What’s Old Is New, What’s New Is…

Brouwerij Het Anker, situated in Mechelen, Belgium (since 1369), produces a number of elegant, award-winning gourmet beers, including our first offering Gouden Carolus Classic: A strong (8.5% alc), dark brown ale with ruby-red reflections, a collar of fine, delicate Belgian bubbles, that is a delight to the eyes. Aromas of hazelnuts, caramel, and molasses permeate the air, even as you pour. Meanwhile the complex flavours, rich and lingering- sweet dried dates, blackberry, raisins- tickle the palate to a very pleasant end. “Good cheer resulted from imbibing during Emperor Charles Quint’s hunting parties.” Available at the SAQ at $3.35/330ml it would fare well with game meats, terrines, pates, as well as brie or camembert.

For our second round, we come back to Quebec, and another in the line of “Vache Folle” beers from Charlevoix microbrewery (est.1998) in Baie-St-Paul. This one is called Columbus Double IPA, aptly named for the American hops utilized, which impart “an incomparable fruitiness” and a staunch aroma of citrus overall, a sweet bitter combination that is complete, well-balanced malty entity, begging for a second helping. The taste disguises the high (9%) alcohol content, but the after-taste has staying power. Available at specialty depanneurs etc… at $4.69 to 5.49, a well-worthwhile purchase for any discernable adventurous beer aficionado.

Beer news: with the “cellier” autumn 2010 edition from the SAQ (available as of Thursday, September 2nd), comes good news for beer lovers with open-minded taste buds. There are twelve recent acquisitions six of which I have already reviewed. The remaining sextet include Gouden Carolus Classic (reviewed today); St. Bernadus ABT 12; Trappiste Rochefort 8 (Belgium); Estrella Inedit (Spain); L’Affroliante & La Stout Ghosttown (Quebec).

Just a reminder-next weekend’s “Oktoberfest des Quebecois” (5th edition) runs from Friday, September 10th to Sunday, the 12th, 2010, in Mascouche. Somewhere between 35,000 and 50,000 revellers are expected at “L’étang-du-Grand-Coteau” Park (only 20-25 minutes from Montreal).

Signing off,

The Bugler (beer ambassador)