1 888790 Corduroy at 12th & K serves Chimay. Wed Oct 09 04:00:57 -0700 2002 888627 0 Thomas 2 888896 Chimay Listings- On Premise that serve Chimay "Triple" Draft- DC- The Reef-Adams Morgan, Penang-Golden Triangle, Chez Antoine-Adams Morgan NOVA- Galaxy Hut-Arlington, Dr. Dremo's-Arlington, Hard Times Cafe-Woodbridge MD- Max's on Broadway-Fells Point, Casey Jones-La Plata I do know most places that serve it in the bottle in DC, if anyone would like that list let me know... Thanks, Jeff Wells Craft Brewers Guild Regional Sales Manager P.S. I also represent Allagash Brewing of Portland, ME who makes some of the best Belgian-Style beers in the US. Fri Oct 11 11:26:18 -0700 2002 888790 0 Jeff Wells