St Bernardus Christmas Ale

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale (ABV 10%) is an abbey-style ale that pours dark reddish brown with a frothy beige head and medium carbonation. Top fermented and bottle conditioned, the brew boasts aromas of sweet caramel, dark fruits, raisin, cinnamon, clove, chocolate, bread and notes of anise. Taste follows a similar profile and also includes sweet apricot, banana, licorice, marzipan, and molasses, some peppery spice and a slight hop bitterness. The mouthfeel is creamy and light to medium bodied; the 10.0% ABV is well hidden but warming; and the finish is long, bittersweet and dry.