Winter Solstice 2005
Brouwerij Sterkens N.V.

Found this on the bottom shelf of Hall's, a local store that tries to get every beer available in the region. I think it just recently arrived, here in June 2006, despite the '2005' designation.

Half-liter ceramic bottle, flip-top but the flip not used, instead capped with a metal crown. Pops open with little carbonation, a frequent problem with the Sterkens ceramics. Despite a vigorous pour, no head develops. Color is limpid orange, hazy. Orange-blossom-like aroma, mix of sweet malt & citrus hops. Sweet initial taste, almost sugary, with high-moderate bitterness and a burst of floral hop flavor. Lightly vanilla yeast character rounds things out well. Finish ends with hops lingering for a few seconds. Points off on the mouthfeel for the low carbonation, but it still retains some good body.

Apparently this is a one-off special version of their Golden Ale, according to the back of bottle. Not too bad, but not worth the $12 price-tag.