http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/691

Brouwerij de Regenboog ("The Rainbow Brewery") is a tiny artisanal
brewing operation located in Assebroek, a suburb of Brugge, Belgium.
Johan Brandt, a one-man show, started the brewery back in 1995,
producing a mere 30 gallons a week. Today, he's brewing not much more
than that a week, but he's brewing nonstop, and his beers are
apparently sold in nine countries. Luckily, Brandt has plans to make
his life easier and meet demand by investing in a 6 BBL brewhouse
(which can handle over 180 gallons at a time) and a bottling machine.

't Smisje Kerst from Brouwerij de Regenboog in BelgiumJohan, cheers to
you! It's pretty kickass that we can get your beers here in the US.
Actually, it almost doesn't make any sense, but damn, we're lucky and
thankful *******s. Anyway, enough kissin' the brewer's ass; this week,
we're going to explore his winter seasonal release, brewed with
coriander, grains of paradise, and dark candi sugar: 't Smisje Kerst.
Interesting!

The Taste
The 11.2-ounce stubby bottle pours a muddy copper with a creamy and
frothy beige head and sticky retention. Decanted carefully to keep the
dregs (which are plentiful) from pouring out of the bottle. Yeasty,
lightly vegetal, metallic, with a subtle spiciness and sweet alcohol
in the nose. Light on the palate, with a prickly carbonation and
creaminess in its wake. Delicious dark fruitiness of cherries, raisins
and ripe plums. Very malty, with undertones of sweet chocolate, mild
coffee and caramelized sugars. Crisp, dry edge. Spicy alcohol, a
splash of coriander, and a slight tartness that helps tease and tame
the sweetness. Soft, drying, powdery feel in the finish. Incredibly
more-ish-as in, why, yes ... we'd love to have another. And with a very
deceptive 11 percent alcohol by volume, we will.

Final Thoughts
Like many Belgian Christmas and winter releases, this a nice switch
from the stuff brewed for the season here in the US. Complex,
flavorful, layered with many things to ponder, and a dry drinkablity
that brings you back for more. Pairing this with sweets is a bit too
obvious. Try a fig-and-'t Smisje Kerst reduction, and drizzle it over
a nice stinky blue cheese.

Also keep an eye out for these other beers from Brouwerij de
Regenboog: 't Smisje BBBourgondier, 't Smisje Blond, 't Smisje Calva
Reserva, 't Smisje Dubbel, Guido, Vuuve and the famous mustard beer,
Wostyntje. All are imported by B. United International.

More from B. United: bunitedint.com

Respect Beer.