Corsendonk's Christmas Ale pours reddish brown, a shade or two lighter than their flagship Tripel.
Caramel greets the nose first, followed by some floral alcohol notes, the only hint of the Strong Dark Ale's 8.5% ABV.
Whatever promise is offered by the Monastic pedigree and agreeable nose is dulled in the taste, however, hitting the tongue first with a nice, wheaty character that is supplemented with a bit of fruit. But the beer follows up with a sugariness that borders on too sweet, smothering the few hints of smoky spice that--with a stronger presence--might have made all the difference.
The smooth, light-body is pleasant enough, but seems to belong to another ale, not something meant to satisfy yuletide appetites and warm the Christmas spirit.
A promising yet ultimately disappointing Strong Ale doesn't quite match the spirit of the season. Too bad it doesn't seem to fit anywhere else on the calendar, either.
Grade: B-
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