Looking around at so many of the Christmas-themed beer releases, you’d be forgiven for baulking at the thought of tucking into a Christmas pudding-themed beer full of warming spices and booze when you’re at the constant threat of succumbing to hyperthermia induced delirium and unconsciousness. But, if you’re like me, you just can’t entirely shake the urge to stick with the northern hemisphere Christmas traditions.
Obviously, the perfect Christmas lunch beer is a dry and lively French/Belgian saison (and I’ll fight anyone who says otherwise) but, when the day is winding down, it’s time to bring out the big guns – weather and climate be damned!
Slow Lane have once again delivered a perfect Christmas beer that wouldn’t go astray at almost any other time of year. Reunion has been labelled as an oaked Christmas ale but, in reality, this is Slow Lane’s classic Belgian dark strong ale Solitude aged in barrel for 12 months. There’s no addition of pudding-esque spices, pine needles or rum, the classic Belgian style itself is more than Christmassy enough.
Reunion pours a deep brick red with a thick but short-lived tan head that bursts with bubblegum, golden syrup and oak. The extra barrel-ageing has added to an already complex malt structure. There’s still all the dark fruit, muscovado sugar, allspice and cloves but it’s now overlaid with cherries, vanilla, a slightly tannic finish and a solid bitterness.
Yes, Christmas has come and gone but don’t be put off by the name: Reunion is a beautiful Belgian dark strong ale that’s more than capable of being thoroughly enjoyed at any time.
Judd Owen
Published January 11, 2024 2024-01-11 00:00:00
