Brasserie Castelain is located in the north of France not far from the Belgium border, and has been brewing beer since 1926, focusing on (mostly) traditional styles. One of the hallmarks of the Castelain beers is fermentation and a six week conditioning period with lager yeast, lending a smooth and clean quality to the finished brews. The brewery releases beers under several brands, including Ch’Ti, and today’s Advent beer pick is Ch’Ti de Noël, a Christmastime Bière de Garde first released in 1978.

In Flanders and Artois, during August and September, it is traditional to brew a special beer to warm the body and spirit during the festive season. In the past, brewers would offer this festive beer to their customers as a reward for their loyalty.

But times have changed. Every year since 1978, our brewer has been given free rein to use all his expertise and create a rich, delicious, warm and festive beer.

After brewing and fermentation, CH’TI beers is kept for long weeks in storage tanks. In the calm and cool (0°C) environment, the beer matures, develops a finer taste, perfects its aroma and acquires its natural and characteristic sparkles. It is here also that the beer obtains its balance, finesse and gleam.

The beer is 7.5% ABV and is brewed with four malts—barley, wheat, amber, and chocolate malt. The brewery adds bitter orange peel at the end of the boil for a touch of citrus and a holiday note. It’s a special beer that will have you saying joyeux Noël as you pop a bottle open.

Find Brasserie Castelain Ch’Ti de Noël on:

• Untappd
• BeerAdvocate
• RateBeer
• Facebook

Image credits: Top image, Castelain’s Facebook page; other, website