Advent Calendar Window Seven

Fairly straightforward window today for the first time thusfar. One beer and all the time in the world to drink it.

Number 7 reveals Brasserie de Silly's Enghein Noel 9%. A brewery I've only encountered in saison form presently with their Silly Saison and delicious La Cre Tonnere, the Enghein series comes from purchasing the Tennstedt Decroes Brewery in 1975 and I've not tried any yet. I bought the Enghein Noel back in the summer to secure its purchase so there's a chance I'm drinking a beer aged for at least a year before trying.

Pouring a surprising honey yellow, it's notable for its unexpected chocolate caramel fragrance with a mix of vanilla extract. It is a different form on the tongue, creating a strong toffee flavour with herby afterthoughts, like sage and coriander. But the spice is there, coming in at the last second with orange peel and cardamon. It is altogether sweet, but the mixed spice is enjoyable. The warming in the chest is the only reminder of the strength, blended well. But that's about it. The beer is gone before I've really made anymore of a decision about it. It was a decent Belgian Christmas ale without frills or excitement, like a Christmas present you already knew you were getting. I haven't sat back and wished for another nor am I glad its finished. It was just pleasant whilst it was there.

Enjoy with: The Polar Express, because it's definitely a Christmas film but doesn't do much else.

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