12 Beers of X-Mas: Petrus Winter Ale

Merry Christmas.

With my family tonight I shared a bottle of Petrus Winter, the winter seasonal of Petrus beers from Brewery Bavik, brewers of Wittekerke. You can find English-language information at the Global Beer Network. There they note a possiblity I had also considered: that the Winter is blended with a bit of the Petrus Oud Bruin. The dry, lightly fruity, lightly musty aroma and flavor remind me a bit of some old browns I’ve had.

The Winter pours a barely hazy copper caramel color. On top is a thick, creamy, lingering tan head. I poured a bit too fast and the head came at least a centimeter out of the glass without spilling over. Taking a whiff is a pleasure: the aroma is light and complex. It is dry, fruity, and lightly musty. There is the strong aroma of red raspberries, and some caramel malt backing. It is playful and contemplative.

Noble bitterness balances the full palate. The flavor is fruity of mangoes and berries. As it reaches the back of the tongue it dries out, leaving spices, notably coriander and black pepper. Overall, quite dry and lively. The flavor is good, but I must admit that after the incredible nose it is a bit of a letdown.

My father, commenting on the strength (7.3% abv): “…if I have too much of the Tetris.”

+Petrus Winter Ale

4.0 (4-9-7-4-16)

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