Every so often I plan on sharing what I’ve just purchased or has been sitting in the fridge waiting to be enjoyed. Having just made a run to the store, I think that this is as good a point to start this series as any.
- Diabolique (
CuveeDe Proefbrouwerij) - Euphorique (
CuveeDe Proefbrouwerij) - Mystique (
CuveeDe Proefbrouwerij) - Ommegang Abby Ale (Brewery Ommegang)
- Christmas Ale (Anchor Brewing)
- Delerium Nocturnum (Huyghe Brewery)
- Celebrator (Ayinge Brewery)
- Fin du Mond (Unibroue)
- Ephemere (Unibroue)
- Urbock 23° (Schloss Eggenberg)
- Midas Touch (Dogfish Head Craft Brewery)
- Raison d’Extra (Dogfish Head Craft Brewery)
- Blue Heron Pale Ale (Mendocino Brewing, Co.)
- Fuggles IPA (Shipyard Brewing, Co.)
I’m not sure which I’ll have first. I believe I’ll have to finish the “12 Days of Christmas” pack from Saranac before hand. I have a good number of them to get through and review. With the variety in that pack, I’m sure to find something wonderful.
December 9th, 2006
Roy Strohl said:
Picky, picky. Thought I would point out that the first three on the list are actually a product of a smallish brewery called “De Proefbrouwerij” The term cuvee comes from the wine community and implies something special in the pressing or the quality of a particular fermenting vessel.
De Proefbrouwerij is a newcomer to the Belgian brewing scene (1996) with a creative special brewing schedule that seems to be done on demand. Lots of small batches, adaptations of styles and recipes. They are located in West Flanders in the little town of Lochristi. Their facilities are very modern, state of the art.
Like you I seem to find more quality to these beers than most of the ratings give them. I have several of their ephemrique in the cooler right now and look forward to having them around Christmas. If you ever spot their Kerstvuur, it is a good Christmas style beer and worth a try althought I don’t think it makes it to the U.S.