Corsendonk Christmas Ale

Style: Belgian Strong Dark (Xmas Ale)
Origin: Belgium
ABV: 8.5%
Serving Glass: Snifter/Goblet
OMG Beer Rating: 8.0

Sometimes you just end drinking a beer out of season. OMG Beer! obtained this cheery bottle of Corsendonk Christmas Ale just after the new year, after seeing a few reviews elsewhere. Finally, as we prepare for spring beers, we're finishing off some of the bottles we've held onto for too long. Even OMG Beer! Headquarters needs a spring cleaning.

Appearance: Red-Amber, off-white fluffy head that lasts, leaving lacing down the glass. Very bubbly looking.

Aroma: Apple, dark rum, a hint of cake, vanilla, and spices.

Taste: Spicy on the tongue, alcohol heat, then an almost apple cider-like flavor. Ends sweet and with a hint of chocolate.

Mouthfeel/Body: Medium bodied, you can feel it coat your tongue, and then the carbonation tingles away to the sweet chocolate and spice aftertaste.

Overall: In typical belgian fashion, this beer is subtle about its christmas-ness. Delicious fruit and spice notes hover over a holiday-friendly sweetness. Great bottle to share with friends and loved ones after a holiday dinner. Or, in our case, to celebrate the last weekend of winter (we hope).

Pairing Idea: Might pair well with apple pie or poached pears with cinnamon; definitely a great follow up to roasted meats. Or, just poach the pairs in a little bit of the beer, while you drink the rest.