The Westvleteren brewery in the abbey of St Sixtus decided to contract the brewing of its commercial product to the St Bernardus brewery at Watou from the end of WWII until 1992 when it took back the rights to the term Trappist and now brews the commercial brands itself. Until that date in 1992, this was a Trappist beer, after that date it became an Abbey beer. When it lost its Trappist status the name St Sixtus was removed from the label. It would be interesting to drink this with a bottle of Westvleteren 12 to see who really does make a better job of the recipe. From what I understand St Bernardus has the original yeast so Westvleteren had to get their yeast from Westmalle. The alcohol is well used to add depth and flavour to a very creamy, smooth, sweet and fruity brew. Quite delicious.

St.Bernardus Christmas Ale is a dark seasonal brewed in the classic 'Quadrupel' style of Belgium's best Abbey Ales. (10,0 % ABV) Similar to all the beers from our brewery, it greets the drinker with the signature aroma of the St.Bernardus house yeast strain (in use since 1946!) Rivaling the complexity of the St.Bernardus Abt 12, St.Bernardus Christmas Ale offers a spicy, mint-like flavor profile exuding the tastes of warming alcohol, fermented molasses, apricots, licorice and marzipan that are highligted by the perfect balance of brewing sugars. The perfect companion to enjoy a (cold?) winter evening, with or without the company of your friends !