St. Bernardus

Christmas Ale Pour

Christmas Ale.

Within the sacred brewing halls of Sint-Sixtus Abbey, the lineage of a truly divine beer was born. Though the revered Westvleteren beers are held within the monastery's walls, the tradition and expertise were once shared, a legacy that now lives on through the artisans at Brouwerij St. Bernardus. As a proud Belgian Beer Knight, to raise a glass each year of their Christmas Ale is to participate in this noble history, to connect with a timeless craft that transcends the fleeting trends of the modern world. This is not merely a holiday beer; it is an annual pilgrimage in a glass.

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is a quintessential Belgian Strong Dark Ale, but it presents with a unique and complex character that sets it apart. It pours a deep, dark mahogany with a creamy, persistent head, a visual testament to the richness within. A bouquet of aromas rises to meet you—a tapestry of dark fruit like figs and dates, intertwined with notes of sweet caramel, a hint of dark chocolate, and a delicate peppery spice. The scent alone is enough to transport you to a cozy, firelit room on a cold winter's night.

This beer is simply a masterclass in balance. The beer is full-bodied and velvety, delivering a gentle warmth, that makes it hard to believe its 10% ABV. The flavor mirrors the aroma, with a luxurious medley of dried fruit, molasses, and a subtle, yeasty sweetness. The finish is long and elegant, with a pleasing bittersweet quality that makes you want to immediately take another sip. It is a beer that rewards patience, revealing new layers of complexity as it warms in the glass. For me, and for every lover of Belgian beer, it is a perfect expression of the season's spirit—a beer to be savored and shared, a celebration of craft, tradition, and the simple joy of a truly exceptional beer.