Corsendonk Christmas Ale

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

Simply put, this reminds me of Christmas, which is probably the point. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a bit of corriander appear in both the aroma and the flavor.

Tulip Glass Pours a mahogany color, with a huge resilient head. Aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, with some metallic iron tones. Sweet cinnamon, coriander, some nutmeg on the tongue, with metallic tones that were slightly unpleasant. Bite on the palate throughout, with a metallic aftertaste being prevalent.

Appearance: Clear, deep reddish-brown body with a well-sized, foamy, light khaki-colored head. Nice creamy lacing on the way down. Smell: Malty, sweetish aroma smelling of molasses, brown sugar, and simple syrup -- all sorts of sweet treats. There’s a strong, downright perfumy orange note in the nose, like sniffing a full shot of triple sec. Touches of spicy and light floral hints. Taste: Sweet, dark maltiness with tastes of dark caramel, molasses, and brown sugar. Slight nuttiness, maybe even some slight breadiness. As was the case with the aroma, there’s that very distinct orange fruitiness. Pleasant spiciness with an extra added dash of coriander. Very, very faint floral hint. Never more than a minor bitterness present. Pinch of cocoa powder arrives late in the flavor. Finishes fruity with a lingering maltiness and hint of earthy spice. Mouthfeel: Medium-plus body. Medium carbonation. Drinkability: A tasty wintertime offering from Corsendonk and one I’d be happy (yes, happy) to return to next year.

Deep hazy copper body with a huge tan head. The smell is full of bananas and cloves with lots of fruity esters and gentle spicing. The taste has lots of chocolate and spice, but with subtle wheat notes coming throughout. Well balanced. The spice is not overwhelming like most Christmas brews, but rather a part of a whole idea. Delicious!

Bottle. Pours a dark brown with a very large, off-white head. Aromas of hops, nutmeg, and orange. Texture is creamy with a lively carbonation. Very nice flavor with complex fruits and spices. Not the best Christmas beer I have had, but by far not the worst either.

Mély vörösesbarna színű, 8,5% alkoholtartalmú belga ale. Kitöltése után gyorsan apadó, végül egy fél centiméternél tartósan megmaradó hab jellemzi. Illata enyhén malátás, és meglepetésre, mintha friss eper is lenne benne. Íze telt, karamelles, ami lassan keserű csokiba fordul. Az eper mellett később, mintha egy kis meggy feeling is kiérződne belőle. A magas alkoholtartalom, mint valami szigorú apa, végig „ott van”, de egy ilyen testes karácsonyi sörnél ez egyáltalán nem zavaró.

Pours a dark mahogany, clear in bright light, with a thin but lasting head and nice lacing. Aroma is milk-chocolaty with a hint of tart cherry. Tastes of red apple, buttery sweet fruitcake malting with light spiciness. Bready, peppery finish (present alcohol). Gooey thick body with fine but sufficient carbonation. What a nice tasty treat for the holidays! Many thanks to Boutip for the trade!

Bottle pours very dark brown with cinnamon and biscuit aromas. A thin off white head dissappears quickly. Has a medium mouthfeel with a lot of stinging carbonation. Flavors are spicy, with a subtle caramel sweetness that leads to a somewhat tart and alcohol finish. Overall a very nice brew.