Père Noël Beligian Christmas Ale

From Brouwerij Brasserie De Ranke, Père Noël  Belgian Christmas Ale is unique among the many Winter Warmers and Christmas Ales. Usually they tend to be malty and sweet, and are darker in color. Père Noël is quite hoppy and pours a coppery-amber hue. There's a 7% ABV, but no noticeable alcohol heat. Behind the almost overpowering hop bitterness there are some citrus notes and a bit of licorice. As the temperature inches up I detect some cloves and nutmeg as well. You have to really be a hop fan to get into this brew