The Scaldis Noel, from the Brasserie Dubuisson Freres in Leuze-Pipaix, a French speaking region of Belgium, is the American alias for their Bush De Noel. In either case, it’s a big 12% ABV Belgian Strong Dark Ale that is a Christmas seasonal ale. Unfortunately, this beer is as disappointing as it is high in alcohol. All you get is the alcohol on both the nose and in the flavor, and it seems as if the alcohol is actually burning off any flavor the beer might have had. We don't mind a high ABV beer for the winter, even those that don't hide the alcohol burn - as long as there is flavor as well. This beer, however, fails to deliver on all accounts. Maybe some aging would help?