St. Bernardus Christmas Ale

Brewed by St. Bernard Brouwerij
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Watou, Belgium

bottle. pours a dark brown with a thick foamy tan head. looks like specs of cinimmon in the head. smooth. a little past christmas by now but still a good beer

Brown bottle, 750 ml, via Importations Privées Bièropholie, savoured on April 4 2009; eye: reddish brown with caramel reflections, lightly hazy, good effervescence, voluminous beige head that falls and turns into a nice sheet, lots of lacing; nose: lots of caramel malt, spices, coriander, clove, liquorice, light tobacco, yeast, bread, sugar, candied fruits; mouth: lots of caramel malt, spices, light coriander, lots of liquorice, light hops, though I do not taste the alcohol I can feel it, sugar, candied fruits, clove, finale in liquorice with presence of malt and spices, full body, slightly harsh texture, mildly sweet, slight astringency, slightly bitter, rather carbonated; overall: quite likable FRANÇAIS Bouteille brune, 750 ml, via Importations Privées Bièropholie, savourée le 4 avril 2009; œil : brun-roux avec des reflets caramels, légèrement voilée, bonne effervescence, mousse beige abondante qui tombe et se transforme en une bonne couverture, beaucoup de dentelle; nez : beaucoup de malt caramel, épices, coriandre, réglisse, léger tabac, levure, pain, sucre, fruits confits, clou de girofle; bouche : beaucoup de malt caramel, épices, léger coriandre, beaucoup de réglisse, léger houblon, bien qu’on ne goûte peu l’alcool on le sent quand on boit, sucre, fruits confits, clou de girofle, finale en réglisse avec présence de malt et épices, corsé, texture légèrement rugueuse, moyennement sucrée, très légère astringence, très légèrement amère, plutôt carbonatée; en résumé : bien aimé

Bottle at Lee’s. This was a sweet one, but because of candy sure I feel like. Incredibly malty, and was a little hard to get down, because of the alcohol. Still, a very tasty beer. Can’t wait for next Christmas to try this again.

Red brown in color with a lrge off-white head. Aroma is of candi sugar, nuts, malt, toast and caramel. Taste is of caramel, booze, malt, nuts, apple, raisin, and pear.

The ale pours a cloudy dark brown with a two finger tan head. Aromas of malt, candi sugar, and green grapes much like those enjoyed off of the vine at a picturesque Finger Lakes winery entrance the nostrils. The flavour is quite nice, with a certain wine character that enhances the other notes of roasted malt and cardamom. The finish is dry and reminiscent of Champagne. Although the alcohol boisterously makes its presence felt, it is not overwhelming. This is a fine Saturnalian ale that would also be delightful with a nice roast for Christmas lunch.

Candied plums and spices in the aroma. Medium sweet, well balanced flavor totally conceals the 10% ABV. Very nice.

750ml bottle. Dark brown color with a medium sized beige head. Yeasty, fruity aroma of black bread, dried fruits and brown sugar. Flavor starts off sweet, with some caramel and dried fruits before quickly turning dry with lots of yeasty, bready notes. Alcohol is quite apparent, but never overpowering. Very enjoyable.

Draught Clear, hazel brown body. Creamy, off-white head. Good lace. Aroma of strong malts, raisin, grapes, bitter chocolate, ... Moderately sweet, lightly bitter flavour of caramel, bitter chocolate. Very mellow and pleasant. Very good balance and very complex as well. Typical christmas beer: malts, high in alcohol, warming and a nice complexity and balance.