St Bernardus Xmas Ale

St. Bernardus Xmas Ale comes in a 750ml bottle and is filed under Belgian-style beer, which points to a strong, dark winter ale in the Belgian abbey tradition. No ABV or IBU is listed for this bottle, so treat the following as what the style typically delivers. Expect a deep amber-to-mahogany pour with a tight, persistent tan head, and a malt-forward profile of caramel, dark bread crust, raisin and dried fig. Belgian yeast usually adds clove-like spice, a hint of banana or pear, and a gentle peppery finish. Bitterness in these beers is restrained, so hops play a supporting role and the sweetness is balanced mainly by carbonation and a dry, warming finish rather than by bite. The 750ml size makes it a bottle to share across a table. Serve it cool but not cold, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a refrigerator at 38°F it will mute the spice and dark fruit, so give it ten or fifteen minutes on the counter. Pour into a tulip or goblet glass, leaving the last bit of yeast sediment in the bottle if the bottle is bottle-conditioned. The wide bowl and flared rim hold the foam and concentrate the aromatics. At the table, this style suits rich, savory food. Roast duck, braised short ribs, pork shoulder with root vegetables, and aged Gouda or washed-rind cheeses all stand up to the malt and spice. Gingerbread, fruitcake, and baked apples or pears with cinnamon echo the beer's own flavors without being overwhelmed by them. Sharp blue cheese is a good contrast if you prefer a sweet-and-salty pairing. Because strong Belgian-style ales tend to settle well in cool storage, the bottle can be kept upright in a dark place and opened at any time. It is a natural fit for cold-weather meals and holiday dinners.