Christmas Ale - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

bbkd3b

Missouri

4.43/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2010 vintage poured into a tulip glass. The smiling monk always brings joy to me.

Beautiful dark ruby body shoots out of the bottle to give life to a stunning, 2-finger head. Light tan, and with massive retention, the two combine to make up one of the best looking beers I've come across.

A very sweet aroma drifts up the nose. Cinnamon, hints of nutmeg, and a thick serving of plums, raisins, and other dark fruits give this beer an attractive scent. No trace of hoppiness, alcohol, or yeast to be found here. Just a really thick, lovely smell. Makes me think of the holidays.

The creamy body almost destroys the tastebuds with a wave of dark fruits. It's so potent it's hard to describe. Letting it settle a bit reveals a much more subtle, likable side of the brew - the sweetness. A nice serving of sweet malts and a trace of brown sugar finish off the brew. It really massages the tongue with its carbonation. Clean finish, and a hint of alcohol to remind the drinker that this is no beginner's brew! Really well-done.

Overall/notes - Christmas in a bottle! I've heard and said this phrase before, but it here it really rings true. It definitely needs a bit of warming, but you'll be rewarded in kind. With the exception of that first shockwave, I had little to no complaints about this ale. Drink and be merry!

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2011 03:28:08 | More by bbkd3b

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Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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Florida

3.5/5  rDev -17.3%

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4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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4.75/5  rDev +12.3%

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Nebraska

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -5.4%

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Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -5.4%

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Australia

4.75/5  rDev +12.3%

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mattsander

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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Minnesota

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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Florida

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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3/5  rDev -29.1%

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Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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jayhunter357

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -5.4%

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desint

Belgium

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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Florida

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

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4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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twenty5

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -23.2%

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justforrazors

Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

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