Tasting Notes – Noorvic Hivern’Ale
1. General Information
• Style: Winter Ale
• Fermentation: Mixed (Abbey yeast – LalBrew)
• Method: All-grain
• Alcohol: 7.6% ABV
• Original Gravity: 1.072
• Final Gravity: 1.014
• Color: 30 EBC (deep amber)
• Bitterness: 19 IBU
2. Summary:
Winter had better watch out with the Nøørvic Christmas collection! Its cozy warmth, heady
spices, and bright citrus notes are the perfect match for slow-braised meats, holiday desserts,
or simply an evening by the fire.
3. Sensory Profile
Appearance
• Color: Deep amber, with ruby-red highlights shifting into copper-brown.
• Head: Fine, light beige, creamy, with lasting retention.
• Clarity: Bright to lightly hazy depending on the pour, with a nice sheen.
Aroma
• First impression: Bold spice aromatics: candied orange peel, fresh cinnamon, and a hint
of nutmeg.
• Second impression: Warm malt notes: caramel, biscuit, toasted bread, and a light roast
edge (chocolate malt).
• Fruity: Subtle fermentation esters (pear, plum) typical of Abbey yeast.
Palate
• First sip: Round and smooth without feeling heavy, with a well-balanced interplay of sweetness
and spice.
• Mid-palate: Biscuity malt, dark caramel, and gingerbread, finished with a light touch of chocolate.
• Finish: Lingering spices, a gentle alcoholic warmth, and moderate, well-integrated bitterness
(Cascade/Challenger).
• Body: Medium to full, with a supple mouthfeel.
• Carbonation: Medium-low, suited to the beer’s rounded character.
4. Key Ingredients
• Malts:
o Pilsner 2RP (neutral base)
o Biscuit, Melanoidin, and Crystal (complexity, caramel, toasted bread)
o Chocolate (depth, color, a hint of roast)
• Hops:
o Challenger (smooth and well-rounded bitterness)
o Cascade (floral notes with a light citrus lift)
• Spices:
o Sweet orange peel, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg (classic for a balanced,
cozy Christmas beer)
• Yeast:
o LalBrew Abbaye : Belgian character, lightly estery, moderately dry, with
5. Food & Beer Pairings
• Slow-braised dishes, spiced pot-au-feu
• Blue or aged cheeses (Blue, aged Comté)
• Desserts: gingerbread, dried-fruit tarts, dark chocolate
• Best moment: A year-end beer, served lightly cellar-warmed (10–12 °C), perfect for holiday
meals, Christmas markets or cozy nights by the fire.
6. Ratings:
• Bitterness: 2/6
• Aroma: 5/6
• Body: 5/6