December 22nd and this is what was in my two X-mas calendars:

The Great Mikkeller X-mas Calendar

Riesling People by Mikkeller - Citrus, and riesling in the nose with a tiny hint of pine. Taste is riesling and citrus with nice wine-like acidity. The feeling when drinking this beer is refreshment and summertime in the sun. The juicy fruity flavors make me long for summer and the nordic light. This time of year - and especially today when it's solstice - summer is very far away. This beer is so much summer in a bottle.

My wife's homemade X-mas calendar

Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused by Brouwerij Het Anker - Aroma is so much like the incredible Gouden Carolus Cuvée van de Keizer Imperial Dark but with a slight note of the added Gouden Carolus Single Malt whisky - it's bread, plum, raisin, sugar, and some chocolate. Taste is amazingly balanced velvety creamy Belgian strong dark ale with fruity notes of plum, raisin, vanilla, oak, and chocolate. This is surely a beer for the Emporer.

No doubt that Riesling People is a tasty beer but today it is nothing against Gouden Carolus Whisky Infused! The balance and everything else is just perfect in this Belgian marvel! This is what beer is supposed to be - pure enjoyment! If I could choose only one beer for the rest of my life, this one would definitely be a contender. If you have the chance at some point, treat yourself a visit to Brouwerij Het Anker in Mechelen in Belgium. The brewery and their B&B is so much worth a visit.

All through December, I'm opening my two X-mas beer calendars. The two calendars are The Great Mikkeller X-mas Calendar and my wife's homemade X-mas calendar.

See you tomorrow!