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Merry Christmash
From the lightest, to the darkest.
The beer from the ninth of December, is a porter. Porters are often characterized by being black as tar, full of roasted malt. The roasted malt, makes them taste similar to chocolate, coffee, licorice and of burnt bread.
This porter, L'Esprit de Noël Regular, from De Dochter van de Korenaar, is spiced with Christmas-related seasoning, as its name also suggests.
Although this is significantly more dark than anything we've had this December so far, it's not higher on alcohol as some mistakingly might think. The last few ones were all above 9%, whereas this one, is only a meager 8%.
Pouring it up, the black hole comes to light.
Leaving a dark amber head, slightly darker than the beer we had last night.
Smelling the beer, we get notes of coffee, nuts and roasted malt, very characteristic for a porter. There's also a slight hint of cinnamon.
Giving it a taste, the beer doesn't taste burnt. If you like the burnt and smoky flavour you can get from a porter, this one will disappoint you.
For those who do not like ashtrays, this beer tastes very strongly a sweetened coffee, which fills your mouth like a smooth coating that is very well balanced. Swallowing it, it leaves behind a tiny bit of prickling on the side of your tongue. Looking at the ingredients list, the beer does contain smoked chili, which could be what's causing this effect.
A very well-balanced beer that tastes sweet with plenty of flavours that are very well in harmony. The smooth well-balanced sweetness aren't much unlike other beers containing lactose. That is not the case here however, so if you're lactose intolerant, then this one is definitely a must-try beer.
You'll love it, I'm sure. I know I definitely do
Happy beer hunting, and Merry Christmas