Luke Pernotto

The holidays are continuing with both the 12 days of Christmas and these beers. Coming to the third one we can feel one of two ways. Our family is either starting to annoy us or we are dreading tomorrow when they have to leave and we are unsure when we will see them again. What better beer to mark this day than a beer that can either be loved or hated. This Belgian yeast fermented beer produces flavors that beer lovers either seek out or avoid like the plague. Estery flavors such as spice, earthiness and a hint of licorice are either desired or repulsed based upon your pallet.

The business that eventually became Brouwerij de Ranke began as a beer bottling and lemonade brewing company in the 1930s. After World War II the business began to make soft drinks. In 1981 a descendent of the original founder begins brewing beer. By 1986 this early brewer and his brother took over the company and focused mostly on beer brewing and dropped lemonade production. In 1997 the brewery took on its current name with references the hop vines used in the production of beer. Père Noël is their seasonal beer available from September to December.

On the initial pour from the bottle a wild fruity yeast aroma waifs out of the glass. Straw scents rise while the large rocky head slowly dissipates. A small rocky head island was left in the center of the glass. This beer gives the first impression of a farm house ale. Slightly sour and lightly tart. As the glass warmed up the flavors came more of a caramel stone fruit make themselves known. Highly carbonated. Woodsy herbal hop flavors. Hop flavors much more pronounced as the beer warms. The brownish colored beer has several particles floating in the glass. I poured with care and left the majority of the trub in the bottle. When the remaining beer/trub was tasted it was quite an unpleasant taste. This beer would go well with a charcuterie plate. The light wheat and straw flavors would pair well with the crackers and soft cheeses.

Beer Information:
Style: Holiday Beer
Packaging: 11.2 oz bottle, Bottled Jul 24, Best by 25 Jul 2029
Ingredients: Includes Malted Barley, Brewers Gold, Hallertau Mittelfrüh hops Stats: ABV 7.0%, SRM not listed but estimated at 20-25, IBU not listed but estimated at 50