St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Craft Beer 75 cl 10%

A monk in a Santa hat, gifts drifting around like little planets, and a Watou glass with foam spilling over the rim. Behind it all stands a brewery in the heart of the Flemish hop country, brewing since 1946.

Expert description of St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Quadrupel Beer

St. Bernardus Christmas Ale is the brewery's annual winter release, brewed every year for the festive season. It comes from Watou in West Flanders and is a top-fermented Quadrupel, which is how the brewery itself classes it. The colour is dark brown, topped with a cream-coloured head.

The brewery uses its own yeast strain dating back to 1946, and it does a lot of the heavy lifting. The ingredient list is short: water, barley malt, sugar, hops and yeast. There are no added spices. Even so, it tastes as if aniseed and winter treats found their way into the kettle.

The recipe is the same every year, so you know what you are getting. The bottle is 75 cl and made for sharing across the table.

Tasting notes

Aroma

Aniseed and spicy Christmas aromas meet dried fruit and caramel. There is something of the warmth of a Christmas market in the nose.

Taste

Full-bodied and slightly fruity, with dark fruit underneath. Creamy caramel and roasted chestnuts sit on top, and the spicy notes hold on all the way through.

Finish

Long and warm. Dried fruit and chocolate linger well after the last sip.

Specifications

Name: St. Bernardus Christmas Ale
Brewery: St. Bernardus
Country/Region: Belgium, Watou, West Flanders
Beer style: Quadrupel
ABV: 10%
IBU: 20
Size: 75 CL
Fermentation: Top fermentation
Ingredients: Water, barley malt, sugar, hops, yeast
Allergens: Contains gluten from barley
Shelf life: Approx. 4 years in the bottle
EAN no.: 5707323770935
Serving suggestion: Serve at 8-12 °C in a tulip glass or goblet. Pairs well with chocolate desserts, game and winter-spiced dishes.

Flavour profile

Malty · Spicy · Fruity · Sweet · Creamy

Did you know?

The brewery began in 1946, when the monks of Sint-Sixtus in Westvleteren decided to let others brew their beer. The deal lasted until 1992, when only beer brewed within the abbey walls could be called Trappist. St. Bernardus still brews in Watou, but as an Abbey Ale.

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Frequently asked questions about St. Bernardus Christmas Ale

What does St. Bernardus Christmas Ale taste like?

It tastes of aniseed, caramel, roasted chestnuts and dried fruit. The spicy notes come from the yeast, not from added spices. Chocolate and a long, warm finish round it off.

Is St. Bernardus Christmas Ale worth it?

Yes, if you want a classic Belgian winter beer from one of the country's most respected breweries. The recipe is the same every year, and the quality is consistent. The 75 cl bottle is plenty for two.

Is St. Bernardus Christmas Ale Quadrupel Beer a good gift?

Yes, it is a safe pick for a beer lover. The label is festive, and what is inside lives up to it. It looks the part on a Christmas table.

How strong is St. Bernardus Christmas Ale?

It has 10% alcohol. That puts it on par with a strong wine, but it is meant to be sipped slowly. Share it, and pour small glasses.

Does St. Bernardus Christmas Ale contain spices?

No, the ingredients are water, barley malt, sugar, hops and yeast. The spicy character comes from the brewery's own yeast strain. That is why it tastes like Christmas without anything being added.

What temperature should St. Bernardus Christmas Ale be served at?

The brewery recommends 8-12 °C. A little warmer brings out the spices and the caramel. Let it stand for a moment before you pour.

What glass is best for St. Bernardus Christmas Ale?

A goblet or tulip glass captures the aroma well. Take a look at our Riedel Veritas Beer glasses if you want to serve it properly.

What does St. Bernardus Christmas Ale pair with?

Chocolate desserts, game and dishes with winter spices work well. Try it with a strong cheese or roast pork with crackling too.

Can St. Bernardus Christmas Ale be cellared?

Yes, the brewery gives it around 4 years in the bottle. Store it dark and cool. It softens with time, but is also good young.

Is St. Bernardus Christmas Ale a Trappist beer?

No, it is an Abbey Ale, meaning an abbey-style beer brewed outside the abbey walls. The brewery has its own history and its own yeast. The taste is close to the great Belgian Quadrupels.

Where does St. Bernardus come from?

The brewery is in Watou in West Flanders, close to the Belgian hop country. It started in 1946 and today brews a range of top-fermented Abbey Ales.