The holiday season has officially arrived at Barrel of Monks! Our beloved Father Christmas Holiday Ale is back to warm your spirits. This traditional strong dark ale is brewed with a generous blend of rich malts and warming spices to deliver a taste that is pure, festive bliss. Available now in elegant 750ml bottles, perfect for sharing or savoring.

• Style: Strong Holiday / Winter Warmer Ale
• Availability: Seasonal Release (750ml Bottles)
• Price: $20.00
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy chilled or slightly cellar-temperature (around 50°F / 10°C)

Savor the Flavor: Tasting Notes

Father Christmas is crafted to embody the complexity and comfort of the holidays. Each sip offers a rich, layered experience that balances deep malt character with classic yuletide aromatics.

The Rich Foundation

• Rich Malt & Caramel: The beer pours a deep ruby-brown and offers a velvety mouthfeel. The base flavor is dominated by a complex blend of dark, specialty malts, providing notes of toasted nuts, freshly baked bread crust, and luscious toffee and caramel. This richness provides the warmth and depth expected in a celebratory winter ale.

The Complex Fruit & Spice Profile

• Dark Fruit: Authentic fermentation and the malt bill unlock a classic "dark fruit" character. Look for prominent flavors of raisins, dried figs, and plum pudding. These notes offer a sweet, almost wine-like dimension that develops beautifully as the beer warms.

• Warming Spice: We infuse the brew with a delicate blend of holiday spices, carefully balanced to complement the malt, not overwhelm it. The spices contribute a subtle, comforting finish of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of clove, evoking the aroma of holiday baking.

Overall Experience

This ale is smooth, full-bodied, and deliciously complex, truly tasting like pure holiday cheer. It finishes clean with a pleasant, lingering sweetness and a gentle warmth from the alcohol, making it an ideal companion for a festive meal or relaxing by the fire.

Suggested Pairings

• Holiday Dessert: Pecan Pie, Gingerbread, Crème Brûlée
• Savory Dishes: Roasted Turkey, Holiday Ham with Glaze
• Cheese Board: Aged Gruyère, Stilton or other Blue Cheese