Remember, Remember... the 6th of December?

December 2010

Every winter sees eager anticipation of the arrival of Samichlaus, a mighty 14% abv lager and a beer which is probably as far removed as possible from what most people perceive a lager to be.

First created in 1980, the Schloss Eggenberg Brewery in Austria only brew Samichlaus on one day each year - the 6th of December, St Nicholas' Day.

A brewing process in which hops are added three times and after fermentation of up to two weeks, Samichlaus is then 'lagered' (essentially, slow secondary fermentation when the beer is stored at low temperature in cold cellars) for the next ten months before it is bottled and served to an eagerly awaiting world.

Immediately you will notice that, unlike pilsner lagers, Samichlaus has a dark, ruby-red colour and delivers an amazing malt aroma, likened to baking bread and toffee.

A true winter beer, Samichlaus is hearty, warming and perfect when served with chocolate desserts or enjoyed as a relaxing after dinner drink, as you would a glass of port.

For a beer which has waited a year to see the light of day, you would expect it to be desperate to get out and be enjoyed, but Samichlaus is well suited to being further aged, with older vintages becoming more complex with a creamy warming finish.

Samichlaus (14% typical abv) is a seasonal beer, available from James Clay in 24 x 33cl bottles and 3.0 litre Jeroboams.

Although a seasonal beer, James Clay are usually able to supply Samichalus throughout the year.

Please contact us on 01422 377 560 to order.