After reading a few of the blogs from yesterday’s 12 beers of xmas it occurred to me that I didn’t have any actual Christmas beers in my selection. That needed addressing, so a quick visit to the rather excellent Independent Spirit of Bath (@indiespiritbath) was in order. A visit there rarely ends without me leaving with lots of great beer and today was no different… Deciding what to leave on the shelves is difficult!
Straight in to the line up for tonight replacing the Spontanmandarin, is another Mikkeller – Santa’s Little Helper. This at the very least looks and sounds Christmassy, so even if it doesn’t taste that way at least I tried!
On pouring in to a Belgian chalice it forms a lovely tight tan head – a good start. It certainly looks the part in the glass.
The first sip gives the impression of very boozy fruit cake and a touch of chocolate. A few more and there’s a light smoke coming through. The 10.9% alcohol is certainly present, but not overpowering. It’s definitely Christmassy enough I think.
This wouldn’t be out of place alongside some of the better dark strong ales to come out of Belgium. Really pleased to have swapped this one in!
Beer: Santa’s Little Helper
Brewery: Mikkeller
Style: Belgian dark strong
ABV: 10.9%
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