Royal Oak Belgian Holiday Ale

On tap at the brewery, 1/21/04. Comes in a 12 oz tulip. Medium rosy red, with some rusty oranges, light browns and ambers. Very nice looking and quite hazy as well. Small beige-orange head that clings to the sides after it has disappeared. Smells very malty, chocolate graham crackers, rich cinnamon, and a slight hint of yeast. Plenty of belgin malt. Taste is extremely remeniscent of Delirium Noel. Big sweet malt flavors combine with phenolic fruits, moderate acidity and quite alcoholic as it warms. Just like Delirium Noel, after it has warmed considerably, the alcohol gets too unbalanced and it gets a bit thin (this problem seemed greater in this than in Noel). Still, very drinkable after it has been poured, and a great mix of spices and yeast, with ample body at the start. Impressed that they made it this good.