St Bernardus - Christmas Ale (2009)

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the youngest descendant in the illustrious family of delicious Abbey Ales by Brewery St. Bernardus. This specialty beer of 10% alc. vol. is characterized by its deep dark color, with a creamy, thick head and a full, almost velvety taste with a fruity nose. It's a seasonal ale, brewed annually for the holiday season. The long winter nights are perfect moments to savor this ale with or without friends and to enjoy its unique, complex taste and after-taste.


I had purchased a case of the 2009 vintage and sampled a bottle last year.  This blog is for the April 2011 tasting, after 18 months in the cellar.

The ABV is 10.0 and the IBU rating is ??

Style - Belgium Strong Dark

Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Goblet, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery - 755ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a brown color with a tan head that vanishes. Good lacing.
Aroma - Malty and fruity.
Taste -  Sweet, malty and caramel.
Mouth Feel - Very carbonation, in fact the cork blew off when I was uncorking the bottle.  Medium to full body.  Very fizzy, typical for a Belgium.
Drinkable - Much better the second time after aging it for 18 months. Cant wait to see what it will taste like in another year. 

This beer may pair well with cheese and grilled meats.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A.
BeerAdvocate Rating =A-
Ratebeer Rating = 99