Christmas ale from a Wallonian brewery which stopped brewing already in 2002; old notes, tasted at the Kerstbierfestival of 2004, and apparently it was already ’extinct’ by then. Deep coppery amber colour, sweet taste, resinous mouthfeel, spicy (coriander, liquorice), yeasty, caramelly not just from cara malts, but from added sugars, which stuck a bit in the finish; yet an interesting, rich and complex beer, the only one I ever tasted from this brewery. Too bad I didn’t visit this brewery when I still had the chance..

Though this beer has now been discontinued for two years, it seems still readily available, as on the Essen Kerstbierfestival Reddish dark brown, little yellowish head. Wood, liquorice, vinous and even brandy nose. Sweet, liqueurish taste, bit of liquorice, bits of sugary syrup, but a good one, not molasses. Very oily, nearly fatty, well bodied. Surprising. No oxidation to speak of, but obviously the beer has bettered by age; try to find it!