Did you know the Principality of Monaco only has one brewery? The Brasserie de Monaco produces over 100,000 liters of beer annually, with a regular lineup consisting of Ambrée (pale to amber ale), Blanche (witbier), and Blonde (lager), and for the yuletide season it also brews a Christmas beer with its Bière de Noël, today’s Advent selection.

While details on the ale are a bit sparse, brewer Valentin Kuhn told Radio Monaco that, “It’s a dark beer with comforting aromas that make you think of Christmas, such as chestnuts, caramel and coffee.” The press kit says, “This roasted malt brown ale serves up smoky notes of coffee and chocolate with a wintery bite of spice, juniper berry and pink pepper.”

That certainly sounds like it’s brewed with spices, possibly with a bit of Belgian or even Scandinavian flair. Bière de Noël is 6% alcohol by volume and is sure to liven up your holiday. Cheers!

Find Monaco Bière de Noël on:

• Untappd
• Facebook

Image credit: Brasserie de Monaco’s press release.