Castelain, Ch'ti Ambree, 5.9% ABV
A delicious dark- to mid-golden French beer that just oozes down. It’s full-bodied with a minimal amount of fizz. The head is creamy and readily forms attractive lacing. A sweet brew, the malt in it’s taste give it a caramel flavour, with some bitterness, giving way to toffee, and increased sugariness in the finish. The texture is somewhat bitter, and the bouquet is that of malt and caramel. Some non-intrusive undertones of cherries prevail. The word “CH’TI” is an abbreviation of the French “C’est toi”, meaning, “It’s you.” (Don’t ask me why.) This is arguably the best Ch’ti in the range – a clean and inviting beer from the land of the Tricolore.
Castelain, Ch'ti Cuvee de Noel, 7.5% ABV
I was pleasantly surprised to find a Christmas beer from the Ch’ti range. I certainly don’t think this one’s the best Ch’ti, but it’s cracking nevertheless, with a delicious sweet character, accentuated in the taste, producing a sugary feel on the palate in the finish. A warming mouthfeel is preceded by scents of pure alcohol strength. It has moderate carbonation, giving way to a smooth head and patchy wisps of lacing. Full-bodied and ideal for the festive season. What a great present this would make!
As well as France's Castelain Ch'ti Ambree and Ch'ti Cuvee de Noel beers, check out the other French beers, or browse the world beers section.