The Fourth Beer of Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The newborns were neslted all snug in their beds and we just finished our Christmas shopping. As a gift to ourselves, rather than wrapping, we took a short respite and found a bottle for cracking.

With visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads we warmed the cockles of our soul with Corsendonck's Christmas Ale. We were fortunate to score from Lot 6536. The Christmas Ale is brewed from November through February. It was brewed and bottled by Brewery Du Bocq for Brewery Corsendonck, Oud-Turnhout, Belgium.

It's a dark, Belgian ale that pours dark brown with a thick, long-lasting head. If the Christmas season in Belgium has an aroma you can find it in this brew. You can really pick up the fruits and spices and if you're not careful it can be mistaken for grandma's fruit cake. The Christmas Ale finishes sweet with a medium carbonation. Ours was sitting in the refridgerator for several days and this is probably a beer better served at closer to room temperature.

So, after a few pints our heart's nice and warm. We turn of the lights and wrap one last gift. We can't help but think Santa would prefer Corsendonk's Christmas Ale to cookies and milk.

Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.