St Feuillien Cuvee de Nöel Belgian Christmas Beer 150 cl 9%

When the first frosts settle over Wallonia, Cuvée de Noël comes up from the cellar at St-Feuillien. Dark as a winter parlour, spiced like something from the abbey kitchen, and made for sharing. Here in magnum size, where Christmas gets a little more room at the table.

Expert description of St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël Belgian Strong Ale Beer

St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël is a 9% Belgian Christmas ale from Brasserie St-Feuillien in Le Roeulx, Wallonia. The recipe dates back to 1969, and the first brew was made on 20 July that year, the day humans first walked on the Moon. It has since become one of Belgium's older festive ales and a fixture at the brewery, which releases it every October.

This is a top-fermented beer brewed with caramelised malt, roasted barley, herbs and spices. It is then refermented in the bottle and matured for several months in the brewery's cellars, which gives it a rounded aroma and a soft, full body. Bitterness is restrained at 22 IBU, so the malt and spice take the lead.

The Friart family has run St-Feuillien since 1873, drawing inspiration from the former Abbaye St-Feuillien. In 2001, Cuvée de Noël became the first Belgian Christmas beer exported to Denmark, where it was a big hit. This 150 cl bottle takes up plenty of space on a festive table.

Tasting notes

Aroma

Dark fruit and toffee meet warm spice. Think raisins, prunes and fig pudding, with a touch of roasted coffee beans and a hint of alcohol.

Taste

Full and smooth, with roasted barley, prunes, burnt toffee and cocoa up front. Liquorice, cinnamon and nutmeg follow, while the bitterness stays quietly in the background.

Finish

Long and warm, with scorched raisins, prunes and bitter mocha. A little hop bitterness and cinnamon linger until the next sip.

Specifications

Name: St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël
Brewery: Brasserie St-Feuillien
Country/Region: Belgium, Wallonia
Beer style: Belgian Strong Ale
ABV: 9%
IBU: 22
Size: 150 CL
Malt: Barley malt, caramelised malt and roasted barley
Fermentation: Top fermentation with refermentation in the bottle
Ingredients: Contains barley malt and liquorice
Allergens: Contains barley and gluten
EAN no.: 5707323594784
Serving suggestion: Serve with game in sauce, Belgian carbonnade or chocolate cake

Flavour profile

Malty · Roasted · Spiced · Dried fruit · Liquorice · Caramel

Did you know?

In 1988, St-Feuillien filled its first Triple into champagne bottles in magnum and larger formats, a first in Belgium.

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Frequently asked questions about St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël Belgian Strong Ale Beer

What does St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël taste like?

It tastes of dark fruit, roasted barley and warm spice. You get prunes, burnt toffee and cocoa, rounded off by liquorice and cinnamon. Bitterness is low, so it feels soft and full.

Is St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël worth the money?

Yes, if you want a genuine Belgian Christmas ale with real heritage. The recipe goes back to 1969, and the brewery has been in family hands since 1873. The magnum format also makes it a natural pick when there are plenty of people around the table.

Is St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël a good gift?

Yes, it was made for exactly that occasion. The large bottle and the red and gold festive label look great under the tree. It suits anyone who enjoys dark, spiced beers.

How strong and how bitter is St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël?

It has an ABV of 9% and a bitterness of 22 IBU. It is a strong beer, but it drinks smoothly because malt and spice dominate.

How should I serve St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël?

Pour it into a tulip-shaped beer glass so the aroma has room to gather. A glass like the Riedel Veritas Beer works well. Pour gently, as the beer is refermented in the bottle and has a firm, compact head.

What food goes with St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël?

The brewery recommends game in sauce, Belgian carbonnade and chocolate cake. The spiced, caramel notes suit both the dark meat dishes and the sweet finish.

How long can you keep St-Feuillien Cuvée de Noël?

The best before date is printed on the bottom of the bottle. The beer has matured for several months in the brewery's cellars and is ready to drink when it leaves the brewery.

Where does St-Feuillien come from?

The brewery is in Le Roeulx in Wallonia, Belgium. It is run by the Friart family, and the name comes from the former Abbaye St-Feuillien. The brewery is known for Belgian abbey ales.