Belgium (and Europe in general) has a strong tradition of Christmas beers (‘Kerstebiers’ in Flemish). Many breweries have a winter seasonal offering but the Anthony Martin group claim that it was Gordon Xmas Ale that started this tradition.
Whoever was responsible, they can take great credit for the tradition of delicious dark, spicy brews that are eagerly anticipated as the temperatures drop and the European winter closes in.
Gordon Xmas Ale is a dark red beer with a thick creamy head. The nose is an inviting mix of dark ripe stone fruit, caramel malt and spices of clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and coriander.
A full-bodied beer with a rich fruity malt sweetness, yet a light mouthfeel sharpened by the hops and spices. The alcohol provides a real warmth to the lingering aftertaste.
Sit back in a comfy chair, by the fireplace, and allow this beer to warm a little to fully appreciate all it has to offer.
A rich, spice winter beer is just the thing to warm up on a cold winters night
A lovely rich and decadent Christmas beer from Brouwerij Van Den Bossche
The renowned Christmas seasonal beer from the 'The Mad Brewers' - can stored for many years.
Another masterpiece from Struise, a blonde Christmas Ale full of flavours that come through in layers.
A cracking seasonal blond-amber Christmas beer from De Struise Brouwers
Verhaeghe's special Christmas beer is a blonde ale with wheat and spices
A tripel known as 'The Beer of Bruges'; though no longer brewed within the city walls.
A very un-Belgian beer, which has found favour both in Belgium and abroad
An English-style IPA from the third generation Martin's family brewery
A fruity, malty Belgian pale ale, originally brewed in 2003 to celebrate the 90th birthday of the brewey's former head brewer.
A Belgian witbier made using 40% unsalted wheat, 60% barley, coriander, curaçao orange and a mix of spices
