't Smisje Kerst - Brouwerij Smisje

emerge077

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a dark orangey brown, with two fingers of dense foam. Right off the bat, banana and bready spice aromas are pretty big. Lace rings the glass in an elegant way.

Taste is not too heavy or rich, but still brings alot of big spice and yeast flavors. Banana, gingerbread, coriander, and a lightly bitter earthiness. The bottle mentions grains of paradise, that could be the bittersweet earthiness.

Mouthfeel is creamy and chewy, delicious to drink and savor. Seems pretty balanced for the variety of flavor. At 11%, one will do it for me, but it never gets tiring. Recommended!

///DRINK FRESH///

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2006 03:04:49 | More by emerge077

Misanthropy_Sipping

Nebraska

4.34/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

So, I am a bit a lost as to where this should be put. As my bottle is different and is labelled as Smisje 'Smiske' Kerst. Note this should a separate beer appear elsewhere. But judging by other posts on here this is likely very very similar or the same thing.

Pours a rusty, reddish, tan murk with grainy and small light tan head that dissipates quickly. First thought at smell, and appearance, it may be similar to Scaldis Noel. Looks similar, just... muddy. Not pretty, but I always have high hopes for this brewer and have loved all from Smisje (Smiske) so far.

Smells of damp wood, warm booze, a bit of vanilla, citrusy caramel tinge. You catch a hint of Belgian candi sugar... a very unusual earthy, yeasty presence which is fairly common for this brewer. Unusual all around, but I like it in an odd way.

There is a whirl of spice going on as I taste. A little nutmeg, a little dry cinnamon maybe, pepper and some other things I have trouble really connecting or putting finger on. There is a toasted raisin sort of taste. Toasted, dried dates. There is a tad bit of caramel, a little vanilla. The candi sugar sweeps in on the middle and follows through until it dries and bitters out lightly on the end with sort of a herbal hop character. Earthy and yeasty with the sugars. This is on the sweeter side but not too sweet. It is actually pretty well balanced and the booze gets lost among the other things going on... but adds to the bitterness I think. Has a nice warming effect with the spice.

Reminiscent of Scaldis Noel for me... but better. I think the yeast and spice profile is much more interesting and adds a great deal more complexity to this.

Mouthfeel is very nice. Not sticky, a little dense, but the carbonation scours away and lightens things up a bit. Pretty spot on. A nice cold/snowy spring evening beer. Surprisingly easy to drink for the high alcohol content.

As it warms it really blooms. Overall, I wouldn't consider this a Belgian Dark... Definitely a Belgian Amber. Definitely fits all those characteristics much better. On my love affair with Smisje, I may be a bit bias... but, this is one from the brewer that is not high on the list. It's awfully good! Don't get me wrong. It just doesn't surprise you and intrigue you quite as much as others. The quality is impeccable though. No one can deny the quality of this beer. I only picked up one when I saw it, and double of others. I'm satisfied that I did one and would definitely grab up another should the chance arise. But I wouldn't stockpile this like I do some of the others... (COUGH -calva reserve!-)

Serving type: bottle

04-19-2013 03:07:11 | More by Misanthropy_Sipping

Peyton5410

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +0.8%

03-19-2013 23:48:21 | More by Peyton5410

grahamboudreaux

Tennessee

4.75/5  rDev +19.6%

11-26-2012 09:05:05 | More by grahamboudreaux

Riggsy

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev +0.8%

11-18-2012 21:20:44 | More by Riggsy

metter98

New York

3.95/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A: The beer is cloudy light brown in color and has a light to moderate amount of visible carbonation. It poured with a two finger high off white head that gradually died down, leaving a large patch of bubbles on the surface and a thick collar around the edge of the glass.
S: There are aromas of dark fruits in the nose.
T: Like the smell, the taste has flavors of dark fruits and begins to develop a little bit of sweetness and notes of yeast as the beer warms up. There are also some subtle hints of coriander and peppery spices in the finish that add complexity.
M: It feels a little more than medium-bodied and somewhat smooth on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This isn't one of my top favorites of the style, but this beer is incredibly drinkable considering its strength because there are absolutely no traces of alcohol in the aroma and taste.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2012 02:37:18 | More by metter98

Birdlegs

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +7.1%

07-21-2012 22:44:41 | More by Birdlegs

BEERchitect

Kentucky

3.73/5  rDev -6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Raisons, a multitude of other pitted, dehydrated, and candied dark fruits all provide an estery blend to this spicy and rummy Belgian Strong Dark Ale.

Pouring a rusty and brownish amber color with yeasty haze gives this beer the classy and Belgiany glow of signature ales from the region. A creamy bright-white head billows to the top of the glass and then settling slowly to a dense blanket from edge to edge. Impressive staying power and light lace tops off a very handsome ale.

Dark fruit aromas start with a pronounces raison scent, but then grows toward other dehydrated dark fruits of cherry, berry, dates, figs, prunes, and plumbs. Modest candy-like sweet notes introduce toasty, bready, and nutty elements of malt while complementing the fruity yeast notes. Mild peppery notes of white pepper, alcohol, and wood-like tannin notes provide a soft vinous note that reminds me of red wines.

The dry-fruity, spice and pepper flavors are to be expected, however in slightly greater intensity than expected from that of aromas. Sugar coated cherries, raspberries, raisons/grapes, figs, plumbs/prunes, along with pecans and bread crust flavors shape the more pronounced flavors while milder notes of apples, pears, and peppercorn round out the estery/spicy balance. Alcohol flavors inform the peppery spice, along with contributing flavors of rum and bitterness.

The bubbly effervesence gives an expansive and full impression, but is soon fleeting and provides a dry sweetness that evaporates off the palate and ushers in a finish of peppery spice, moderate prickle, and warm (boardering on hot) alcohols. An aftertaste of pepper and dry-fruitiness gives a supple linger into the next sip.

Kerst has an overall 'young' flavor that seems to have some aggressive, maybe abrasive alchols that still need maturing. As the alcohols subside, the esters and spice will meld and provide the complex sweetness that makes any single attribute difficult to pin point.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2012 04:59:57 | More by BEERchitect

BDIMike

Ohio

4.35/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a cloudy reddish-brown color. A cream head appears in the very beginning but the head goes away very quickly.
Smell has a nice simple malt taste to it. The sweet malts are followed by that awesome Belgian sugar smell that I always love.
Taste is nice. A nice Belgian sweet sugar taste is balanced by a very good dark fruit taste. Dark fruits of raisins, prunes, and others are strongly prevalent in this beer.
Mouthfeel has a medium thickness, but a crisp carbonation gives this beer a refreshing quality.
Drinkability is awesome on this beer. For a beer of 12% ABV, there is such a nice balance of tastes and a fairly easy drink. Great beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 01:11:58 | More by BDIMike

LiquidAmber

Washington

4.45/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served in a Scaldis chalice. Pours a murky dark red orange amber with a massive fine off-white head that kept growing from active carbonation. Color isn't that outstanding, but a very attractive head on this beer. Aroma of light fruit, Belgian yeast and spicing with a bit of a sour element. Flavor is hard to describe. Sweet dark malt and dark fruit elements, fruit esters, brown sugar and light caramel in the finish which has a bit of cinnamon and a slight hop kick. Very complex and well integrated to the point that it's hard to distinguish individual flavors. Medium bodied with some creaminess. Delicious. This definitely tastes like a winter season dark Belgian ale. Well done.

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 04:00:25 | More by LiquidAmber

imperialking

Illinois

4/5  rDev +0.8%

01-09-2012 04:05:52 | More by imperialking

ygtbsm94

Virginia

3/5  rDev -24.4%

01-05-2012 08:25:18 | More by ygtbsm94

jophish17

Georgia

3/5  rDev -24.4%

12-24-2011 11:33:25 | More by jophish17

RyanBeer13

Virginia

4/5  rDev +0.8%

12-20-2011 18:40:33 | More by RyanBeer13

JAHMUR

Connecticut

4/5  rDev +0.8%

11-15-2011 00:16:29 | More by JAHMUR

ShogoKawada

Rhode Island

4.3/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

got this one from the Bringing Back Tradition BIF, thanks mdaschaf! 11.2 oz into chouffe tulip.

A- Large head, really unattractive pondwater yellow color... nice big creamy head though. Beer looks better in the glass, hazy and dirty though. Head settles with spotty lacing into a bit of peaks and crags.

S- Smells like strawberry jam and maraschino cherries. Very sweet, fruity and floral. Great aroma.

T- Spicy clove and a warming, brandy/orange liqueur sweetness. Great sweet malty waves and spicy belgian yeast. Reminds me of chewing on raspberry seeds, I know that's a weird descriptor but it's very similar.

M- Hot- I think this is stronger in heat than the whisky barrel version I had. Alcohol is tasty though and imparts a warming, glowing feeling. Good stuff.

O- More please! Quite interesting somewhat fresh, would like to see what this is like with a few more years on it.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 01:32:44 | More by ShogoKawada

Goatshaver

Maine

4.28/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A: Medium brown with a nice fluffy one finger head.

S: Earthy smell with a little sweet spicyness

T: An earthy taste with a flavor of tabacco and nutty/wood flavors combined with some nice spices.

M: Very smooth, with a light feel and little carbonation.

D: Easily drinkable. Very smooth and well balanced for the abv%.

Loved this would like to try a bottle sometime.

Serving type: on-tap

03-27-2011 18:03:47 | More by Goatshaver

impending

California

3.93/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

33cl into a tulip. Pours a muddy ruddy deep reddish brown. Nice dense head with superb retention and excellent lacing.

Sedate aroma for this strong of a strong dark. Sweet dark candies and much yeast, more than typical.

Begins proper to the style then suddenly the taste of lightly scorched wood chips dominates the palate, completely unexpected based on the nose. Alcohol is restrained. Mouthfeel is prickly and long lived.

unique

Their website, which doesn't get much traffic and english is not an option, sheds no light on the 12 abv nor label. They seem to be only brewing 2 beers. They label themselves as microbrewers and so they are.
cheers
jd

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2010 05:36:58 | More by impending

Liverpool08

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Monk's In Philadelphia. Pours a nice dark amber red. Nice puffy white head. Aroma of spices, and darek fruit. This one is billed as a Christmas Ale, and it fills the bill.
Nice dark fruity flavors followed by spices of cloves. A great winter sipper. Booze is very well hidden, carbonation is good. If not for the high ABV, this would be a multi-sipper.

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2010 23:30:51 | More by Liverpool08

UnknownKoger

California

4/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Same as the previous review, my bottle has different artwork and is labelled at 12%abv.

Poured into my Chimay goblet. Pours a super hazy, cloudy light brown. It almost looks like an unfiltered beer. Lots of sediment and spices at the bottom of the bottle trickle into the glass. Tons of carbonation and a big head that surprisingly lasted for a while until thinning into a nice thin layer.

Smells like a winter ale! The spices and character of the brew are definitely evident.

The taste is interesting. I can't help but compare this to a Maredsous or Rochefort dubbel. Even though it's the middle of summer and blazing hot, this is a nice drink to have at night. It feels light on the tongue and goes down smooth. The spices that are typical of a winter ale are evident. Interestingly there is a bit of smokiness in the aftertaste. It's not overpowering, but it was certainly unexpected.

As other reviews have noted, the abv is pretty well hidden. That being said, the high carbonation certainly fills me up. It's drinkable, but I wouldn't drink more than one in a session.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2010 02:01:47 | More by UnknownKoger

augustgarage

California

4.4/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Slightly different label art on my bottle - also this batch comes in at 12% ABV. Poured from a 330mL bottle into my Westvleteren chalice.

Opaque raw sienna and copper liquid. Magnificent head retention - the crown looks like a wheat-colored souffle dotted with chocolate from the lees - raised well above the rim of the glass. Multiple layers of lacing hide any legs that might be present.

Rich complex yeast aromas along with a deep maltiness and a pleasant spiciness suggesting pepper, ginger, and cinnamon.

The foam itself almost tastes like beef jerky, but in a good way - the ale is suffused with flavor: dark fruit esters, lots of spice (the grains of paradise in particular are intriguing and well matched to this beer), rich dark malt, caramel...the list goes on. Sweet-ish, but the spice and alcohol seem to dry things out a bit in the finish. As the ale warms, there is a slight hint of smoke in the aftertaste as well.

Warm, creamy, medium-heavy bodied, pillowy, and effervescent.

Despite the high ABV, this is incredibly drinkable, and perfect for the Winter season - creative yet traditional.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2010 01:38:56 | More by augustgarage

chaz01

Ohio

3.65/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Served at Chappy's Tap House as part of a month long beer event. Served in a 6 ounce mini wine glass.

A: Murky lite brown, hazy, cloudy. Produced a large head which looked like a layer of cream floating on top. Good lacing around the glass.

S: Big Pineapple aroma when first served. Another review mentioned "wet paint", as the beer warmed, I could definitely pick this up as well.

T: Initially pineapple, but turns into a little tart sour cherry taste.

M: Heavily carbonated, maybe a bit too much. Nice bitter tart finish.

D: Definitely worth having one of these, but I'm not sure I'd want more than one at a sitting.

Serving type: on-tap

04-22-2010 03:43:24 | More by chaz01

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On cask at Max's during 72 hours.

The beer pours a somewhat hazy brown color with pretty good head retention and lots of sticky lacing. Lots of brown sugar on the nose in this one, and on the palate it's pretty sweet. However, there is a somewhat sour, funky underlying element that helps to cut the sweetness and enhances drinkability. Mouthfeel is pretty full, with a long, rich finish. Drinkability is entirely too good for this beer's abv., though you can tell it's up there a bit.

Still, this is a very fine beer on cask.

Max's also had the draft version of this beer, which we tried side by side with the cask version. The draft version was a bit sweeter then the cask version, and I didn't get much of the underlying spice and sour element. As one would expect, mouthfeel was considerably softer and richer in the cask version. Regardless, either way this was a very fine, impressive beer.

Serving type: cask

02-12-2010 16:43:29 | More by johnmichaelsen

jrallen34

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I drank this from a 12oz bottle into my Rochefort chalice.

The beer pours cooper with a light orange tint. The head is tope rising about 1 finger and fading quickly to only a ring of foam around the glass. The lacing is actually really good.

The aroma is light, at first it was wet paint, really? I guess that's just alcohol with a bit of spice, not much to hang your hat on.

The taste is nice very flavorful and only enough winter spice to make it one, but not so much that it overwhelms you. The front is very sweet ends with a touch of spice.

Medium feel and drinkability.

Not expecting much and got more than I though, decent Belgian winter.

Serving type: bottle

01-08-2010 00:34:55 | More by jrallen34

Travlr

District of Columbia

4.22/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Dark maroon color with a big, fluffy, irregularly colored brown head that lasts a long time and leaves good lacing.
S: Aroma of freshly baked bread, caramel and toffee.
T: Flavor is dominated by malt and yeast, as well as light spice, maybe nutmeg.
M: Good body.
D: Nice Christmas ale, worth trying.

Serving type: on-tap

01-06-2010 00:50:07 | More by Travlr