For us, one of the most exciting things about the holidays is the onslaught of Christmas beers.

No, not the six-pack your uncle with the rosacea nose drinks during the family gift exchange — we're talking big, hearty, holiday ales.

Like Belgians, characterized by a strong, dark malty sweetness offset by a heavy dose of baking spice flavors and heightened alcohol content to help you stay all warm and toasted toasty.

There are variations, of course, including British “winter warmers” and American craft holiday beers.

Here at Barley's, we've brewed our Christmas Ale since 1993. We got to talking about how cool it would be for us to brew TWO Christmas ales in one season. And so we did.

We decided to tip our hats to the wonderful Belgian holiday ales out there. Enter Behjun Noel, our Belgian style holiday ale.

So what's with the name? Pronounced "beh-juhn," it's Belgian with "no ell." Get it? We crack ourselves up.

Barley's Behjun Noel

Style Guidelines: Belgian style holdiay ale

Rotation Schedule: just before Thanksgiving

Food Pairings: Barley's Christmas Ale Ice Cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream! All manner of fowl; standing rib roast; hard cheese; smoked salmon

Body: medium

Color: amber

Yeast: Belgian Abbey

Grain: British pale and crystal

Bittering Hops: Cascade

Finishing Hops: Vanguard

Adjuncts: Belgian candi sugar; fresh orange zest; fresh white ginger; locally sourced raw unfiltered honey; whole cinnamon sticks

Original Gravity: 1.074

IBUs (estimate): 13

Alcohol By Volume: 7.5%

First Tapped: November 17, 2011 at Barley's 19th annual Anniversary Party. The first keg tapped was by Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.

Barley's Brewing Company Ale House No. 1xx 467 North High Street Columbus OH 43215