The trees are bare, the beautiful color palette of the leaves is gone and the number of hours of light in a day has decreased drastically. King Winter is in the country and the Christmas season is just around the corner. Time to put together the Christmas dinner or simply to spoil yourself with a winter dish in combination with a winter beer.
During the winter period, numerous breweries come up with a special beer for the Christmas period. The brewers eagerly use winter spices such as cinnamon, liquorice, anise and thyme. Often these types of Christmas beers are also dark beers with a relatively high alcohol percentage.
At Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck we have several beers that meet these conditions. That is why we go a step further and introduce you to five beers that go perfectly with winter dishes. From snacks and appetizers to dessert: we have a beer for every meal. It’s up to you to test and approve them!
# 1 Cuvée du Château and cheese
Anyone who likes a beer with a story will certainly appreciate a Cuvée du Château. The recipe for this specialty beer was discovered after our CEO and brewmaster came across the taste of a decade matured Kasteel Donker. The notes of roasted and caramelized malts go well with spicy cheeses. Planning a cheese and beer evening soon?
# 2 Castle Rouge and pâté
Although Kasteel Rouge is a fruity beer that you rather drink on a sunny terrace, it is also a strong beer that surprises with a high food pairing content. For example, start this year’s Christmas dinner with grilled brioche with pâté and serve this starter with a glass of Kasteel Rouge. The sweet taste of cherries works very well in combination with this classic!
# 3 Kasteel Donker and pork cheeks
Kasteel Donker is a dark beer that offers clear notes of caramel, coffee and chocolate. The sweet attack changes into a beer with a full-bodied taste. And that taste goes perfectly with pork cheeks. In our restaurant we even braise this typical Belgian dish in Kasteel Donker and the result is to lick your fingers and thumbs!
# 4 Castle Tripel and Dover Sole
Our Kasteel Tripel contains notes of cloves and aroma hops, resulting in a soft bitter aftertaste. This makes our Kasteel Tripel a beer that tastes good for every type of occasion. During a dinner, our triple forms a successful marriage with fish dishes. Serve your guests a Kasteel Tripel with a sole à l’Ostendaise. Bet you will amaze everyone with this food pairing?
# 5 Barista Chocolate Quad and chocolate
Caramel, toffee and chocolate. These flavors scream winter and are therefore united in the Barista Chocolate Quad. This type of chocolate beer leans towards a British stout and offers clear aromas of coffee. This winter, leave out the coffee and serve a glass of Barista with a praline or piece of chocolate fudge as an alternative to an extensive dessert.
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