Brasserie Dubuisson Frères sprl Scaldis Noël

The Stats
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV: 12%
Current Ratings...
- Untappd: 3.98/5
- Beer Advocate: 4.04/5
- RateBeer: 3.66/5

"The Scaldis Noël was introduced in 1991 to respond to consumer demands for the ideal beer to add lustre to their end-of-year celebrations. The Scaldis Noël is brewed solely from malts, hops, candy sugar and water. It is a filtered, top-fermented beer with an alcohol volume of 12%. The use of caramel malts produces a copper-coloured beer with a full, rounded taste. The Scaldis Noël owes its fruity taste and subtle hop aromas to the well-thought out choice of hops in this brew."

Pours out burnt orange bordering on blood red in color with a mostly transparent body and a finger of off-white head.

The aroma is full of bananas and dark fruits like cherries and plums. Belgian yeast and flowers are also noticeable.

When you think Belgium, you think county fairs. Wait...what? No? Ok, well the immediate flavor I get is a sweet, caramel apple. Red apple and almost a butterscotch flavor bulk up the confectionery character in a big way. More dark fruits from the aroma with an emphasis on the cherries and raisins. A warming, boozy touch of alcohol along with spices remind me of spiced rum and I even get some cinnamon and brown sugar to boot. Fresh flowery notes and familiar Belgian yeast keep the beer rooted in its style without letting things get too sugary.

Mouthfeel is remarkably light and well-carbonated (almost fizzy). The warming and slightest bit of booze remind you this is 12%, but it can be mistaken for a much lighter beer. The abundance of sweetness helps with drinkability.

I don't know the style too well, but Scaldis Noel was a delectable Belgian Strong Dark Ale. I really dig the sweet flavors, but the dark fruit presence, Belgian yeast, and alcohol remind you this is still a massive brew that you need not take lightly. I was intimidated on my first sip with the booze factor, but once you adjust, this one is good for every season and not just the holidays.

Rating
9.0/10