Brewed in the authentic style of Belgian winter, or noel beer, is dark, strong, malty and assertively spiced. It is not a lightweight beer, and is best sipped before a roaring fire, or on a sleigh ride over the hills to Grandma’s house. (Let someone else drive.) It would also be a tasty accompaniment to dark roasts and wild game. Even with its strong ABV, this beer is well-balanced and not at all hot or fiery. The dark malts give it lush, malty flavors and aromas, strongly complemented by the five spices, including coriander, cumin, mace, cardamom and grains of paradise. Hopping is modest, as befits such a beer.