Christmas beers are one of the most fascinating brewing traditions in Europe. Born as special productions dedicated to the holidays, with richer and more varied recipes, they have their roots in the habits of brewers who, at the end of the year, thought of something special to give as a gift to customers, collaborators, and friends.
In Belgium, these beers are known as Kerstbier, while in the United Kingdom – and also in modern brewing jargon – they are called Winter Warmer, maltier, warmer, and softer. Today, Christmas beer has become an unmissable event for enthusiasts and craft breweries, who reinterpret the tradition every year with new recipes, ingredients, and flavor intensities.
Belgian Christmas beers: the homeland of Kerstbier
If there is one country that has preserved and enhanced the tradition of Christmas beers, it is undoubtedly Belgium. Here, Kerstbier represents a true institution: complex, powerful, warm, and often characterized by spicy notes, candied sugar, dried fruit, and elegant hopping.
Here are the main Belgian icons still produced today and beloved by enthusiasts.
Stille Nacht – De Dolle Brouwers
One of the most famous Christmas beers in the world. Stille Nacht is deeply Belgian: rich golden color, high density, plenty of candied sugar, and pronounced hopping. Warm and complex, it smells of ripe fruit, honey, and spices; it is a true legend.
Avec Les Bons Vœux – Brasserie Dupont
Born as a thank-you beer for the most loyal customers, today it is one of the most refined kerstbier ever. A powerful, dry, and elegant Super Saison, also available in the impressive 1.5L magnum format. Peppery, citrus notes and an incredible balance: a beer that embodies Belgian excellence.
Père Noël – De Ranke
An unconventional Christmas beer, with De Ranke’s typical hoppy touch. Less sweet than classic Belgian beers, drier and more bitter, Père Noël is perfect for those looking for a modern, fresh, spicy Kerstbier with a decidedly dry finish.
Cuvée Meilleurs Vœux – Brasserie de Rulles
A beer that combines Belgian tradition and modern sensibility. Smooth, balanced, with a rich and rounded malt profile, Meilleurs Vœux is an ideal companion for winter meals: warm and convivial.
Winter Mess – Brasserie de la Senne
The “Bruxelloise” vision of Christmas beers: dry, balanced, rustic, and spicy. A beer with less alcohol and more drinkable than classic Kerstbier, perfect for those who love the clean and distinctive style of Senne.
Italian Christmas beers: creativity and festive spirit
The Italian craft beer scene has developed over the years an increasingly strong relationship with Christmas beers, reinterpreting European tradition with creativity, local ingredients, and a contemporary touch. On Maltese you’ll find several unique and surprising interpretations.
Pan de Toni – Birrificio WAR
One of the youngest Italian Christmas beers, born in 2024. Inspired by panettone and produced with the addition of vanilla, raisins, orange, and candied citron, Pan de Toni is warm, smooth, perfect for desserts and festive evenings.
Mare Christmas – EDIT
An intense and aromatic Christmas beer, elegant and modern, where spices blend with a full and enveloping body. Perfect for those seeking a balanced but not trivial Christmas experience.
Babbo Natale is Dead – Calibro 22
Provocative name and beer with a strong character: this is an Imperial Milk Stout, dark, chocolaty, and velvety, with a strong personality that does not go unnoticed. An out-of-the-box Christmas beer, perfect for curious enthusiasts.
Noelia – Birra Gaia
An intense, elegant, and wintery beer, with a complex and soft aromatic profile. Noelia is designed to be savored slowly, in front of a fireplace or during festive dinners.
Call Me Claus – Birra dell’Eremo
The Christmas vision of the Umbrian brewery: spicy, refined, soft but with surprising drinkability. A versatile beer, for aperitif or after dinner.
A te e Famiglia – Birrificio Altotevere
An ideal beer for the Christmas table: deep, enveloping, and convivial. Perfect to share, as the name suggests, with the whole family.
Noël Orange and Cocoa – Baladin
Baladin offers a Christmas beer that combines orange and cocoa, typical holiday ingredients. The result is warm, fragrant, elegant, with a pleasant softness. Also available in magnum format.
Le Jour de Noël – Birrificio Sabino
A beer that looks to Belgian tradition but with an Italian touch. Full-bodied, spicy, and long-lasting, Le Jour de Noël is perfect to accompany desserts, cheeses, and convivial moments.
A tradition that continues to warm the winter
Christmas beers, from the historic Belgian Kerstbier to modern Italian interpretations, represent the warmest, most convivial, and charming part of winter. Spices, candied sugars, rich aromas, and full bodies make every bottle a small festive ritual.
Whether you choose a Belgian icon or an Italian creation, the Christmas beers available on Maltese are the perfect opportunity to discover new flavors and celebrate the holidays in style… with a glass full of Christmas spirit.
