800.625.8238
chatRare Beer Club 2-Bottle Selections - December 2024
Grande Réserve Barrel Fermented 2018 (RBC Exclusive)
Abbaye de Scourmont Bières de Chimay – Chimay, Belgium
[Belgian Dark Strong Ale fermented & aged in French & American Oak, and Whisky Barrels - 10.5% ABV]
Chimay needs little introduction to most beer aficionados, being among the most impactful producers of Belgian Trappist abbey beer in the world. While most of us have enjoyed Chimay's exceptional blue-label Grande Réserve in the past, their Barrel Fermented vintage releases are truly special and hard to find. Each year since 2015, Chimay has taken a portion of their Grande Réserve and fermented it again in barrels - the type of which varies each year: Brandy, Whisky, Rum, etc. This elevates the beer's flavor as well as its alcohol, making for a unique one-off beer capable of extended aging. Last winter, we were able to offer the last remaining 2018 bottles in the U.S. to our members via a special offer. Recently, when the importer revealed they were able to bring in an allocation for us that had been maturing in Chimay's cellar for over four years, we immediately jumped at the chance to make it a full club feature this month.
The Barrel Fermented Grande Réserve 2018 (dubbed "Whisky Edition" by the brewery) is a masterful balance of smoothness and strength, highlighting the unique interplay of the beer's signature character with the French & American oak and whisky barrels in which it was fermented and aged. This deep brown-hued brew offers aromas of rich caramel and brown sugar, complemented by notes of oak, dark fruit, and a subtle sweetness from the whisky. The mouthfeel is rich and full, balanced by delicate, fine carbonation to offset the robust dark malts, sweet whisky, and oak flavors infused with vanilla. As the beer warms, vibrant notes of almond, vanilla, and warming whisky emerge, along with a touch of tannins that provide structure. A subtle burnt-sugar note adds complexity, keeping the flavors balanced from start to finish. It's a stunning reinterpretation of a classic Belgian strong ale.
Samichlaus Classic 2023
Schloss Eggenberg – Vorchdorf, Austria
[Strong Doppelbock - 14% ABV]
Early brewing records indicate that the area around Schloss Eggenberg was known for producing beer dating back to the 10th century. The Eggenberg Castle, which houses the brewery, was constructed in its current form in the 14th century, and serves as a focal point of the region. The brewery came into prominence in 1681 when it was purchased by the Stöhr family, whose legacy of brewing excellence continues today, now under the stewardship of the ninth generation. First brewed in Switzerland and later adopted by Schloss Eggenberg, their very limited-production Samichlaus is a prime example of the brewery's ability to innovate while respecting tradition.
The world-famous Samichlaus Classic is brewed just once a year on December 6th (the day of St. Nicholas), then gets matured for ten months before being bottled. At 14% ABV, it's one of the strongest lagers in the world. The Rare Beer Club was allocated the only portion of the 2023 Samichlaus Classic bottled in 750ml bottles, and we've found this vintage to be one of our best experiences ever with this classic.
Pouring a deep, rich amber to mahogany color with ruby highlights, it offers intensely rich and complex aromas including caramelized sugar and toffee, notes of dark fruits, plus a hint of molasses. Subtle undertones of toasted nuts, brown bread, and a whisper of chocolate balance the sweetness. A warming, almost brandy-like aroma lingers, contributing to its luxurious depth. On the palate, we get a bold sweetness that mirrors its aroma-layers of caramel, toffee, and dark molasses dominate, followed by complex ripe dark fruit flavors of dates, cherries, and figs. As it warms, notes of vanilla, toasted oak, and a touch of sherry-like oxidation appear, enhancing the beer's depth. The alcohol is warming but well-integrated, and the body is full and velvety, with a syrupy, almost decadent texture-but the beer's smooth carbonation provides just enough lift to keep it from feeling overly heavy. Samichlaus Classic is a masterpiece of balance and complexity, perfect for sipping and savoring on a cold evening.
