IDEA & BACKGROUND : The Christmas beer category is filled with beers spiced with various additions that can be delightful throughout December, but rather cloying after the second day of Christmas. We therefore set out to develop a beer that complements the flavours of Christmas without being overloaded with them itself. Using the malty and cleansing English beer style English Special Bitter (ESB) as our starting point, we have brewed a beer with pronounced body and flavour that pairs beautifully with traditional Christmas dishes. Aromas of freshly baked rye bread define the malt character, while a generous addition of English aroma hops contributes fruity notes of lemon zest, dark berries, and plums. Bitterness and alcohol are moderately high, helping to cleanse the palate after rich, meaty dishes.


APPEARANCE: Dark golden with a hint of copper red. Clear, with a thick, off-white head.


AROMA: Citrus, dark berries, and freshly baked rye bread.


TASTE & MOUTHFEEL : Malt-driven with hints of caramel and heavily toasted chocolate, finishing with a pronounced bitterness and a touch of acidity. Full-bodied, gently sweet, warming, and cleansing — yet with high drinkability.


FOOD PAIRING : Perfect with Christmas open-faced sandwiches, roast pork, and strong cheeses.


OVERALL IMPRESSION : A well-balanced beer with a complex malt profile, an interesting hop composition, and a characterful flavour that both complements rich Christmas foods and refreshes the palate.


AlK: 6.2%