Black and Gold, New and Old

Warsteiner Bauerei Haus Cramer KG (est. circa 1754), Warstein, Rhenanie, Westphalia-North, Germany, produces Warsteiner Premium Dunkel, using the following ingredients: “brewing water, selected roasted barley malt, and hop extract” (label). Upon pouring, we notice a fine beige head accompanied by a dark amber-brown, translucent body, with ruby highlights. Aromas include burnt coffee beans, chocolate, and sour cherries, while finely roasted melt, melted carob and brown rum tickle the tastebuds.The brewery also makes the Warsteiner Premium Verum Pilsner, which is available in some grocery stores and depanneurs in 33ml bottles and/or 500 ml cans. Warsteiner is a major sponsor for teams in the German Bundesliga (soccer league). The “Dunkel” is saq available at $2.55/500ml can with 4.8% alcohol. It is ideal for delicatessen meats, sausages and smokey cheeses. Final note from the side panel: “A queen among beers”.

Brasseur Illimités (founded in 2009) is located in St. Eustache, Québec, has come out with a mysterious, experimental beer, tentatively identified as Project Red Beta #5, always up for a challenge, I filled my beer mug with most of the contents of two 12 oz bottles. Tiny bubbled froth tops a slightly cloudy blond liquid, similar to Belgian blondes. On the nose, there is a clean, yet salty, hoppy breeze, like an ocean mist, while the taste is bitter, acidic, but balanced with citrus fruit and honey mead flavours. At 5.5% alcohol, I’ve only found it at Fromagerie Atwater at $1.39 each. I can envision this with creamy brie or camembert cheeses, as well as chicken in lemon-lime cream-wine sauce with pasta. Passing comment: the bottle cap lists “twist” instructions in different languages, but I finally had to use a bottle opener.

A reminder: Festibière de Québec is coming up soon: August 18^th-21^st, open 11 AM to 11 PM Thursday-Saturday, 11 AM to 8 PM Sunday- free admission Québec City Old Port 40oth anniversary area.

Another beer festival to announce: Oktoberfest en Couleurs – Ste Adèle, October 1stand and. Festivities start at 1 both days, (Claude-Henri-Grignon Park) – free admission.

Now you’re up-to-date,

Drink easy,

The Bugler,

(Beer Ambassador)

Beer Routes Lead Us To Refreshment

The microbrewery Maître Brasseur (Master Brewer) has been producing award-winning beers since 2006, with chief brewer Pascal Desbiens capturing over 20 medals/awards locally and internationally. The first few years produced at least a dozen varieties under their flagship MB (and AMB) emblems as well as a number of private brews for Fromagerie Atwater, and some depanneurs. Their Scotch Ale Impériale (as well as the “Blonde Belge” and “Champenoise”, which were all previously available in 12 ounce bottles in mixed-packs) is now distributed in the 750-ml bottle format. Molasses and salt-water taffy on the nose, with a butter-caramel and dark chocolate creamy mouth-feel, very dark brown with ruby red edges, a soft brown foam tops the beauty of the presentation. Moderately priced between $3.99 and 5.29/750 ml bottle, at specialty grocery, depanneurs and cheese shop, etc…, accentuated barbecued veal chop, poached mushrooms and dried onion- kimmel bread very well.

Summer is a superb time to savour lighter wheat beers (weissbiers). The Valentins Premim Hefe Weissbier (Hefetrub) is brewed by Privat Baueres Eichbaum in Manheim, Germany, under the Reinheitsgebot (Bavarian purity law of 1516). Blonde, troubled, inviting body with a fine creamy, white bubbly foam. Citrus apricot, and wheat aromas, with lemon-lime acidity, sweet peach, and cooked oatmeal taste, followed by a silky-smooth after-taste. SAQ available since June 2nd, 2011 in 500-ml cans (5.3% alc.) for $2.50 ea. Camembert, Brie and nut- encrusted cheeses, as well as seafood-fish cream-sauce pasta or rice would go well.

Keep refreshed,

The Bugler

(Beer Ambassador)

Not So Short, But Definitely Sweet

Weisses Bräuhaus Georg Schneider & Sohn is located in Kelheim, Bavaria, Germany, (North of Munich, on the Danube River) in a building that has been a brewing facility since 1607 A.D..  We have reviewed Schneider Weiss and Aventinus in the past, so more history can be found there.  They also produce Aventinus Eisbock (at 12% alcohol), which may be available as a private import. The Schneider Brocklyner Hopfen-Weisse is in stock, being a collaboration between brew makers Hans-Peter Drexler (Schneider) and Garrett Oliver (Brookly Brewery), a pale, cloudy, tan Weisse-Bock using Hallertaner-Saphir hops, with a silvery–white tiny bubbles head.  A flowery hop nose, with sweet, nutty, citrus aromas, leads the way towards caramel, banana, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange-lemon zest flavours. SAQ available since Monday, May 2nd, 2011 at $3.70/500ml and a balanced 8.2% alcohol, we enjoyed it with homemade pizza, but it also compliments breads, kimmel and onion, cheese and poppyseed, walnut and dried fruit, along with cheese and cold cuts seeming to be another possibility.

Back to Québec (Granby), the Microbrasserie Le Grimoire has existed since 2004, producing a variety of interesting ales and lagers.  The limited edition Deserables is a maple syrup beer, with a lack of shyness regarding the sweet nectar of which our province produces 80% of the world’s output.  The air succumbs to sugary maple taffy, as soon as the bottle is uncapped, which continues after pouring, almost to the point of filling the room with the pleasant odour.  The mouth feel is creamy, with malt and maple syrup blending in a rich, satisfying climax, with a clean, crisp after taste.  Amber, with ruby and orange tinges, and with a beige foam, this went well with Easter ham and roast veal with mushrooms.  Congratulations on a beer that finally has the accent of Quebec’s spring delight, with a less than subtle maple syrup highlight.  At 8.2% alcohol, and priced between $4.99 and $6.49/660ml bottle, it is available at specialty shops.

Do not miss either of these!

As always,

The Bugler

(Beer Ambassador)

Two Imports For Your Enjoyment

Cold days are upon us and we find ourselves cocooning; an excellent time to sip our favourite beverages. England has provided the world with some fine brews throughout the ages. Boddingtons Pub Ale established in 1778 is an excellent example of a cream ale, now available from Inbev UK LTD, Luton, England. It has a pale=gold body which eventually appears once the creamy white foam incorporates itself into the liquid. Malty aromas meld with bittersweet hoppiness, while the taste is smooth, milky, refreshing, and has very little gas. It is distributed in most grocery stores, dépanneurs, and specialty shops in 440 ml cans, at 4.7% alcohol, with prices varying from $2.29-$2.99 each. Maybe we should have traditional British dishes of bangers and mash, fish and chips, or stilton cheese to complete the experience.

Staying on the other side of the Atlantic, Kostritzer Schwapzbier has existed since 1543. Brewed in bad Kostritz, Thuringen, Germany, it is dark black-brown in colour, with a brown head. The nose is coffee-caramel and smoke, with a mouth savouring on espresso, dark chocolate, and toffee. The major grocery chains, cornerstores, etc… will carry this 500 ml can, with 4.8% alcohol, at $1.99 to $3.09 each. Sausages, steaks, and roasts combine well with this wonderful and filling black lager beer.

Next week, we will balance the reviews with two local (Quebec) beers, and some news.

Believe in beer,

The Bugler (Beer Ambassador)

New Beer(s) For The New Year!

The SAQ’s latest offering is Hacker-Pschorr Munchener Gold Edel Hell (the Helles style is the Bavarian equivalent of the Czech Republic’s Pilsner) from Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The Hacker brewery dates from 1417, but became Hacker-Pschorr when Joseph Pschorr married Maria Theresia Hacker in 1793. In 1820, he undertook the building of huge cellars providing space for keeping the beers cool and fresh all year long, this method of maturing is called lagering (In German, “Lager” means “To store”), which results in slower fermentation. The body is a clear, golden yellow, with a flowing white head. The odours are malty, woody, and bready,with flavours of cereal, banana and subdued spice, followed by a clean, dry aftertaste. It sells for $3.00 per 500 ml bottle and has 5.5% alcohol. Accompanied pasta with meat sauce well and would serve well with sausages and strong cheeses.

Closer to home, les Trios Mousquétaires micro-brewery, in Brossard (est.2004), brings us Weizenbock Grande Cuvee (Winter 2011), an extra strong (10.3%) beer. Weizenbocks, by definition wheat beers with heavy alcohol content, are inspired by Germany’s long, cold winters. This one is dark brown, cloudy, and provides beige foam. Aromas are fruity-black cherry, blackberry, and plum, topped off with dark chocolate, while the taste is sweet-candied fruit, caramel, raisins and even sugary coffee. Price will range between $6.49 to $7.99 at distinctive outlets. One of those beers you should share on cool nights with friends and family, along with blue cheese, rich breads, and pates.

There will be more beers to sample.

The Bugler (Beer Ambassador)

Beer Gift Ideas And Weekly Reviews

Some breweries are making an effort to facilitate gift-giving and home entertaining for the holidays.  R.J. Brewery has a ten-pack (five different beers – two of each) with Canon as the highlight; McAuslan duplicates the format with their Scotch Ale in the starring role (previously, only available on tap); Sleeman has a case of twelve (four beers – three of each), with their wonderful Porter making a comeback (note: we would have preferred Honey Brown, instead of the Cream Ale or the Silver Creek Lager); Unibroue winds up the offerings, so far, with the Chambly mix, Blanche, Noir, Blonde (four of each), a mild disappointment considering their variety packs of the past. 

This week, we are reviewing St-Barnaby, from Microbrasserie  Le Naufrageur – Carlton–Sur-Mer, Québec (founded in 2008) – named after a Second World War battleship, used to deter the Nazi war machine.  A good way to celebrate the centennial of the Navy and Marines, it is in the Irish style stout – dark, black opaque liquid, with brown foam, Strong coffee blends with oatmeal and toasted barley on the nose, lending characteristics of dark chocolate, burnt espresso, and caramel toffee to the creamy texture in the mouth.   At 5.2% alcohol in 500 ml bottles, it sells in the range of $3.79 – $5.49 in specialty dépanneurs , cheese shops and a few major grocery stores.  Pairs well with poached salmon with dill, and would attach itself to menus of Brie, Camenbert and creamy goat cheeses. 

Ironically, our next selection is from Hamburg, Germany – Holsten Festbock – the Brewery having commenced operations in 1879.  Now owned and distributed by Carlsberg, it is a “strong dark beer” (written on the can). We found a shiny, translucent  brownish – red body attached to a beige head.  Toasty malt and raisin odours complete the experience of plum jam, torrified hops, and sweet coaca on the tongue, while the dry after taste leaves you craving another.  SAQ available, at 7% alcohol, in 500ml cans for $2.50, equally compatible with pasta dishes, Munster- Tilsit- Emmenthal  – style cheeses, as well as Gendarmes, Debreziner, or Chorico sausages . 

More to come in time for the holidays,

The Bugler (Beer Ambassador)

Beer – As Easy As Black and White

The history of Paulaner Hefe-Weissbier starts with Duke Henri Le Lion naming the city of Munich, Bavaria, Germany, in 1158, as the monks’ place, and, as with many a monastery, itself was founded on a hill and followed the dogma of St. Francis of Paula, in the 16th century, with brewing commencing in 1634. Now, as the biggest brewery in Munich, it is owned by the Schörghuber conglomerate. This weight beer has a beautiful silver-white head, and a cloudy, golden orange-yellow body. The nose involves spices, (cloves, nutmeg, light ginger), honey, and bananas; whereas, the mouth concludes with refreshing fruity hops and clean grains. At 5.5% alcohol in 330ml bottles, it is SAQ available at $2.25. Accompanies poultry and vegetable pot pie, bries, and citrus desserts.

Back in our neck of the woods (so to speak), Microbrasserie Pit Caribou, established in 2007, at Anse-À-Beaufils, (Gaspé), had decided to present some of their products in 500 ml bottles, after initially using 2 litres jug formats. A lovely sepia label depicts and old sailor with rain hat, white beard, and pipe. The beer itself, Gaspesienne Robust Porter is dark brown-black, with pale brown-beige foam. Aromas of smoky coffee, light black liquorice, and toffee come out on top, with chocolate and espresso delighting the taste buds. The after-taste lingers pleasantly with a devil’s food character. Price ranges from $3.99 to 5.69 in specialty dépanneurs, food shops and some major super markets. Pairs with roast beef or pork in beer based sauces, smoked cheeses and cold cuts, maybe even finishing off with chocolate-mint layer cake.

In beer news- Belle Gueule has commenced the flow of seasonal beers with a Brassin des Fêtes”, which will be reviewed at a time closer to the holidays.

Quaff copiously,

The Bugler

(Beer Ambassador)

Oktoberfest Reports

Atwater Market’s Octoberfest lasted 3 days (18 hours total).  There were 32 microbrewers presenting 147 different beers in all.  Organized by the very personable Hamid from the Fromagerie Atwater, it was a huge success, with about 28,000 people enjoying the free samplings and purchasing maybe three or four times the normal volume of suds.  Conspicuous in their absence were Unibroue (Chambly) and Tour de Bière (Chicoutimi).            

Now, here are some facts and figures from the Oktoberfest in Munich, Bavaria, Germany.  It was the 200th anniversary of the largest event of this type in the world, with 6.4 million in attendance.  Over 7 million litre-sized beer steins were consumed, for a new record.  The number of beer mugs to the skull increased to 62 (from a mere 43 last year).  The origin of the festival was the wedding of King Louis I of Bavaria to Theresa vonSachsen Mildburgnausen on October 12, 1810.

To honour both their events, we take you first to Kelheiz Bavaria, Germany, with the Here-Weizen (yeast-wheat/white in England) called Schneider Weisse Privat Weissbier Brauer. George Schneider & John was founded in 1855 (with this beer launched in 1872).  Made with unpasturized/non-filtered cloudy yeast, there is an abundant cloudy white head, and a dark wood amber colour.  The nose is fragranced with salt, nutmeg, clove, apples, and yeast, while the taste confers cashews, carbonation, champagne like and a clean bitterness.

S.A.Q. available at $3.00/500ml bottle and 5.4% alcohol, it was imbibed gratefully at Thanksgiving turkey, mushrooms, in light tasty gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans (stuffing and cranberries on the side), but I can see it also pairing with crisp, grilled chicken.

One of the feature beers at the Atwater Market was Gavroche, from Brasserie de Saint Sylvestre in Cappel, France, a special top fermentation beer on Lees.  Somewhat dark red, clear in appearance, with a light beige foam, aroma of peaches, ginger and cinnamon are conveyed, with a sweet mouthful hinting of caramel, toffee and apple pie. A strong beer at 8.5% alc., it retails for between $4.49 and $5.99 per 750ml bottle.  This brew also supported the turkey well, and gave me ideas to combine cheese platters and crusty breads with gendarme sausages. 

The Bugler,

Beer ambassador

Blonde de Chambly and Das Brau

This week’s beer reviews present new and exciting products:

Unibroue, founded in 1990, in Chambly, is now owned by the Japanese giant brewery Sapporo. Most of their offerings adhere to the Belgian style of beers. Blonde de Chambly is available since July 16th, in 12 oz. & 750 ml bottles (5% alc.). The label features two lovely ladies, clad in rustic style frocks. Brewed to honour the heroic “Fille du Roi”, who came to Nouvelle France in 1665, to marry officers and soldiers of the Carignan-Salières Regiment, known for building Fort Chambly on the Richelieu River and forging the Iroquois Peace Treaty of 1667. Many French Canadians are direct descendants of these women and men. The beer was presented at the Mondial de la Bière in June, and was an instant favourite of mine. The colour is a fine yellow (blonde), somewhat cloudy, with a nice frothy, abundant head. The aromas of spice and slight citrus permeate quietly. The taste is slightly spicy, mildly bitter, but balanced in the final after taste. Refreshing, easy drinking, summery ale to have with salads, barbecued chops or chicken.

On the imported side, we have Das Brau –German style beer (Pilsner), actually brewed in Rochester, NY. Smooth and clean, clear, golden blonde, with angel-cloud white head, it is a refreshing mildly bitter easy-drinking beer. True to the pilsner style, I find that this ale opens the appetite, as they have shown in the past. At 5.3% alcohol, in 493ml cans, and approximately $1.99 each, easily a step up from other moderately priced offerings at corner depanneurs. Would pair well with sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. The company also distributes McCoy Honey Pale Ale, but that will probably have to wait until next St.Patrick’s day to be reviewed.

Thanks for logging on my blogging

-The Bugler

This Week’s Beer Reviews

This week’s beer reviews:

Furstenberg Weizen Hefe Dunkel, from Furstlick Furstenbenishe Brenbri, Indonaueschingen Germany (founded in 1283), is a Dark (dunkel) Yeast Ale offering a malty scent from a thick beige foam, and a rich caramel, toasty malt flavour in the mouth.  Containing wheat malt and barley malt, it strickly adheres to the German Purity Law of 1516 (Reinheit Gebolt).  Its color is a dark brown opaque caramel resulting from unfiltered blending.  At 5.4% alcohol, in 500ml bottles, it sells for $2.85, at most SAQ outlets.  There are other Furstenberg products available, including a premium Pilsener at the SAQ.  Went well with sausages and sauerkraut, on this occasion, but would probably accompany veal chops, pork chops, and liver, equally well.

The micro brewery Barberie was founded in 1997 in Quebec City as a working cooperative venture.  The limited edition Pale Ale on Lees, Lime et Framboise, is a seasonal (summer) beer to be enjoyed during our warmer, sunny days, by the pool, in the backyard, or anywhere outdoors. Vibrant and energetic, it lives in a bright pink-orange body, breathing airs of lime and raspberry, engulfing our nasal passages first then pleasing our palates and tongues with the citrus flavours, followed by the red berry tastings.  The resulting tinnins present us with bitterness, not unlike green tea leaves.  Delicious and refreshing, it can be appreciated best with barbecued meats, avocado salads and dips, and even fruit based desserts.  At 5% alcohol, in 500ml bottles it can be found in some speciality shops cost between $3.99 and $4.99.  Barberie has produced many different brews (approximately 12 to 15) throughout its short history, and they have achieved a classic in this one. 

Signing off,

The Bugler,

Your Official Beer Ambassador