“Continuing our annual tradition of Belgian Christmas Ales, Reverence is a rich and indulgent Belgian-style amber ale. Caramel, toffee and biscuit notes intertwine with delicate notes of dark fruit and spice, creating a smooth, warming complexity that lingers beautifully. Perfect for savouring with friends and family while sharing a feast of Christmas ham and pudding.”

Glassware: Trappist goblet.

Appearance: Hits the glass with an almost light brown – chestnut hue. Topping off with a wispy tan overlay that gradually forms a collar. Struggles to produce much lace.

Aroma: Quite a deep and complex number. Full on malt bomb as to be expected – mostly sweet, candied, bready, rich caramel and toffee. Some tartness which is adding another layer of complexity. The more it warms the more intricate it becomes. The Christmas aspect manifests with a rich and layered Christmas cake quality i.e tart and sweet dark fruits, brandy, warm spices, citrus rind and a cooling herbal note.

Flavour: Well layered but most importantly it’s well balanced. Rich caramel and toffee sweetness reinforced by a cakey brown sugar caramelisation. Dark and doughy breads like pumpernickel and rye integrating with the warm and spicy Christmas cake, dark fruit and brandy-esque alcohols which lead to a decadent finish that draws out for an eternity on the back palate.

Mouthfeel: Slick, gelatinous texture. Soft carbonation, medium body, and a well meshed 7% ABV.

Overall: Slow Lane is one of those Aussie breweries that is ever reliable when it comes to Euro styles. Even with difficult beers to get right (like this one) they still nail it. Kudos Slow Lane!