Shepherd Neame Christmas Ale

There are a number of drinks that are traditionally associated with Christmas: Mulled wine is an absolute favorite that is already enjoyed on the first cold days at the end of November, tea not only helps with colds but also goes wonderfully with gingerbread, cookies and the like, and on Christmas Eve, a bottle of sparkling wine is traditionally popped to toast the arrival of the Christ Child and beautiful presents.

The British brewery Shepherd Neame has set out to establish a new festive drink.

With its warming character, subtle balance of heavy fruit and winter spices and an extra portion of malt, their festive Christmas Ale is a tasty alternative to mulled wine, punch and sparkling wine. The seasonal beer specialty is made with crystal-clear water from the brewery's own well and contains hand-picked malts and fine hops from Kent.

Shepherd Neames Christmas Ale presents itself in a warm amber hue in the glass and wears a full crown of airy, lightly tinted foam on its shimmering copper body. The nose perceives notes of rum-infused raisins, dates and syrup before the palate is caressed with a symphony of candied apricots, spicy vanilla, pears, creamy caramel and sherry. A hint of leather and a delicate, harmoniously balanced bitterness round off the Christmas taste experience.