Had no idea the this beer was available in the US until I stumbled across it in Atlanta recently. I bought this 2021 750 mL, and a 33 cL 2022.

Great pop on opening, with a little gun-smoke.

Superb pour with a high mocha head that turns into a creamy film, and some lovely, dense, creamy lace. The nose offers a boozy, caramel and cheery note. Dark copper body.

Tastes start with more of the boozy cherries. Light, fruity acidity and more cherries. I’m not generally a fan of any Belgian styles being barrel aged, and TBH barrels in general, but I need not have worried here because to me at least, the oak is not strong or prevalent. More dark chocolate covered cherries keep coming, as does the alcohol, but this is NOT a ‘hot’ beer, nor one the offers any significant solvent.

As the beer warms I get a rum-like element, and plenty of sweetness. Plenty of other typical tastes like plums and raisins as per the base quad, all locked in together beautifully. Warming feelings accompany this beer. Delicious.

It’s an absolute treat, and not something I usually go for, but very smooth, tasty and beyond drinkable. Complex. Great beer, even greater Christmas beer. Don’t pass on this if you see it.