St. Bernardus - Christmas Ale

"Bringing heavenly nectar within reach."

Our eighth Christmas ale comes all the way from Belgium! It's the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale purchased at Vintage Estates.

The term "Watou" is on the glass on the label, and it refers to the village in Belgium where the beer is brewed. It is a Belgian Abbey Ale that is best stored in a cool, dark place and is best served between 46-50°F. It is 10% ABV.

Overall average rating: 9.25/10

This pours a rusty red color and is opaque because of being bottle conditioned with a good head and lacing. You get aromas of Belgian yeast, dark cherry, honey, a little molasses, and maybe wheat and cranberry. The taste gives flavors of honey, Belgian yeast, and cherry. There is a bite on the tip of the tongue. The guys agree that this is "simple but perfect."

Shawn- "It's just beautiful." It is extremely well-balanced, although I would prefer a little less of the Belgian yeast. For being 10% ABV, you don't taste it, so be careful when drinking this! The brewer definitely hit a homerun with this, 9.25/10.

Angela- This is a very good Belgian beer and a good representation of what a Christmas ale should be. It is a fulfilling, flavorful beer, 9/10.

Chris- "This beer leaves me speechless," 9.5/10.

Label:

"Brewery St. Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium. These exceptional quality ales are brewed by using only the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet. After the brewing process these traditional ales are matured in tanks for three months, before being bottle conditioned. The result is a naturally carbonated 'living ale,' which can be aged for up to 15 years and will satisfy the taste of even the most discriminating connoisseurs.

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the youngest descendant in the illustrious family of delicious Abbey Ales brewed by brewery St. Bernardus since 1946. This specialty ale of 10% 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."