 marcus (989), Sacramento, California, USA
Sep 29, 2004
Cork indicates 10/01. This dark brown ale pours with a short tan head, eliciting a spicy aroma. The flavor is initially very malty with a strong coriander finish, which intensifies as the beer warms. This Noel version is sort of a cross between the Affligem Dubbel and Tripel, leaning toward the Dubbel, but much spicier. I have quaffed vintages of Noel from fresh to 5 years old and 3 years seems to be the best age.
cbeers21 (384), Miami, Florida, USA
Aug 17, 2008 Beautiful chestnut pour with lasting, pillowy head. NIce lighly toasted carmel aromas, coupled with dusty berry notes and musty dried fruit scents make for layered, and intriguing olfactory experience. Decent mouthfeel on this lightly chewy brew, with a berry-fruit flavor working with a vanilla infused yeasted touch. An almost brandy-like twanging aftertaste and a vanila, cloed spice give this brew a complex drinkability which warms the throat. Woah there nice beer guy.
Borresteijn (542), Amstelveen, Netherlands
Aug 14, 2008 On tap christmas 2007. Purple brown colour, creamy head. Aroma of spice, fruits, caramel. Flavour is sweet and christmas spice, alcohol bitter finish. Medium bodied. Nice brew.
kiehlbuckeye (6), Prosperity, South Carolina, USA
does not count  Aug 3, 2008 Bottle. In summertime. Beautiful Reddish-Brown color; strong and fruity. Very smooth flavor, as you’d expect from an abbey ale. Some hints of spice and fruit like maybe, orange and plum. Not overly christmasy which is very good, because some beers go overboard on Christmas flavors but this one gets it just right.
Tmoney99 (3544), Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Jul 15, 2008 Bottle from River’s Bend. Poured hazy brown color with a large fizzy brown head that was mostly lasting with good lacing. Aroma was as complex modetate spicy sweet and yeast. Medium body with a smooth texture. Heavy dark fruit sweet flavor with a heavy bittersweet finish with medium alcohol bite. Good brew.
Pawola22 (74), Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Jul 12, 2008 750ml bottle from Binny’s.
Aroma: Caramel, slight alcohol, malty, decent hop character, spicy.
Appearance: Medium amber color, very carbonated. BIG light tan head with lots of carbonation. Lasts for quite awhile. Lots of rising bubbles.
Flavor: Malty with a alcohol kick, but not too strong. Caramel with a hint of coffee. Definite Belgian taste. Not a bitter beginning, but finishes strong. Molasses and brown sugar for sure.
Palate: Crisp, slight burn from alcohol, carbonation from remaining head, light and smooth.
Overall: Quite drinkable, alcohol taste is enjoyable. I wouldn’t expect anything less from a Belgian strong ale. A great kick at the end and pleasant malty aftertaste. A very good, spiced Christmas beer. I had it while it was warm out, so I need to try it again in the winter for sure.
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