Chimay Red, sold as Premiere, is the original Chimay and the everyday member of the family. It is a 7% Belgian dubbel brewed by the Trappist monks at Scourmont Abbey, a step down in strength from the Blue and a shade more approachable. If the Blue is the special-occasion beer, the Red is the one you can happily drink on a normal evening. Here is how it tastes and why it deserves a place in this guide.
Chimay Red at a glance
| Style | Belgian dubbel (Trappist) |
| ABV | 7% |
| Calories | Around 200 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 18g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Bieres de Chimay, Scourmont Abbey, Belgium |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, wheat starch, sugar, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains barley and wheat |
| Typical price | Around $11 to $15 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Red is the gentler Chimay. It keeps the family’s dark fruit and yeast spice but at lower strength, so the body and warmth dials ease off and it drinks more easily.
The full review
It pours a hazy copper-brown with a creamy tan head. The aroma is a lighter take on the Chimay house character: red fruit and apricot, a little caramel malt, a touch of clove-like spice and that familiar Trappist yeast note underneath.
The palate is soft and rounded, with warm stone and dried fruit, a gentle caramel sweetness and a spicy, slightly peppery finish that dries out nicely. At 7% it feels balanced and approachable rather than big, which is exactly the point.
This is the beer to reach for when you want genuine Trappist quality without committing to a 9% sipper. It is comfortable with food, easy over an evening and endlessly reliable.
It sits a little in the Blue’s shadow, but that is unfair. On its own terms it is a lovely, well-judged dubbel and one of the most consistently good beers of its kind on the shelf.
The Trappist beer for a normal Tuesday, and none the worse for it.
- Genuine Trappist quality at everyday strength
- Soft, warm fruit-and-caramel character
- More sessionable than the Blue at 7%
- Consistent and food-friendly
- Less depth and drama than Chimay Blue
- Still a strong beer by most standards
- Not as widely stocked as macro imports
Who it is for
Anyone who wants an approachable first Trappist beer or a reliable dubbel. If you like it, Chimay Blue is the bigger sibling and the abbey dubbels are the natural next stop.
Chimay Red FAQs
What does Chimay Red taste like?
Soft and warm, with red and dried fruit, apricot, caramel malt and a gently spicy, dry finish. A lighter, more approachable take on the Chimay house style.
What is a Belgian dubbel?
A dark, malty Belgian ale of around 6 to 7.5% ABV, defined by caramelised sugar, dark-fruit character and a dry, spicy finish. The name comes from the abbey tradition of a double-strength beer.
Is Chimay Red the same as Premiere?
Yes. Chimay Red is the everyday name and Premiere is its formal name. It is the original Chimay beer.
How strong is Chimay Red?
It is 7% ABV, lighter than Chimay Blue’s 9% but still a strong beer.
How many calories are in Chimay Red?
Around 200 per 12 fl oz. Chimay does not publish an exact figure, but that is typical for a 7% dubbel.
Is Chimay Red made by monks?
Yes. Like the rest of the range it is brewed at Scourmont Abbey under the supervision of Trappist monks.
What food goes with Chimay Red?
It pairs well with roast meats, stews, mushroom dishes and semi-hard cheeses.
Where is Chimay Red brewed?
At the Scourmont Abbey near Chimay in southern Belgium, by Bieres de Chimay.
Where to buy Chimay Red
Chimay Red is widely distributed in the US and Europe, in singles and 4-packs. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Chimay Red is the quiet achiever of the range, a soft, warm, beautifully made Trappist dubbel that is easier to drink than the Blue and just as honest. If you want to understand Trappist beer without diving straight into a 9% sipper, start here. A very good four point four out of five. Compare it with the rest in our best Belgian beer guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Chimay Red?
Chimay Red is a Belgian dubbel (Trappist), at 7% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Chimay Red?
Chimay Red has an ABV of 7%.
How many calories are in Chimay Red?
Chimay Red has Around 200 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Chimay Red gluten free?
Chimay Red: No, it contains barley and wheat.
Does Chimay Red have carbs?
Yes, Chimay Red has Around 18g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Chimay Red taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Chimay Red cost?
Chimay Red typically runs Around $11 to $15 for a 4-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Chimay Red without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Chimay Red?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian dubbel (Trappist) like Chimay Red. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
