Beer of the Weekend #289: St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
The second beer on this Election Day (did you vote?), and the first candidate for my December LV recommendation, is St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, brewed by the Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV of Watou, Belgium.
Serving type: One 750 ml bottle. Though the label says to “SEE BOTTLE” in regards to a “BEST BEFORE END” date, I could not find a freshness date on the bottle. However, I did spot something that could pass as a date on the cap covering the cork: “03.08.16.” That seems about right for a high-proof Belgian brew.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The cork practically jumped out with a little effort, and there was a loud and authoritative POP! I thought the beer would start overflowing, but it stayed calm. The color is a dark, ruby. Just as another reviewer reported, a massive head of dense, tan head developed after a gentle pour. It dissipated very slowly to leave a billowy lacing and trails along the glass.
Smell: Lots of dark fruit and sharp spice. Bready yeast, green apples, plum, figs, cloves, and pepper. It has a noticeable alcohol edge to it, which reminds me of brandy.
Taste: Mirrors the smell with the dark fruit and spice. The plum and figs create the backbone, and it is supported by the clove and pepper spice. Bready yeast, caramel malt, and green apple emerge after the beer has warmed. The alcohol is very noticeable, though not distracting; it fades as the beer warms, but provides a nice warming feeling with each sip, which is very appreciable in the winter.
Drinkability: Frankly, it justifies the price. And then some. This is a very tasty and potent holiday beer. It makes an ideal stocking stuffer.
Fun facts about StBCA:
-Style: BA classifies it as “Belgian Strong Dark Ale.”
-Price: $13.99/750 bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
-Serving temperature: 45-50ºF.
-Alcohol content: 10 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: BA recommends barbecue, sharp cheeses (Blue, Cheddar), pungent cheeses (Gorgonzola, Limburger), beef, and grilled meat.
-Nerdiness from the back of the bottle:
The Quiet Man’s grade: A.
Serving type: One 750 ml bottle. Though the label says to “SEE BOTTLE” in regards to a “BEST BEFORE END” date, I could not find a freshness date on the bottle. However, I did spot something that could pass as a date on the cap covering the cork: “03.08.16.” That seems about right for a high-proof Belgian brew.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The cork practically jumped out with a little effort, and there was a loud and authoritative POP! I thought the beer would start overflowing, but it stayed calm. The color is a dark, ruby. Just as another reviewer reported, a massive head of dense, tan head developed after a gentle pour. It dissipated very slowly to leave a billowy lacing and trails along the glass.
Smell: Lots of dark fruit and sharp spice. Bready yeast, green apples, plum, figs, cloves, and pepper. It has a noticeable alcohol edge to it, which reminds me of brandy.
Taste: Mirrors the smell with the dark fruit and spice. The plum and figs create the backbone, and it is supported by the clove and pepper spice. Bready yeast, caramel malt, and green apple emerge after the beer has warmed. The alcohol is very noticeable, though not distracting; it fades as the beer warms, but provides a nice warming feeling with each sip, which is very appreciable in the winter.
Drinkability: Frankly, it justifies the price. And then some. This is a very tasty and potent holiday beer. It makes an ideal stocking stuffer.
Fun facts about StBCA:
-Style: BA classifies it as “Belgian Strong Dark Ale.”
-Price: $13.99/750 bottle at John’s Grocery in Iowa City.
-Serving temperature: 45-50ºF.
-Alcohol content: 10 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: BA recommends barbecue, sharp cheeses (Blue, Cheddar), pungent cheeses (Gorgonzola, Limburger), beef, and grilled meat.
-Nerdiness from the back of the bottle:
St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the youngest descendant in the illustrious family of delicious Abbey Ales brewed by brewery St. Benardus since 1946. This specialty ale of 10% alc./vol is characterized by its deep dark color with a creamy thick head, and a full, almost velvety mouthfeel with a fruity nose. It’s a seasonal ale, brewed annually for the Holiday Season. The long winter nights are perfect moments to savor this ale, with family and friends, and to enjoy its unique, complex taste.
The Quiet Man’s grade: A.
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