t Smisje Kerst

Brewed by Brouwerij De Regenboog
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Assebroek-Brugge, Belgium

On tap @ Max’s BBF. Pours a hazy amber with a small white head. Sweet, maple syrup aroma. Yeasty body, very sweet, sticky malts. Dry finish, another winner from De Regenboog.

Bottle from Bier Koning. I wonder if this has gone a bit bad as it was quite sour. Dark brown with strong sediment. Sweet and sour nose. Taste was sweet, cherry yes, but also quite tart and sour. With strong sour finish. Didn’t particularly like this one.

Bottle. Bottled 4th quarter 2007. Color is a medium reddish brown. very cloudy with lots of sediment in the bottle. Small tan head. Smell is slightly sweet like cherry. Taste is slightly sweet, again cherry, with a hint of spices. No hint of alcohol in the taste. Aftertaste is just a little sour, with a lingering light malty aftertaste and dry finish. Overall good, and it complements a sweet cake very well.

Deep hazy red with a large creamy head that fades to a constant thin covering. Aroma is sweet and alcoholic with a finish crammed with dried fruits, taste is similar - alcoholic and warming.

330ml Bottle (Brewed in 2003) - Hazy brown with some red tinges. Strong aroma of alcohol with raisins and spices. Sweet and fruity taste with raisins and a spciy, warming finish. The alcoholic content is noticeable but this goes down a treat.

Bottle shared by durhambeer. Thanks Bob. Pours a dark hazy amber with a small off white head. Nose is earthy, dark fruit, brandy, port, spices. Flavor of belgian yeast and spices, honey, more brandy, dark fruit. Pretty good, but also pretty meh. Not a huge fan of this style of BSA.

Kerstbierfestival, Essen, 2008. Chocolate brown colour. Aroma is a little sour. Flavour is a bit smokey and has a hint of hickory. Aftertaste is sour. Maybe the beer was too young to be presented at this festival. Could be worth a re-rate in 12 months or so.
Earlier Rating: 1/6/2009 Total Score: 4.3
Brewed in 2007. Copper coloured beer with thin head. Rich, warming, malty aroma. Silky smooth texture. Flavour is great balance of sweetness and warming malty alcohol.

Bottle from Liquid Solutions. Hazy orange amber color with a multifinger light beige head. Aromas of wood, candi, and darkish fruit. Medium plus body with creamy carbonation. Flavors are dusty darkish fruit, wood, light candi, warm spice. Quite tasty in a lightly mild way. Love it.