Gouden Carolus Noël / Christmas - Brouwerij Het Anker

jeremy13586

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A bottle from this past Christmas that I found tucked away.

The color was a very deep amber, with ruby around the edges. The head was a shade light of khaki and it disappear rather quickly.

I didn't get too much in the nose other than spice and alcohol. Some faint dark fruits.

Spicy and herbal. Some mint and booze. A bit of a sweet backbone. A bit muddy. Finishes with the slightest hint of chocolate.

Pretty smooth overall. Medium bodied.

I've had this in years past, but found it pretty unexciting this time around. I've only had it on draft before and found it to be more enjoyable in that format (or at least from what I can remember). I'll have to buy and drink a fresh bottle next winter and see how it compares.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2012 06:01:17 | More by jeremy13586

Ricelikesbeer

Colorado

4.55/5  rDev +14.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I made sure to buy one of these (750 ml bottle) around Christmas time this year to see what I thought of it at a later date. Today is 4-14-2012. The date on the bottle reads 9-8-2011.

A:

Hazy pour, heavily carbonated, The bottle gave off plenty of smoky-looking fumes from all of the co2 escaping. the beer is a murky dark brown, almost a purple-ish color with red highlites held up to light.

S:

A heavy whiff produces plenty of spice character, mostly licorice or anise. There is a sweetness there behind that smell, but it is pretty overpowering. I can pick up a slight hint of bready malt as well.

T:

A deep gulp gives me a huge burst of flavor on the tongue, mostly sweetness up front, then spice and more anise, then booziness and a good balanced dryness. This is a big beer all around, and the dryness really helps drink this beer. I get a lot of the typical gouden carolus candy sweetness. I am reminded of gummy bears or jolly ranchers. The maltiness is really juicy and complex. A bit more layers even produce the typical stone fruit flavors. This one is really quite sweet though, which I typically enjoy. There is no hop presence here anywhere in the experience.

M:

Medium-heavy body, but the carbonation/dryness of this lends to a velvet-like smoothness. Their is a lot of alcohol and warming sensation, but the alcohol isn't super solvent.

O:

This is a big/sweet monster. The anise flavor is almost overwhelming, but the overall complexity of the yeast and other sugars dials this one in for me. It is very sweet and more of a nightcap or dessert beer, but I really enjoy it. I'll buy this one each Christmas time, and I even was inspired to brew something quite similar.

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2012 02:48:16 | More by Ricelikesbeer

DefenCorps

Oregon

3.65/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle, best by 3rd August 2010. I bought this at Chevy Chase back in 2008 IIRC.

Pouring a very dark brown, black almost, with reddish brown highlights, this beer is capped with a dense, light brown head with excellent retention and very nice lacing. The nose is a spice bomb. A blend of mace, nutmeg and anise, with some eucalyptus, cola, mildly burnt sugar, this is a little too spiced for my liking. The cola notes here bring to mind discount sodas. Alcohol is reasonably well hidden. In addition, there's quite a bit of dark fruit present, with prunes and figs.

The palate opens with the mildly burnt sugar and cola being most noticeable, with the spices following. Again, the dominant notes are mace and nutmeg, with a little bit of clove and cinnamon thrown in. The burnt sugar does pair well with the fruity notes, making this rather dessert-like.The mid-palate is moderately sweet, with buckwheat honey, more cola and a mildly minty alcohol note. A little sweet yet drying on the finish with lingering burnt sugar, cola and mace, this beer is medium bodied and has a nice, creamy carbonation. One thing I haven't mentioned yet is the yeast, which adds a mildly bubblegum-like flavor. The flavors here are nice, but really, not quite for my palate. Recommended, this is one of those beers where the whole is better than the sum of the parts (and hence, my overall score of 4 despite the S/T/M being 3.5s)

Serving type: bottle

04-15-2012 01:18:52 | More by DefenCorps

SLeffler27

New York

4.15/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours black walnut and cloudy with a modest, creamy almond head that lasts a while. Creamy lace follows each sip.

The Dogfish Head snifter nicely showcases aromas of plum pudding, clove, cherry cordial, and fresh, ripe fruits. Sweet malt is exquisite. With warmth one can perceive cantaloupe.

Flavors include fresh figs, plums, and some funky yeast. Light sweetness continuously unfolds with new layers and a background hint of bitterness just before the finish. The finish is long, subtle, and spicy. As anticipated, this beer warms well.

The alcohol is well controlled in this full-bodied beer with a velvety texture and modest carbonation.

A nice beer with conversation or reading. Late peppery notes lend themselves to compliment a sirloin in this excellent holiday beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2012 19:51:32 | More by SLeffler27

RickS95

Indiana

3.53/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep creamy brown, slightly purple hues mixed in. Very thick. The head is slow forming with small brown bubbles and good retention.

Lots of spices fill the nose, along with a healthy dose of malt and plenty of dark, ripe fruits. The high ABV also comes through giving it a port-like scent.

It's malty, very wine-like and even tastes 'thick.' Lacing is really good. Alcohol in the finish.

It's a bit on the sweet side. Can't say it enough, it's thick. It really coats your tongue. A bit of heat from the alcohol in the finish. Despite the sweetness and stickiness, it's slightly dry with an earthy finish.

It's not a bad beer and it's something I could drink a couple of an not be disappointed, but there are some rough edges to prevent it from being a really good beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2012 03:10:09 | More by RickS95

6string

Germany

4.85/5  rDev +21.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Hands down, the best Christmas brew I've had so far in my quest for good beer. My wife first picked one up for me in France, so when we made a 2nd trip, I picked up two more bottles (and continue to regret not buying more!).

Poured in my Delirium glass, mild head, poured a dark but clean (no sediment) appearance. Hints of chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, a real Christmas aroma, if you will. The taste was very smooth rich, leaving hints of caramel, coffee and chocolate. No bitter aftertaste, and you can feel the 10% but there's no aggressive attack. My first bottle cooled in the fridge just over two hours and was nice and frosty when it came out. I let it warm a few minutes before I really dove in!

I know 5's are supposed to be rare, but I truly believe, personally, that for me this beer could not be improved. It's an awesome beer, I'd easily buy a case to keep on hand for friend and family occasions.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 20:14:06 | More by 6string

arizcards

Arizona

4.05/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Picked up a bottle in late October from Total Wine for $8.99. The gabby guy from Diamondback Distributing mentioned this is the 2010 edition.

Beer poured brown with a decent off white head on the initial pour.

Nose is dark fruits.

Taste is dark fruits and some pepper. Balance is nice. A nice backbone and a decent hoping keep this from being overly sweet.

Mouthfeel is classic belgian smoothness, definitely medium to full bodied. Very satisfying to sip on.

Overall a very tasty brew, definitely fits the mode of the style. Glad i had a chance to try it!

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 02:12:57 | More by arizcards

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.65/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Two year old cellared bottle. Poured into an Ommegang flute. Pours a very dark red brown. Half finger fine light tan head with good retention and nice lacing. Looks good. Aroma of dark fruits, sweet dark malt, cherry and brown sugar with the dark sugar dominant. Delicious dark and light fruit, malt with the typical aged malt component. The sour fruit flavor has attenuated and blended in the the dark fruits and dark malts. Nicely integrated now. Full bodied and creamy, complex and a delight to drink. This two year old aged bottle is still an excellent strong dark. I'm not sure if it has improved, but it doesn't matter much.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 04:21:20 | More by LiquidAmber

metter98

New York

4.15/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: The beer is very dark reddish brown in color. It poured with a finger high dense beige head that has good retention properties and consistently left a thin head covering the surface.
S: There are moderate to strong aromas of dark fruits in the nose.
T: Similar to the smell, flavors of dark fruits—particularly plums and prunes—stand out in particular. It has a light to moderate amount of malty sweetness. Hints of licorice are noticeable in the aftertaste, particularly as the beer warms up.
M: It feels medium-bodied and smooth on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation. There are some hints of warming from the alcohol.
O: This beer is a good representation of the style and has good drinkability because it’s neither too fruity nor too sweet and has a nice malty backbone. It is a good selection so sip next to a fireplace on a cold winter night.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 14:01:26 | More by metter98

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3.3/5  rDev -17.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

750mL bottle poured into large snifter

Pours a deep almost purpley blacked out color with a beige head resting on top. Faint retention with some spotty lacing on the glass.

Rich malts with a plethora of dark fruits. Candied notes with raisin, date, and fig. Sweet but still malty and somewhat boozy.

Dark fruits up front with a hint of burnt sugar. Dates and figs with some candied notes. Decent malt backbone, somewhat roasty, caramel and molasses notes are present. There's a faint metallic note somewhere in here too. Warming alcohol is present throughout, especially towards the finish.

Fuller body, decent carbonation, a little chewy and soft on the tongue. Pretty much middle of the pack for the style here, but not bad.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2012 04:41:38 | More by xnicknj

ummswimmin

New Jersey

4.22/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I picked this up a couple weeks ago in "holiday" themed beer purchase. I bought many different Christmas beers, and this is one of those purchases.

This beer has a sweet and sour smell. You get fruity sweetness, almost like fruit loops. The sour is from the belgian influences. The flavor has as many layers to it as well.

This is a very good sipping beer. I really enjoyed sipping it while watching the Jersey Shore. They paired well.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2012 02:20:09 | More by ummswimmin

ales4baldo

California

4.47/5  rDev +12.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

P-winter landscape with Santa flying over what probably is a small Belgian town.

A-foggy nutmeg brown. A bit cloudy and dark with a misty feel. Almost no head retention. Poured thick and smooth.

S-Belgian candy and ripe plum. Belgian malts and yeast as well. Black licorice and chocolate notes.

T-basically everything I mentioned above. Nice sweet notes and smooth alcohol hints roll on the tongue nicely. Belgian candy really keeps the beer nice and sweet but not overpowering.

M-really smooth and silk like. Alcohol presence is very soft and light. Carbonation is crisp. Full bodied and delicious.

O-this beer is going to age very well. Really good and smooth with lots of character and body. A really good beer and what I expected.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 04:58:34 | More by ales4baldo

psuKinger

Pennsylvania

3.83/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 2.5

Bottle given to me by my buddy Griff, because we didn't quite get to it during our blind Belgian Christmas Beer tasting. Poured into one of my New Belgium snifters.

A: Pours a deep deep dark brown, trending towards almost-black, with a thick frothy off-white head on top, with large pancake-batter like bubbles towards the middle.

S: Lots and lots of candied sugars and sweetness, a touch of bready yeast notes, and maybe a hint of dark licorice.

T: The dark licorice notes are more clearly expressed in the taste. In fact, I think it might be the most prominant of flavors. Candied sugars and a touch of raisins are underneath. The finish is dry with just a touch of bitterness.

I genuinely enjoy the black licorice notes here, but I feel as if it may be a touch unbalanced and overpronounced.

M: Light and creamy, with decent carbonation and plenty of dry sweetness left behind on the finish.

D/O: This is a prime example of why I disagree with people who write reviews based on a 2-ounce pour. 2 ounces into this glass, and I was really digging the strong licorice notes. Half way through? I'd grown weary of it, it's imbalances became more noticable, and notes of banana started to show through as it warmed, which I really didn't think worked with this brew. Drinkability is not "high" here. I suppose I would be willing to revisit at some point, but this is far from a "must have" Christmas beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 00:47:45 | More by psuKinger

Vixie

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours what at first looks black, but when held up to the light it is actually a deep ruby red. Forms a large tan head which lasts for a bit.

Hard for me to tell exactly what this smells like, but it's is nice. Reminds me of Christmas goodies being bakes, fruit and cinnamon and spiced cider.

Very spicy beer here. Starts out hot, a lot of spice and the alcohol is very much present, a surprise for this style of beer. Tastes a bit like cinnamon candy as well as raisin and a bit of pepper, all backed by alcohol.

Feel is smooth and full.

Very much an interesting beer, it's a bit spicier than I expect for the style. There is no doubt this is a holiday beer, the smell and taste fit in perfectly with that time of year. A bit too strong to drink a lot of, but a good one to have on a cold night, it will warm you right up.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2012 02:08:41 | More by Vixie

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

3.8/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

*2011

750ml bottle into two brandy snifters.

Dark, plummy brown. Bubbly head recedes to a static ring with some washy surface foam.

Big yeasty aromas with loads of fruity esters, vinous qualities, and spice notes. Sweet licorice, rum raisin, attic, blackberry jam, clove, and booze.

Spice notes on the tongue with big, dark, toasted malts in full force. Very tiny on the hop. Boozy finish with a warming throat-swallow. The licorice is there again, but more subdued. Winey, in a light-bodied red sort of way. A little metallic or tinny. A lot happening on the roof of my mouth as well.

Leading into mouthfeel, this is a wet and milky brew. Medium-high carbonation. Feels like a Belgian Strong Dark, for sure, but this one's still a bit hot. More complex than most Belgian Christmas offerings on the nose, maybe not so much on the taste. I remember it being much more satisfying when I've had it on tap.

*2012

2012 Gouden Carolus Noel, assumedly. 'L0870'. Poured into a Corsendonk Christmas goblet.

Pours a dark brown with lots of swirling floaties. Hard to control the head during the pour, but it's sitting at a nice cropped lip--khaki in color.

Nutty Belgian yeast, raisin, dried trail mix fruits, candi sugar, and other quad-like aromas. A little vinous, a little bit of red currant.

Surprisingly, not the licorice bomb that were the last few years'. Unhumble yeast strain exercises nutty and sweet esters. Candi sugar, raisin, desserty breads, dried dark fruits, alcohol, and a hint of sweet licorice rope. Standardized versus previous vintages; it's more of a typical Belgian Strong Dark, but not exceptional or exciting. Still an elegant holiday beer. A drink I want to drink.

Hefty in the body with some added creaminess. The carbonation picks up in the back of the throat. A rich feel.

A beer enjoyed more by myself in the past two years. It's been ramped back on the spices, but it still fits for what it is... a well-made Belgian Christmas beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2012 03:51:51 | More by thecheapies

Brabander

Netherlands

3.95/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Wow, this is a funny beer with a taste and smell which is totally different from other Christmwas beers.

I bought this beer in the shop of Bierparadijs in Meer, Belgium.

Poured in my Struise glass this beer looks very nice, deep darkbrown with four fingers head. Nice, no... superlacing. Bottle best before november 2014.

They trew a lot of 'anijs' in this beer and that makes this beer very nice to drink. Very soft and round drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2012 21:30:45 | More by Brabander

IPA35

Netherlands

4.4/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A pretty, dark beer with an off white head.

Smells good from a distance..
Yeast, dark fruits and spice. Lovely.

Sweet dark fruits up front, followed by dark malts with a sweet and again fruity finish. Good stuff.
Some alcohol. Maybe even hints of bubblegum and salty liquorice.

Mouthfeel is medium with medium carbonation.

Overal a very nice Christmas beer.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2011 18:18:19 | More by IPA35

cooler4life

Quebec (Canada)

4.08/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Forms a 2 finger fluffy off-white head that recedes calmly from a steady pour. Lacing is fantastic and covers the sides of the glass with very fine bubbles. Color is a very dark brown. Carbonation is strong with multiple streams seen around the sides of the glass.

S: I pick up a boozy anise aroma first, followed by a dark fruits, mostly raisin and plum. It smells very sweet, strong traces of toffee and brown sugar.

T: Chocolate, blackberry, cinnamon, nutmeg and molasses. Finishes with a malty nuttiness. The ABV is mostly concealed by the spicy, fruity flavors.

M: Smooth. Tanginess of the strong carbonation and warming of the ABV are really nice. Leaves a thin coating of sweet nuttiness on the palate which contributes to the high drinkability factor.

O: A fantastic example of holiday winter warmer. Who needs a fireplace when you can have a Carolus Noël?

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2011 06:33:09 | More by cooler4life

prototypic

Ohio

4.22/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Gouden Carolus Noël pours a very dark amber color. It’s a little hazy, but light cuts through and shows nice burgundy highlights. A light tan head sits on top. It only rises to about a finger in height before falling back. It held steady on the surface for a bit. Lacing was sticky and moderate as it descended.

The nose is good. It’s definitely fruity. Dark fruit notes are relatively strong. Plum and raisin easily shine. Other fruit scents of apple, pear, and berries are also notes. It smells sweet and malty. Caramel malts are definitely in the mix. Perhaps a little bit of chocolate as well. There are earthy characteristics that linger throughout. It has light fruit cake-ish scent, but it’s not offensive. Belgian yeast and a host of spices emerge. Spicy notes include clove, ginger, and perhaps a little coriander. Alcohol is more prominent than anticipated. Smells good.

The flavor is excellent. The malt base consists of sweet caramel and cocoa-esque chocolate. It’s flavorful and sturdy. A host of fruit flavors follow – raisin, plum, light berries, and a little apple. Belgian yeast is noted and tastes delicious. Spices quickly follow and complement the fruit flavors extremely well. Ginger, coriander, and clove are the most notable, although there are surely others. It does taste a little like fruit cake, but it’s really not bad. Just very deep and complex. An interesting smoky flavor winds up each sip. It’s nice and really adds something. I like it. Alcohol is there in flavor, but it isn’t warm or hot. Finishes malty and sweet with a host spicy notes.

Gouden Carolus Noël has a medium body. Carbonation seems active, but the bubbles feel light and soft. It is nice and smooth. This 750 is disappearing quickly. Finishing it off will not be a problem.

I’m yet to have anything close to a bad beer from Brouwerij Het Anker. That places brews high quality beer. Gouden Carolus Noël is exactly that. It’s deep, complex, and packed with flavor. It’s impressive. If you see a bottle around, grab one. You’ll thank yourself for it.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2011 04:12:07 | More by prototypic

CHADMC3

Connecticut

4.28/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a rich chestnut brown with ruby hues beneath the light tan head that fades quickly but leaves traces of lacing for the duration of the beer.

Generous dark fruit aromas float from the glass such as cherries, grapes, and raisins with hints of winter spices, dark malts, and Belgian yeast to accompany them.

The flavor offers abundant dark fruits similar to the aroma with sweet cherries and vinous grapes. More dark malts in the flavor with spices and woody notes and a fruity finish that offers cherries and plums.

Medium to full in body with medium carbonation and offering a smooth and warming finish.

Great Belgian Christmas beer. Just the right blend of traditional Belgian Strong Dark characteristics with the woody and spice notes one may expect from a Christmas brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2011 18:57:32 | More by CHADMC3

draheim

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

750mL bottle (botteld 9/8/2011) into a chalice. Pours a crystal clear mahogany w/ a minimal off-white head.

Aroma is Belgian yeast, dark sweet malt, brown sugar, fruit and spice.

Taste follows nose. Dark malt, raisins & other dark fruit, spice and nice warming alcohol. Mouthfeel is velvety & luxurious.

Overall a really nice strong dark ale that hits all the right sweet spots on Christmas Eve.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2011 00:47:12 | More by draheim

ksimons

New York

3.68/5  rDev -7.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A-pours a chestnut brown with light ruby highlights. Half a fingers worth of cream head leaves some bubbly laces on top.

S-rich malts, dark fruits, and orange. Good except I don't feel like the orange smell fits

T-taste is similar to the smell, lots of rich malt, plums and raisins, orange, and a light citrus bitterness. A small bit of alcohol warming

M-medium to full body, moderate carbonation

Overall I like it, but I am not loving the orange taste. I really wanted to like this since I like Het Anker a lot, but this one just isn't grabbing me. After finishing the beer started to grow on me, it is very mellow and has a nice complexity to it.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 22:45:32 | More by ksimons

Agent1

Alberta (Canada)

4.7/5  rDev +18.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

A brewery with experience. Let's see what this seasonal ale has to offer. With maybe a surprise ending at the end??

....

Appearance - A very dark, stern ale with amazing head retention. Faint, strong amber/ deep ruby coloration around the edges of my Gouden Carolus glass (when light manages to get through). An off-white, beige head with a slightly brown hue. Very rich and creamy. Thick head.

Smell - Strong notes of cherry, dark malts, light woodsy aroma with possibly even whiskey. Dark fruits with a light hop on the nose. Not much though. Quite spicy and sugary. Without tasting, it hints at being very sweet. Anise (a common trait of almost all Het Anker products) and dark, dried figs.

Taste - Smoke, whiskey/ scotch, ripe cherries, anise (black liquorice flavors), wood and barrel (this beer is definitely casked in something) with plenty of herbs and spices (I cannot seem to figure out which, and it's driving me nuts!). Hints of hops. Maybe traces of cinnamon, although very subtle. The alcohol, sugars and herb notes almost create the impression of cinnamon. This is definitely not as balanced as other Het Anker recipes, but it is still overwhelming delicious and impressive. A tad on the sugary side, but hell, it's Christmas!! This is one to bust out and overload on sweets!

Mouthfeel - The sugars and smokey notes really create a massive PUNCH here. After only one glass I am feeling this. A staunch kick-off to Christmas for sure. This is smooth and sweet. Again, a tad on the sugary side and the alcohol isn't fully hidden. But I am willing to cut this some slack being it's Christmas and the rum and the scotch are a-flowin'.

Overall - If you are not a fan of Christmas treats and toothaches, then perhaps this is not for you. A plethora of sweet notes, whiskey (wood and smoke), brown sugar and cherries with anise. As far as brewing goes, I am fairly confident that this is the Classic aged in wood barrels each year. I am not entirely sure if it is scotch or whiskey, but nonetheless, it is aged and perhaps a few more ingredients are thrown in as well. Amazing and festive. Love this beer!

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2011 02:04:51 | More by Agent1

Cylinsier

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

bottle

Pours an opaque nutty brown, two inch plus head is off white, dissipates slow, leaves a film.

Smells of champagne grapes, esters, fresh grain malts, and floral resin hops.

Tastes of grapes and fresh grain malts. The hops are almost nonexistent. Bretty yeast as well.

Body is medium to full with soft tingles of carbonation.

Overall a delicious and enjoyable holiday brew, but I've had a few Belgian christmas offerings I'd pick before this. Still, nothing to turn your nose up at.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2011 00:52:39 | More by Cylinsier

jdense

Oregon

4/5  rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

25 cl bottle shared at Twelve Beers of Christmas tasting, 12.18.11.

Half finger light brown head, quick dissipation resulting in thin broken layer of head on top of dark brown body, several streams of slow rising bubbles visible around edge of glass. Stone fruit dominated nose, plums and currants, big dose of dark candi sugar, floral hops. Taste mirrors nose, more plums than currants or raisins, sweetness from the formidable dose of candi sugar, a bit of spice vanilla, floral hops not bitter. Mouthfeel is medium, decent effervescence. Wondering if this taste a bit more full in the big bottle, I preferred the St. Bernardus to this, might benefit from some aging.

Serving type: bottle

12-22-2011 17:41:43 | More by jdense