#110 Affligem Noel

Affligem, in the hop growing area of Aalst, is the oldest abbey in Flanders, founded in 1074. It is said that the Benedictine monks of this abbey introduced hops to Belgian brewing. Their brew house was destroyed in World War II and the brew master asked a nearby brewery, Brouwerij De Smedt to brew their beer. Because De Smedt had modern brewing equipment, the abbey s brew master, Friar Tobias tailored the Affligem beers to be brewed the modern way. This is called Formula Antiqua Renovata , (Ancient Recipe Renewed).

The Christmas Ale, brewed once a year is a potent, warming beer, dark and chocolately like the Dubbel, buttery and full of honey like the Tripel. It enters with a creamy, tightly beaded head with Belgian lace and a lovely deep garnet color. The nose, a complex blend of alcohol, malt, subtle hops, spice (cinnamon) and chocolate promises the flavor, which mimics the aroma. It finishes dry, with a hint of chocolate and cinnamon. A wonderful Belgian beer to celebrate the holiday season.

The following is based on the recipe from Beer Captured by Szamatulski.

Ingredients

Steep 155 for 45 minutes
1.75 lb	Belgian Pale Ale Malt
4.0 oz	Aromatic Malt (26.0 SRM)
4.0 oz	Biscuit Malt (26.0 SRM)
2.0 oz	Chocolate Malt
8.0 oz	Cara Munic Malt
2.0 oz	Honey Malt
Boil (60 min Boil)
7 lbs	Extra Pale Extract
1 lbs	Clear Candi Sugar
2 lbs	Extra Light DME
4 oz	Malto Dextrin
60.0 min
0.75 oz	Styrian Golding (some suggest .93 oz)
0.50 oz	Challenger (some suggest adding this at 90 mins instead)
15.0 min
2 lbs	Extra Light DME
0.50 oz	Styrian Golding some suggest 1/8 tsp cinnamon
5.0 min
0.50 oz	Styrian Golding
Fermentation
1.0 pkg	White Labs Trappist Ale 500 WLP545

BV: 9.1%, IBU: 26



Belgian Strong Ale