Rainy afternoon at CML(F)

Since it's been raining non-stop in Brussels for about, oh, seven years, Bob and I decided to quench our post-ark-building thirst down at Chez Moeder Lambic (Fontainas), where we tried three new Christmas beers.

Zinnebier Xmas is a lovely brew: dark, with burnt caramel, strong hop, and fine carbonation. Bittersweet and yummy. Another one from Brasserie de la Senne Brewery, Yvan de Baets has another winner here.

Goliath Christmas comes from the Brasserie des Geants, offering low -- maybe, no -- carbonation and strong notes of pine resin. Unusual. Tasty.

Val-Dieu Noël is lighter in colour than you might expect from a Christmas Belgian ale, and it overwhelms you with a whomping aroma of rye bread. The taste follows in the same suit.

"It's like drinking pumpernickel", said Bob. It's got a slight candycane note, too. Also unusual. Also tasty.

So, in all, I think we're set for the holiday season. Let it rain, let it rain. let it rain.

"Isn't it a bit early for Christmas?", Fiona asked when we got back.

"Um, no."