Christmas Ale - Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV

rangerred

Tennessee

4.65/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a tulip out of a 750ml bottle.

Pours a hazy dark brown with some reddish hues. Billowy tan head with incredible head retention and huge chunks of lacing hanging onto the sides of the glass.

Instant Belgian character on the aroma with clove and banana from the yeast. Brown sugar and some molasses are present along with some toast. Licorice along with a hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark fruits.

Lots of dark fruit in the flavor along with more banana and clove. More brown sugar with strong caramel notes. A very slight bit of tartness on the tip of the tongue. Moderate sweetness that perfectly compliments the other flavors. The finish is moderately dry leaving just the smallest hint of residual sweetness. Alcohol is completely hidden save for a slight bit of warming making this a pleasure to drink.

Overall, this is really one of the best beers I have ever had. Just so much going on and all the flavors and characteristics are perfectly balanced. Dangerously drinkable and one to really savor during the holidays.

Serving type: bottle

12-26-2012 02:49:08 | More by rangerred

chippo33

Vermont

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

06-14-2013 04:34:48 | More by chippo33

Kmat10

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

06-11-2013 23:07:22 | More by Kmat10

Nolen12

Kentucky

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

06-11-2013 03:31:25 | More by Nolen12

ripweblo

Florida

3.5/5  rDev -17.3%

06-07-2013 20:09:14 | More by ripweblo

FIN

Georgia

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

06-07-2013 18:09:15 | More by FIN

woodenbones

Washington

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

06-06-2013 19:52:03 | More by woodenbones

kinmundy77

Illinois

4.75/5  rDev +12.3%

06-04-2013 23:23:33 | More by kinmundy77

DemoniChris

Nebraska

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

06-04-2013 11:46:35 | More by DemoniChris

DerekMorgan

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -5.4%

06-02-2013 19:22:06 | More by DerekMorgan

BobaFret

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -5.4%

06-02-2013 02:38:23 | More by BobaFret

Rwalford74

Australia

4.75/5  rDev +12.3%

05-31-2013 09:42:05 | More by Rwalford74

mattsander

Alberta (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-31-2013 01:38:15 | More by mattsander

CCutch

Minnesota

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-29-2013 17:11:35 | More by CCutch

mrlucid98

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-26-2013 20:39:26 | More by mrlucid98

WKole81

Illinois

3/5  rDev -29.1%

05-25-2013 12:32:15 | More by WKole81

eawolff99

Colorado

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

05-25-2013 03:31:27 | More by eawolff99

shehateme

Massachusetts

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-24-2013 23:13:54 | More by shehateme

jayhunter357

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -5.4%

05-24-2013 23:07:54 | More by jayhunter357

desint

Belgium

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-24-2013 11:04:43 | More by desint

bsquaredd7

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

05-23-2013 22:49:08 | More by bsquaredd7

johntfox

Florida

4.25/5  rDev +0.5%

05-21-2013 01:00:33 | More by johntfox

ajtorres311

Florida

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

05-16-2013 15:45:06 | More by ajtorres311

twenty5

Pennsylvania

3.25/5  rDev -23.2%

05-10-2013 16:13:07 | More by twenty5

justforrazors

Missouri

4.5/5  rDev +6.4%

05-10-2013 01:30:35 | More by justforrazors