Affligem Noël

Affligem Noël is a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. This 9% ABV strong ale is labeled as a Christmas Ale brewed with spices, but I am not getting a lot of spice at all. The carbonation on this is great, light and bubbly like a glass of champagne. Sweet and malty with a grape flavor, not wine grapes but grape juice grapes. A mild yeast note is on the finish and is the only thing providing a bit of balance to this ale. Again there is not much spice of hops or speak of. I thought this might develop a bit as it warmed, but alas it is a bit of a two trick pony. Not a bad beer, I think this would be a fine introduction to the world of Belgian beers for the new beer drinker, but it isn’t something I would seek out again.