Saint-Monon Bière Speciale Des Fêtes
Brasserie Saint-Monon

 

Rated the Speciale Noel and not the speciale des fetes but probably same beer. BBE Nov 2008. Just litle head soon disappearing and a dark brown beercollor. Nose is very spicy having lots of clove, thyme and probably sweet gale overpowering a slightly noticable carramellic maltarome. Sweet fresh and very spiced overall note. Taste is also very spiced giving also a peppery mouthfeel and a very flowery impression when drinking. Quiet dry though there is some caramellic maltsweetness in the back. Low bittered but who misses hops in this one. Well drinkable though having the thinking I'm drinking an elixer like brew.

Appearance: Just a ring of lace lays on top, occasional bursts of carbonation after sipping give the lace some retention. Nearly black in colour and a bit murky as well.

Smell: Very earthy with unmistakable thyme with hints of dark fruit, solvent alcohol and burnt sugar.

Taste: Trademark thyme with a following of anise. Bready with dark sugar malt flavours, nutty yeast and herbal phenols round out the middle. Mild solvent alcohol warms the body, suggestions of black currant hit before the spicy dry finish.

Mouthfeel: Slick in the mouth, ample carbonation in the medium body.

Drinkability & Notes: Wow! This is a stellar herbed brew, not something I’d just pop open and drink. I could see cooking and pair this beer up with some hearty stews.