It seems Christmas and related promotions move further and further away from December each year.

Shortly after (or sometimes in the days leading up to) Halloween, pharmacies, grocery stores, restaurants and many other businesses begin to flaunt once-a-year specials, festive items and other holiday memorabilia.

But no matter how many cheap trinkets and advertisements Athenians are exposed to over the next several weeks, it is important not to become discouraged or even pessimistic in regards to the holiday season.

This is because the extraneous Christmas promotion has expanded to high-quality Christmas ales.

Although “Stille Nacht” is released during winter, Belgian beer fanatics will be pleased to learn this prestigious ale has already become available in Athens.

Brewed by De Dolle Brewers of Essen, Belgium, “Stille Nacht” is one of the most unusual ales of its kind.

One will notice an interesting combination of caramel malts and citrus flavors, as well as a distinct, warm alcohol finish when drinking the beer.

Because it is a dense Belgian ale, one would imagine the taste to be very sweet. However, the choice of hops gives an important bitter characteristic which balances the ale’s flavor. As the beer flows down the palate, the taste is complemented by an acidic essence from the initial fermentation.

This beer is far from being one of the less expensive deals in Athens. At $9 a bottle, its price may turn away many beer drinkers. Regardless, this is one of the most cleverly balanced and unique beers in the world, and Athenians have access to it.