Monastère X-mas
United Dutch Breweries B.V.

Copenhagen 22/12 2019. 75 cl corked bottle from Meny, Østerfælled Torv, Kbh. Ø. The label is the typical “this is almost a trappist, monk-ish piece of beer” with church windows, the word “Abbey” in three different languages and references to “authentic recipes”. A little Christmas paraphernalia as well.

Pours clear, dark amber with a small white head. Settles as thin, flimsy, almost transparent layer of foam unable to cover the surface of the beer. No lacing.

Aroma is medium intense, sweet, candy-like and lightly spicy. Brown sugar, glühwein, raisins, cardamom. Light sourish notes of grains.

Light carbonation. Slightly thick, oily, lightly tingling texture.

Flavor is very sweet and sugary. On the verge of being cloying. Very moderate bitterness. Aftertaste is sweet. Lingers for a while.

It is not enough to make a decent Christmas beer that you make in unbearable sweet and a Church window certainly does not make it authentic and trappist. This is just a way too sweet take on a Bruin.