Church Brew Biere de Noel

Commercial Description:
Merry Christmas! Our new SP#3 is a tribute to all the employees and customers of the Church Brew Works. The brewing of a Christmas beer to say thank you to its employees and loyal customers is a western European tradition. The British have Christmas ales, the Germans have weihactbier, the US has spiced ales, and the French have biere de noel. The tendency in all these beers is to up the ante in color, body, and alcohol and our example is no different. Biere de noel falls into the biere de garde style. This style originates in the northern French departments (counties) Pas de Calais and Nord along the English Channel and Belgian border. Biere de garde is the French contribution to the world of brewing. The style is a fine example of the artisan practice of brewing. These beers got there start being brewed in farmhouses as opposed to large commercial breweries that preferred to brew lighter lagers. Our example of this style sticks to tradition. When you taste the beer you will notice the big malty body and the taste of toffee and raisins. The hop character is subtle but it will linger after you’ve finished your sip. The ABV although higher than a traditional biere de garde is not overpowering. I did this on purpose so that the malt body will shine. Thank you for all your hard work and I hope everybody enjoys your present from the brew crew.