The holiday season is often associated with indulging in festive foods and drinks, and beer is no exception. In both the United States and Belgium, breweries release special holiday or Christmas beers that are often only available for a limited time. While both American holiday beers and Belgian Christmas beers aim to capture the spirit of the season, there are some notable differences between the two.

American holiday beers tend to be more focused on spice and sweetness, with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger commonly featured. One example is the Samuel Adams Winter Lager, which is brewed with cinnamon and ginger for a warm, festive flavor. Another example is the Great Lakes Christmas Ale, which features honey, cinnamon, and ginger, and is often described as a “liquid Christmas cookie.”

Belgian Christmas beers, on the other hand, tend to be more complex and nuanced, with a focus on dark, rich flavors like caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. Belgian Christmas beers often have a higher alcohol content, adding to their rich, warming qualities. One example is the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, which has a complex flavor profile of figs, raisins, and caramel, with a warming finish. Another example is the Delirium Noël, which has notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spices, and a smooth, creamy texture.

One of the reasons for the differences in American and Belgian holiday beers can be attributed to their brewing traditions. American breweries tend to use ales as their base beer for holiday or Christmas beers, while Belgian breweries often use strong dark ales or quadrupels. Belgian brewers also tend to use a wide range of ingredients, including spices, fruits, and herbs, to add complexity to their beers.

Another notable difference is the packaging of American holiday beers versus Belgian Christmas beers. American holiday beers are often sold in six-packs or larger bottles, while Belgian Christmas beers are typically sold in large-format bottles, often with cork and cage closures. The larger format allows for aging and further development of flavors, adding to the complexity of the beer.

In terms of food pairings, American holiday beers often pair well with rich, hearty foods like roasted meats and stews, while Belgian Christmas beers are often paired with sweeter, dessert-like foods like chocolate or fruitcake.

American holiday beers often feature prominent flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making them spicy and sweet. One such example is the Anchor Christmas Ale, a perennial favorite that has been brewed since 1975. Each year’s edition features a unique recipe and label, but the beer is always a dark, spicy ale with flavors of chocolate, cinnamon, and cloves. The 2021 edition of the Anchor Christmas Ale features a warming, nutty flavor with notes of brown sugar and vanilla.

Another popular American holiday beer is the Great Lakes Christmas Ale, which is brewed with honey, cinnamon, and ginger. The beer is often described as a “liquid Christmas cookie,” with a sweet, spicy flavor and a smooth finish. The 2021 edition of the Great Lakes Christmas Ale features a balanced blend of cinnamon, ginger, and honey, with a hint of nutmeg on the finish.

In contrast, Belgian Christmas beers tend to be more complex and nuanced, with a focus on dark, rich flavors like caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. One such example is the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, a Belgian quad that has been brewed since 1946. The beer has a complex flavor profile of figs, raisins, and caramel, with a warming finish. The 2021 edition of the St. Bernardus Christmas Ale has notes of dark fruit and molasses, with a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.

Another Belgian Christmas beer that is widely celebrated is the Delirium Noël, which has notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spices. The beer has a smooth, creamy texture and a warming finish, making it perfect for sipping on a cold winter’s night. The 2021 edition of the Delirium Noël features a rich, sweet flavor with notes of toffee and cinnamon.

When it comes to food pairings, American holiday beers often pair well with rich, hearty foods like roasted meats and stews, while Belgian Christmas beers are often paired with sweeter, dessert-like foods like chocolate or fruitcake. The spicy, sweet flavors of American holiday beers complement savory dishes, while the complex, nuanced flavors of Belgian Christmas beers pair well with sweet desserts.

In terms of ageability, Belgian beers especially those with alcohol levels over 10% have long windows for ageing some up to 10 years others even 12 years, such as the Gouden Carolus Noel.

In conclusion, both American holiday beers and Belgian Christmas beers offer unique experiences for beer lovers during the holiday season. American holiday beers tend to be spicy and sweet, while Belgian Christmas beers are more complex and nuanced with a focus on dark, rich flavors. No matter which style you prefer, there’s no denying that a festive beer is the perfect way to celebrate the season. -Peter Ronen

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