Affligem Noël (Christmas Ale)

Brewed by Brouwerij Affligem / De Smedt (Heineken)
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Opwijk, Belgium

Amazing all-around! There is nothing about this beer that isn’t good! I compared three different vintages: 2004, 2005, and 2006, and found that my favorite, overall, was the 2005. After laying the brew down for a year, the CO2 calms down a bit, giving way to a more creamy, slightly less effervescent drink, with all the complex flavors of a fine brandy!

"I hate Christmas, but I’d like it to Christmas all year ’round if it meant I could drink this all the time. Had a couple of pints in Paris last week, at Kitty O’Shea’s. The establishment was okay, but this beer was simply brilliant. Bad ambient lighting made it hard to rate the appearance, but the colour looked a hazy brownish orange beneath a fluffy white head. Aroma was inviting, with lots of spices, and not really a suggestion of the 9% ABV. Taste was every bit as good as the aroma, delicious is all I can say. Mouth and finish were very pleasing. "

Sadly had my last bottle Christmas Day this year. Page 14 MJ’s GBG only 199 Classic Brews out to go.

From a bottle with a cork marked 06/03, this very fine bew poured am extremely envigorated large head of foamy finely sized light brown colored long lasting bubbles that left behind a transparent brown colored carbonated body and a fair lace. The aroma is marvelous with notes of caramel malt, toffee and vinuous alcohol. The mouthfeel is also fantastinc with a thick vinuous malty sytart and a mildly lingering alcohol bite. The flavor is thick with notes of carmel malt and alcohol. This is one extremely nice brew that I feel is under-rated. I thouroughly enjoyed this brew with my dinner and afterwards. I even gave me my comlimentary beer shiver! Thanky Affligem for this gem of a brew!

Cork indicates 10/01. This dark brown ale pours with a short tan head, eliciting a spicy aroma. The flavor is initially very malty with a strong coriander finish, which intensifies as the beer warms. This Noel version is sort of a cross between the Affligem Dubbel and Tripel, leaning toward the Dubbel, but much spicier. I have quaffed vintages of Noel from fresh to 5 years old and 3 years seems to be the best age.

This beer is creamy with hints of sweetness. My bottle was only a couple of months old, but I bet it will be great in years to come. Very smooth.

Sweet aroma, like carameled apples. Yum! Caramel would describe the color as well. The head on this beer starts out bigger than the body. I can’t wait to taste this one. Trying to let it warm somewhat to grab the flavor even more. Can’t wait...First sip...this is good. Nice and warming! Yeasty, candy like. Similar to Rochefort Trappistes 10, a touch below but a better deal. A pleasant surprise. I might have to get this one when Christmas rolls around next year.

Nice nose, very Christmas. Nutmeg and candy. Flavor is very spicy, nicely caramel and toffee. Good palate also, full and creamy.