Here’s an interesting beer I came across at Craftshack.com, and by came across I mean, I bought it: Tsjeeses Reserva Belgian Christmas Ale Bourbon Barrel Aged. Just saying that makes my mouth water! Tsjeeses Reserva is brewed by De Struise Brouwers, a small brewery in Oostvleteren, part of West Flanders. Oost is East, and Oostvleteren is very close indeed to Westvleteren, home to a beer of worldwide repute.

Tsjeeses Reserva is imported in the USA by Shelton Brothers, and on their website they describe this beer as follows:

A special barrel aged version of Tsjeeses, aged this year in bourbon barrels.

Ok, so what do they have to say about Tsjeeses?

The Tjeeses is a strong, blond, winter beer with a fluffy white head and elegant aroma. It has flavors of dried fruits, spices, refreshing herbs and noble hops.

This beer is strong, complex, and fairly dry, with an expressive body and nice afterglow.

Yes, this beer is strong at 10% alcohol by volume. A sipper for sure. It is not blonde, though. I assume the barrel aging has leant it the dark hue that I observed in my glass. Interestingly, the label calls this a Dark Golden XMAS Ale. How can an ale be dark and golden? I will accept that is a golden ale that they have made dark in bourbon barrels.

I also noticed that my bottle is marked as vintage 2014, with a bottling date of 09/11/2016. Likely, it spent a few years in bourbon barrels, then a few more in the bottle before finally being released. I paid $8.54 for my 11.2 ounce bottle from Craftshack, not much more than the $7.99 Total Wine sells it for. Just not here in Georgia.

Tsjeeses Reserva Belgian Christmas Ale Bourbon Barrel Aged pours to a muddy russet color with a thin head of foam and a big boozy dark fruity nose I could smell as soon as I popped the cap. Indeed, I could smell it from a distance after I poured into my glass and took photos for your enjoyment.

Taking a sip, the beer is full in body, very dark fruity with raisin and plum, bright candied citrus peel, hints of spice, and boozy on into the warming alcohol finish. Chocolate, booze soaked plum pudding and fruitcake come to mind, and a smidgeon of funky yeast appears.

Absolutely magnificent, and one of the very best beers of 2020 for certain. I would jump through hoops to buy this beer again. You should, too.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

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