Honey I Drunk The Suds!

This week, we will be reviewing two distinct beers with common roots, originally brewed by the monks of the Floreffe monastery. They are both branded Barbãr and have honey content, which counterbalances or nullifies any bitterness. The labels depict an African fertility goddess, wielding a small spear and a decorative shield.

The first, Barbãr Bok is brewed by the Lefebvre Brasserie in Quenast, Brabant Wallon (since 1876). A strong (8% alcohol) brown ale containing 2.5% honey, the ingredients are: water, barley malt, wheat, honey, hops, sugar, bitter oranges curacaos, coriander and yeast. On pouring, one can admire the dark brown liquid, along with a long-lasting brown-beige head. The aromas confirm the existence of spices, fruit, and sweet, rounded malt, with the first sip collaborating beautifully. The natural combination of aforementioned fresh flavours is SAQ available, (most Montreal outlets have confirmed inventory) at $2.75/330ml bottle. Easily accompanies roast beef, steaks, chops or ribs.

The second is Barbãr Honey Pale Ale, brewed under license by Les Brasseurs R.J. Inc., located in the plateau area of Montreal. Also strong in alcohol (7.8%), the colour – a cloudy yellow-orange blonde with a quickly dissipating cloudy white head, all-encompassing to a sweet-spicy nose and a delicate balance of tart fruit & sweet-orange elixir. Available in 660 ml bottle (probably least expensive at $9.99 for 3 at fromagerie Atwater). Great with shrimp, coquilles and chicken breast. The blonde beer is also available in a mixed 8-pack from the SAQ at $25.25- although the Barbãr is an 8%, 330ml bottle.

Beer news: Labatt Blue & Labatt Blue Light, for export to the USA, will be produced by Molson, as of January 2011… the 17^th Anniversary Beer from Unibroue won an award at the International Beer Awards in London,England. The brewery is considering replicating the recipe in a future offering (we hope!)

Beer specials: August 23rd-29th: Adonis – Beck’s and Stella Artois –$ 12.99 for 12.

Happy quaffing.

The Bugler

(beer ambassador)