Gordon began the modern tradition of Christmas ales or Kerstbier in 1924 with Gordon Xmas Ale. Brewed by John Martin, the 1909 British transplant to Belgium. It’s a Belgian Strong Ale that says “Happy Christmas”!
It should be noted that the bottle that I am tasting is aged. It’s labeled 07.11.14, which if the brewer uses a 3 year dating system means this bottle was brewed in 2011.
Gordon Xmas pours mahogany with no head. It has wood, sweet malts, and a touch of yeast on the nose. The flavor begins sweet with malts, dark fruits, woody, raisins, and finishes with bitterness at the back of the throat. Despite low carbonation on the head, the mouthfeel is bright with a medium body. The added sugar and high malt content brought this beer up to 8.8% ABV.
Gordon Xmas has a classic-looking red and white label with white snowflakes and holly on a lantern in front of a house snow scene.
Question: What was your first Christmas beer? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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