spekulka 17

Speculoos are cookies that should not be missing from any coffee table during Advent. In addition to a truckload of butter, the shortcrust pastry contains a whole lot of Christmas spices and is roughly the shape and size of a conventional playing card. The relief-like pattern that traditionally runs across the surface of the speculoos is unusual. Using a wooden model, different motifs are pressed into the dough before it is baked. The illustrations vary depending on the region and show Christmas scenarios, landscapes, animals or ornaments. Because speculoos is a tradition not only in Germany, but also in Belgium and the Netherlands, the spice cookies are also available in the shape of a windmill.

And because there are fans of speculoos all over the world, it is also available in beer form. The Czech Pivovar Zichovec, for example, has a seasonal winter beer in its range that tastes just like the pastry thanks to the typical Spekulatius spice mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, star anise and nutmeg.

The basis for the liquid biscuit is a brown ale that was created with a select selection of malts. The grain provides a full-bodied fullness, a velvety-soft texture and the taste of oven-fresh cookies and sun-ripened grain. A single type of hop contributes a delicate bitterness that skilfully offsets the powerful sweetness of the beer.

If you are looking for a drink for the next Advent Sunday, Spekulka 17 is exactly the right choice!