Semper Ardens Christmas Ale - Carlsberg Danmark A/S

hopdog

Pennsylvania

3.48/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle (didn't write down who I got this one from).

Poured a darker and cloudy brownish color with a very small sized off white head. Aromas of light spices, caramel and toffee. Tastes of caramel, nuts, lighter spices and toffee. Body on the thinner side.

Notes from: 12/12/05

Serving type: bottle

01-18-2009 19:12:38 | More by hopdog

Sigmund

Norway

3.23/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

(700 ml bottle). Murky brown colour, large tan head. Surprisingly weak initial aroma - Hallertauer with faint notes of malts, spices and brown sugar. Improves a bit as the beer warms up. Flavour is much stronger, fuller and richer - but unfortunately also too sweet. Spices (coriander, aniseed, cardamom and more?), molasses and plenty of malts. The brewers have obviously used far too much brown sugar. They have also missed the target completely with their choice of hops - Hallertauer Mittelfrüh in a strong Belgian ale, WTF? I’m not a hops expert, but this beer obviously needs hops with more character, and in larger quantities. And PLEASE, less sugar to get rid of that syrupy mouthfeel!! Acceptable as a dessert beer, but not with the main Christmas meal. Incredibly, Carlsberg claim (on the rear label) that this beer has a "DRY(!!) and light ACIDIC structure". Who wrote that? Winnie the Pooh? Better luck next year, Carlsberg!

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2004 22:16:38 | More by Sigmund