Brewery: Shepherd Neame
ABV: 7%
Style: Christmas Beer
Location: Faversham, Kent
Colour: Amber brown with a thin white head.
Aroma: Figs, plums, raisins, brandy, some oakiness and notable whiff of alcohol that is a sign that this is a high strength beer.
Taste: Profound bitter with a residual dryness, there is a background of vine fruits, inbued with notes of syrup, spices, brandy and sherry. Malt plays a key role in helping bring forward the flavours together. The mouthfeel is medium bodied, and it has a pleasnt warming effect that is charectersitic of most Christmas Ales. Some hoppiness is present on the back-end without being too pronounced and overbearing.
Verdict: A veritable Christmas classic that has been ticking by 1956, the flavours are well defined and notable. There is a good balance of bitterness, that is offset by sweetness and a spicy edge, that helps make it more drinkable. The high strength plays a key role in adding depth to is character, making a pleasant drinking experience. Although it is available in cask, the bottled version is infinitately better, and a must try if you ever come across this.
Rate: 9/10
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