Delirium Nocturnum (8.4% ABV)

There is a dark ruby hue to this triple-fermented beer which pours with a seemingly dense head that nevertheless disappears without a trace almost immediately.

A black treacle and prune nose gives way to a hoppy, fruity strawberry jam flavour which finishes surprisingly dryly.

Delerium Nocturnum tries hard, and whilst the three yeasts and five malts make for a brew that is interesting in each of its parts, it's not a relaxing experience. Rather, this is a beer that clanks and crashes through its gears and gives the palate something of a rough ride.

76

Gouden Carolus Christmas (10% ABV)

Gouden Carolus Christmas shows with a darkly rubied hue, and offers up a wonderfully appealing liquorice, cough candy and white pepper nose. The nose really is something to be meditated over; it's quite wonderful.

Liquorice and syrupy stewed fruit follow through on the palate, with a fantastically balanced finish, drying off the sides of the tongue, sweet at the tip at the same time.

A wonderful seasonal ale that I enjoyed early on a mid-December evening as the wood burner roared. A real success that I intend to return to next year in the same month.

92