De Dolle Stille Nacht Special Reserva 2005

Courtesy one of the Orlando crew, I forgot who, either boboski, SoLan, or mgumby10. Mostly clear dark straw color with a thin white head. Aroma is a unique of alcoholic heat, herbal notes, Belgian yeast, and sharp funkiness. The alcohol is somewhat apparent on the taste, but adds some kick to a great mix of funk and spice. Another great De Dolle brew.

Bottle picked up at Capone’s. The appearence was a hazy orange with a bit of off white head. There was plenty of carbonation. There where all kinds of aromas such as cinnamon/all spice/nutmeg-ish notes, some rock candy sweet notes, a bit of toffee/carmel, and some aggressive alcohol. This was all fairly evident in the flavor as well. I think it seemed sort of rum raisin like, or maybe fruit cake dipped in some liquor. The beer had a nice full body to it, and still seemed to have a very high amount of carbonation. A little bit of sweetness in the finish, and a hot blast of alcohol. I’m very glad to have been able to come by the rare treat, but it seems like more and more that these rare treats have not lived up to their billing.

Bottle into tulip, Kulminator, Antwerp (paid 4 euro). After previously thinking that I had had this beer and finding out that I hadn’t, I knew I had to try again on my latest trip to Europe. Overall, this was not at all what I expected. I expected that syrupy Stille Nacht sweetness and some of the warm spiciness I vaguely remember from the one time I had the 2000 Reserva. This was not that syrupy at all, the usual sweetness was gone. This was only aging three years, so it can’t be that it fermented out already. Flavors were intense, but not necessarily well put together; herbal qualities of basil and oregano were most prominent with denatured hops in the finish. Alcohol was not masked at all, either in the mouth or the finish (or the nose, for that matter). All that being said, the beer did have an elegant feel to it, and I didn’t wholly miss the over-the-top De Dolle sweetness. Clear copper in the glass with visible carbonation moving slowly up to the surface, belying the full body. Tight foamy lacing on the glass. Alcohol stings the back of the nose on the first whiff, then comes some apricot and candi sugar. Since I found it, I won’t regret not having it, but I also won’t regret not having it again.

I actually remember this one. I think I heard angels sing. Cloudy orange with a nice white head, nice lacing. Aroma of citrus, spices, and Belgian yeast. Fantastic sweetness followed by just enough bitterness to nicely balance it. Did not disappoint. Everything I hoped for and more. Thanks Mes!

[1135-20080229] 11.6floz. Meaty dark figgy pudding aroma with some brandy oxo cube malt notes. Hazy, light orange body with a small long-lasting foamy off-white head and some sunken floaties. Spicy sweet Belgian yeast flavour seems oaked. Medium body. Bit of a kick.
(@ Kulminator; Antwerp, BE; w/ jerc)