De Dolle Stille Nacht Special Reserva 2005

Formerly brewed at De Dolle Brouwers
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Diksmuide, Belgium

This was very nice, not sure if it was as nice as it 2000 companion, although I would be really curious to see how well this one ages. This one has some butterscotch and spice notes. I think the alcohol is a little more present in this, has just a little bit of heat on the top of the mouth. Still has that familiar malt background with sweet sugary spices. Really enjoyable.

Een zeer smaakvol kerstbier met een externe zachte bitterheid. Er zit een prachtige balans in het hoppallet dat bijna alle bieren van De dolle Brouwers kenmerkt

Bottle at the Kulminator ... Hazy amber ... liveley lovely fruity nose ... sweet grapefruit ... wonderful balance ... tart fruit finnish ... little spice ... bit of tingle on tongue.... juicy .

Bottled April 2006 according to cap, with thanks to john_adam2002 for this rare gem! Pours a slightly cloudy golden honey color with a short but persistent fizzy white head, minimal lacing. Aroma is very bright and interesting, with spice and oak intermingled with tree fruits - apple, pear, and peach, along with a touch of honey. The flavor is warming, with a nice blend of tree fruits, spice and oak - nicely spicy sweet! Though on the lighter side, there is a lot going on here that works great together; very well done. Thanks again Adam!

(2/29/08) Bottle at Kulminator in Antwerp. Hazy orange with some yeast sediment and a white head that disappears quite fast. Aroma of malt, oak, sugar, some caramel and a bit of spices. A very rich sweet malty flavor with caramel, some wood and some spices. finishes rather sweet and alcoholic with a dry touch. Full-bodied and slightly syrupy.

Pours a spritzy frothy white head. Cl;oudy golden colored body with a ton of floaties suspended throughout. Flavor was immense, with apples and pears, yeast and spice, and a slight oaky tannin flavor. With each sip, you notice your taste buds popping. High alcohol content is really delivered well and is not overpowering. Similar to that of regular Stille Nacht, but with an added oaky/sour taste. Excellent brew.

Pours a cloudy, glowing, medium orange amber color. A foamy, cloud-like head shows excellent retention, leaving fine, solid sheets of lacing on the glass. Aromas of candy sugar and a wide array of fruits assault the nose with a barrage of contrasting scents. Apricots, apples, fresh plums, sour lemon, and banana puree all come to mind. Funky Belgian yeast adds a unique, slightly tart element. Flavors are similar and just as complex. Candy sugar again forms the malty base, while sweet and tart fruits dance across the tongue. A long, tangy finish is pushed along by a lively mouthfeel that intensifies after the swallow. Medium-full bodied and smooth, the warmth of this one makes the 1% increase in ABV (over the regular) seem greater than it really is. This is a really great brew, but the regular version beats it out by a hair. I’m glad I finally got to try this retired beauty.

Very good of Brewfiend to share this rare beer. Cloudy with yeast, and much like a tripel in the aroma and flavor. The aroma is mostly fruit with some yeast and light spice. The flavor starts sweet but the alcohol is prominent and powerful, too much really, but a good beer anyway.