St Bernardus...difference between Christmas Ale/Abt 12?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by BedetheVenerable, Nov 28, 2013.

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  1. BedetheVenerable

    BedetheVenerable Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2008 Missouri

    Does anyone have any knowledge of what specifically makes these two beers different? Both 10%, both I'd assume fermented with the Bernardus yeast, but subtly different? I really enjoy Abt 12, but the Christmas ale is, for me, one if the rare contenders with Westy 12. Any thoughts or insights? I'm dying to know what makes it tick!
     
  2. RaggaD

    RaggaD Initiate (0) Jun 29, 2013 Florida

    Honestly I can't tell much of a difference although I've never done a side by side. Still both are delicious and in my top 50 for sure.
     
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  3. LeperJim

    LeperJim Pooh-Bah (2,704) Feb 10, 2008 Ohio
    Pooh-Bah

    I have no specific knowledge, but for me the difference is one is slightly better than the other. I'm just never sure which one that was.
     
  4. sefus12

    sefus12 Pundit (938) Sep 7, 2006 Wisconsin
    Trader

    Never did a side-by-side, but I will drink either of those any time I can. Abt 12 is one of my favorite beers of all time. And now I want one.
     
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  5. lic217

    lic217 Pooh-Bah (2,090) Aug 10, 2010 Connecticut
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Both are very similiar, but a little different. I think I prefer the 12 slightly. I am so pumped they are finally selling St Bernardus in CT again. You cannot go wrong with anything they make (especially the 12 and Christmas).
     
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  6. BlueRogue

    BlueRogue Initiate (0) May 1, 2011 Maine

    Christmas Ale is the only St. Bernardus beer I've had. I really need to change that...
     
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  7. markdrinksbeer

    markdrinksbeer Initiate (0) Nov 14, 2013 Massachusetts

    I will be cracking open (uncorking) an ABT 12 later today to try for the first time. I am looking forward to it. I'll have to grab a christmas ale sometime soon as well.
     
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  8. ChanceK

    ChanceK Initiate (0) Feb 13, 2012 Texas

    I think I've tasted more "spices" in the Christmas ale than the reg Abt 12. Not sue exactly what though.
     
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  9. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    The Christmas Ale is basically the Abt 12 with some slight additions to the ingredient list so as to provide some flavors not in the Abt 12. I've not had them side-by-side, but did find some of what's described on the web site,

    http://www.sintbernardus.be/stbernarduschristmasale.php?l=en

    although I wasn't able to put some of into descriptive terms when I did my review.
     
    #9 drtth, Nov 28, 2013
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2013
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  10. drtth

    drtth Initiate (0) Nov 25, 2007 Pennsylvania
    In Memoriam

    You might look into whether or not you can order the variety case that’s available here in PA. Contains 4 each of their six major beers and they should all be reasonably fresh if my experience holds true. Might be a big up front investment, but the beers can be spread out over the course of a year and will cost you less per bottle than individual bottles or 4-6 packs.
     
  11. jbertsch

    jbertsch Pooh-Bah (2,874) Dec 14, 2008 Massachusetts
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    As much as I love Abt12, Christmas ale is the winner for me. The deeper, richer spices in it just plain awesome and its one of my top 3 beers of any style.
     
  12. TheJollyHop

    TheJollyHop Initiate (0) Sep 2, 2009 California

    I prefer the 12 as well. The balance of the 12 is so spot on that I don't believe it's improved by the addition of spices. Nevertheless, gotta make a bier Noel right?
     
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  13. Prince_Casual

    Prince_Casual Savant (1,236) Nov 3, 2012 District of Columbia
    Trader

    Christmas Ale is more $$ and isn't always available.

    That's why it tastes better to me at least.
     
  14. markdrinksbeer

    markdrinksbeer Initiate (0) Nov 14, 2013 Massachusetts

    I lied. Opened up a couple of BCBS and well, didn't get to the ABT 12. Oh well.

    I am sure both the ABT 12 and xmas ale are delicious.
     
  15. Danny1217

    Danny1217 Initiate (0) Jul 15, 2011 Florida

    I found Christmas Ale in 4 packs at TW today. Is this the first year it's been in that format? It's the first time I've seen it. For some reason I have never had Christmas Ale, but I still didn't buy it because I am trying to curb spending before tomorrow morning with the Bourbon County stuff. I'll try it later next month hopefully. Maybe even do a side by side with ABT 12.
     
  16. imperialbeerdude

    imperialbeerdude Initiate (0) Feb 5, 2012 Colorado

    The christmas one was brewed with plums and snow straight from the north pole.
     
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  17. Chaz

    Chaz Grand Pooh-Bah (3,668) Feb 3, 2002 Minnesota
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    As I recall the Christmas is spiced, and with something a little less ordinary (maybe lavender?), which made it sort of funky on my first go-round, but I liked it enough to buy a second! Thing is, as much as I liked the Christmas, the 12 really is such a phenomenal drinker, so it'd rate it higher.

    Edit: Ditto what someone said above -- I think I need to grab some again, for a side-by-side. :wink:
     
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  18. 2Cents

    2Cents Initiate (0) Jul 3, 2010 Nebraska

    The Christmas ale is a little to spicy for my taste, it also seemed a little thinner. I get that it's a seasonal beer but I prefer the 12.
     
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  19. BedetheVenerable

    BedetheVenerable Initiate (0) Sep 5, 2008 Missouri

    I got an email back from someone at the brewery...the information I received was somewhat vague, but enough to satisfy my curiosity. This individual said that the two beers are similar, but that the Christmas ale has both a different/more complex malt and hop bill, making it a bit 'special' when compared to the Abt 12. It was an incredibly prompt response, honestly I wasn't expecting to hear back.

    Also, has anyone else seen this in 4pks? I'd be ALL OVER that!
     
    Sesmu likes this.
  20. cu29

    cu29 Zealot (570) Sep 26, 2005 Wisconsin

    I picked up a four pack of the Christmas in Milwaukee for $17.99
     
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