Beer style of the week; The 12 Beers of Christmas, (but Great any time of the year)

4th Day of Christmas

For the past 3 weeks we have merrily ventured through the kingdoms of Christmas Ales and enchanted Winter Warmer wonderlands. For the next 9 days we bring you a sampling of diverse beers from around the world that are purely divine by nature. These are the splendid spirit-lifting brews to enjoy with family and friends as we celebrate this special time of year.

Some of these delightful beers are found in weeks past and in week’s future, others will be making a cameo appearance because of their special connection to the season. They come in all styles, varieties, and strengths. All are very good!

Day 1 – Sinebrychoff Porter

Day 2 – Geary’s Hampshire Special

Day 3 - Hooker Liberator

Day 4

Rochefort 10 – Brasserie de Rochefort (Abbey Notre Dame) – Rochefort, Belgium – 11.3% ABV

This luscious quad pours a murky brown/leathery color with a big multi-sized bubbly head and lots of sticky and trailing lace.

The initial smell is of a musty basement. An oaky smell emerges as does a whiff of malt, cloves, citrus, apples and alcohol.

The medium/full body has a fresh bread taste. An oaky background supports flavors of citrus, plums, apples, candy sugar, cloves, and peppery spices.

The warming alcohol, while noticeable, is well within the overall balance of aroma and flavor. This is a nice rich Trappist to enjoy by the fire with fine cheeses, dessert, or just as a pleasant nightcap.

Salut! Joyeux Noël and Merry Christmas!

Quote: “I have fed purely upon ale; I have ate my ale,

and I always sleep upon ale”. – George Farquhar (1678-1707) – The Beaux Stratagem