Well I got back from Holiday Wine Cellar in Escondido, CA tonight. They had the Belgian Winter Ale tastings tonight for a mear $5.00. To start off we had the Affligem Noel, followed by Delirium Noel, Petrus Winter Ale, Gouden Carolus Noel, Equinox and the Serafijn.

Here are some of my tasting notes:
Affligem Noel:
Thick head with malty citrus sweet aromas.  Some sediment floating. Taste of spices with cinnamon and vanilla. Easy on the palet and very enjoyable. Overall I give it a solid B.

Delirium Noel:
With the aroma of fruits and the taste of spices this is a very nice Belgian style winter ale. the flavor sticks with you and is easy on the palate. Very enjoyable. Not as much spice as the Affligem but I would rate this one overall a solid A.

Petrus Winter Ale:
Right off the bat I was detecting a funky sour aroma. It did carry an off white head nicely. A nice dry finish. Tastes of raisins and dates.  Lots of lacing. The aroma really threw me off so I am dropping this down to a solid C.

Gouden Carolus Noel:
This was a dark brew with a heavy head.  Nice roasty aromas. Tons of taste of hazelnuts and spices. A-

Equinox:
Another dark brew with a medium head. Interesting aroma of spicy with slight sour. Roasty nutty flavor. Sour comes out in the after taste. The sour, off taste really throws me off and not something I am looking for in a Belgian. I have to rate this a C+

Serafijn:
Right off the bat getting a fruity aroma with a nice dose of spice. Tastes very much of spices and sweetness. Good carbonation. Light in color. Small head. Give it a solid B.

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Tags: affligem, belgian, equinox, gouden, holiday wine cellar, noel, petrus, serafijn

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