Corsendonk Christmas Ale

Brewed by Du Bocq
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Purnode-Yvoir, Belgium

This one poured slightly lighter in color than I like my dark Belgians - amber red instead of red-brown. The head was also less than typical but sufficient and long lasting (with good lacing). The aroma was not as sweet and fruity as other dark Belgians (something slightly sour in the aroma). However, the flavor was very respectable, combining a noticeable presence of hops (kinda like the way the golden tripels bring out the hops) with the spicey and malty base that is typical of a Belgian strong ale. If this one weren’t 8.5%ABV, it could be a decent session ale.

Dark brown/ruby. Frothy, tan head. Pumpernickel bread, dark fruits, roasty malt, spices. Full, smooth body. Excellent.

Bottle sampled with Stegosaurus, pours an amber color with an off-white head. Aroma of sweet malts, spices, and alcohol. Flavor is sweet, spices are present, citrus, i loved this brew.

750 ml bottle poured a clear ruby brown with a small, lasting amber head. Aroma was malty and spicey. Palate was medium bodied and dry. Flavors of sweet malt, spices and a bit of fruitiness with a dry finish.

33cl bottle from Dorstvlegel, Antwerp. Attractive brown beer with beige sparse head. Rich, malt spice, cinnamon aroma. Fine in mouth, finish has more dark dry malt, spice, brown sugar. Hmmm. Yeah bit nothingy in the middle but the aroma and finish are good

Pours out a deep brown color with a beige head. Flavor is pretty much just as the commercial description reads. Aroma is nic and malty with a little yeast in it. This is a wonderful brew.

750ml - Best before 1/9/07 - Aroma is yeasty, coriander, black pepper, chocolate, clove, and other spices. Pours a deep ruby red with medium lasting brown head and great lacing. Initially the flavor matches the aroma then quickly fades to a weird metallic taste. Once it warmed closer to room temp, the metallic taste was less prominate, but still there. Palate is bitter and metallic. I was excited when I sniffed and dissapointed after taste didn’t follow up. Was there something wrong with this bottle? I guess I’ll find out next year.

Poured a very dark red that was very clear when put in front of a light. High carbonation levels fed a nice brown head with a moderate duration. Aromas of lemon, green apple, and anise seem to dominate. Taste is not as complex as I would have expected from a dark christmas ale. Fig, anise, mint, and citrus with a hint of cherry are detectable. Very strong taste of alcohol is evident. Medium-bodied with a sweetish, malty finish.