Beer 196 - St Bernardus Abt 12 Belgian Abbey Ale

Ah it's nice to be back.  My first beer after a four day hiatus suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection which the doctors treated with antibiotics to start with, then a combination sleeping aid/cough suppressant.  Now I'm also back to normal, so it is time to celebrate Nicola and Stephen's new son Austin Graham Morier, born on Thursday January 12th, 2011 in Bathgate, Scotland.

This is a fitting beer with which to celebrate Austin's entry into the world.  Brewed and bottle by Brouwerij St Bernardus NV in Watou, Belgium, bought especially for the occasion at Randall's supermarket near the Galleria, Houston and sipped all night at home in Katy, TX.

web site: http://www.specialtybeer.com/

A delightful beer, the bottle says "Brewery St Bernardus was founded in 1946 in Watou, Province of West Flanders in Belgium.  These exceptional quality ales are brewed by using only the finest malts, local grown hops, yeast and artesian water pumped from a depth of 500 feet..  After the brewing process these traditional ales are matured in tanks for three months before being bottle conditioned.  The result is a naturally carbonated "living ale" which can be aged for up to 15 years and will satisfy the taste of even the most discriminating connoisseurs.  "Bringing heavenly nectar within reach"  Abt 12 - abbey ale brewed in the classic "dubbel" style of Belgium's best Abbey ales.  Serve this noble and wonderfully balanced brown ale at 52-56 deg F in a goblet glass to best enjoy its delicious bouquet. 10% alc/vol"

The beer is, indeed, delightful.  A beautiful brown ale with a nice head in the glass when it is poured, a strong body and nice finish when being drunk and a satisfying light headiness after drinking a bottle on my own with only a small amount of food. Welcome to the world Austin.  You have wonderful parents and doting grandparents to look forward as you grow up.  We all love you.