Beer Specials From October 4th

Hello. Here are the weekly specials for Montreal, valid from October 4th throught the 10th, 2012, unless otherwise noted.

1. Marché Adonis (until Sunday October 7th)

-Beck’s, Stella Artois – $11.84 for 12.

2. Loblaws and Provigo

-Alexander Keith’s, Belle Gueule, Blanche de Chambly, Blonde de Chambly, Boréale, Moosehead, Rickards, Sleeman, tremblay – $12.99 for 12 bottles or cans.

3. Métro

-Alexander Keith’s, Boréale, Rickards – $12.99 for 12.

4. Maxi

-Beck’s, Beer of Mexico, Carlsberg, Sapporo, Stella Artois – $13.97 for 12 bottles or cans.

–Heineken – $26.97 for 24 bottles or cans.

5. Super C

-Heineken, Stella Artois – $26.99 for 24.

6. IGA and Tradition

-Blanche de Chambly, Blonde de Chambly, Sapporo, Sleeman, Unibroue – $13.99 for 12.

-Heineken, Stella Artois – $17.99 for 12 bottles or cans.

7. Inter-Marché

-Belle Gueule, Sleeman – $14.99 for 12.

8. Richelieu

-Heineken, Stella Artois – $17.99 for 12.

Cheers!

The Bugler

Montreal Beer Specials From April 26th

Hello again.

Here is the weekly list. Prices are valid from April 26th, 2012, and are good through May 2nd.

1. Super C

-Alexander Keith’s, Rickards – $25.99 for 24.

2. Loblaws and Provigo

–Alexander Keith’s, Beck’s, Belle Gueule, Boréale, Moosehead, Rickards, St. Ambroise, Sleeman – $13.99 for 12 bottles or cans.

3. Maxi

–Grolsch, Sapporo, Stella Artois – $13.99 for 12 bottles or cans.

4. Esposito

–Sleeman – $13.99 for 12.

-Sapporo- $8.99 for 4 – 500ml cans.

5. IGA and Tradition

–Heineken, Stella Artois – $28.99 for 24 bottles or cans.

–Belle Gueule – $14.99 for 12.

6. Richelieu

–Alexander Keith’s, Rickards – $14.99 for 12.

7. Inter-Marché

–Boréale, Griffon, Moosehead, St. Ambroise – $7.99 for 6.

–Tremblay – $22.99 for 24.

Cheers!

The Bugler

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)

Mix Your Own Shanty, Plus Beer Reviews and Specials

In beer news:

As a “warm-up” to the big one (Mondial), may we suggest bierfest next weekend in Blainville- Sat. May 15 –Sun. May 16,2010 . The address is 947 Curé-Labelle. Featured will be microbrewery reps and their beer samples, plus sausages from William J. Walter, plus a selection of antique cars (weather permitting). After Labatt’s disappointing bud light lime miller has found it ideal to integrate the market with a copycat “Miller Chill”. Why not do yourselves a favour and mix something at home? My suggestion is some kind of shanty or shanty gaff or panache. I like a strong beer,(Black Bull 10%, Blue Dry 10.1%, Black Label 10.1%, etc…) add any combination of ginger ale, ginger beer, lemon lime and even root beer along with the juice of one lime. Adjust to your taste, adding a sprinkle of salt, if too sweet. Put some ice cubes, if you want-make a pitcher- pour in tall glasses or beer mugs- enjoy!!!

As a special Mother’s Day treat, I decided to feature Unibroue’s Éphémère (Cassis – Black Currant) “beer on lees”. Only available a little over a year, it has made headway in a niche market- fruit-based ales. The dark berry perfume startles at first, but mingles subtly with apple, spice and hoppy flavours. Its orange-pink semi-opaque body delights the eye, as much as the label, featuring a fairy-pixie princess on a swing of flower vines. At 5.5% alc., I think many female fans of malted beverages will appreciate the attributes(and taste) of this interesting sensor’s experience (even mothers). Available almost everywhere, the price may vary between $4.49/750ml bottle to $5.99 at the prestige (read price gouging) establishments. Would pair well with pork chops and apple sauce, fruit based desserts, or a sunny afternoon on a lawn chair with friends.

P. S . On the poetic pun route,  regarding Éphémère, I’ve been heard saying,

 “If I’m here, I’ll drink beer!”

 

Vivat is another example of the fine triples France has to offer. Brewed by Brasserie du Cateau (Cambresis), using barley malt, wheat, hops, & yeast of finest quality, the end result is a sweet, blond, cloudy brew with a white, persistent head. First smells we perceive are the hops, & dry wheat, leading to tastes of mild apple, vanilla, and citrus mix. Overall, a well-balanced, pleasing beverage, worthy of a rounded meal, roast, meatloaf or meat pasta dish. At 8.3% alc, the price of $6.50 for a 750 ml bottle is conductive to any budget. Available at the SAQ, I highly recommend it!

More beer specials (until may 16th):

PA Supermarkets – Beck’s at $12.99 for 12 .

Adonis Supermarkets – Heineken and Stella Artois at $13.99 for 12.

-The Bugler

Old Speckled Hen, Trois Pistoles, Weekly Specials

Hi Buglar fans!

Beer news coming next week.

From Greene King Brewery in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, England comes Old Speckled Hen, a lovely pale ale (which has been on an extended hiatus from the SAQ shelves). The recipe dating back to 1711, was created by Morlande Brewery located at Abingdon Oxfordshire, We first observe an aroma of plums, a bright amber colour, and rich texture in the foam and the liquor itself. We taste the distinctive characteristics (due to a unique strain of yeast first used in 1896) sweet caramel with a prolonged after-taste of dry hops. The curiously named beer actually refers to an antique car (MG) which had spots on its paint from weather wear. It has 5.2 alcohol and retails at $4.55 per 500ml bottle, combing well with ham and veal.

Now we return to Quebec and a beer created by Unibroue (now owned by Sapporo) : Trois Pistols . The legend is that the devil, transforming into a giant black stallion, created a three steepled church as a guide for sailors and lost souls of the sea, and saved the troubled village. The beer is dark brown to black, with flavours of coffee, chocolate, and red fruit, mellowing into a pleasant after-taste reminiscent of old port wine. At 9% alcohol /vol., a 750-ml bottle should always be available, somewhere, at $4.50. Tasty with steaks, chops, and roasts, but you could save some to have with dark chocolate.

This weeks specials:

IGA -Tastes of Belgium, Tastes of the World, mixed packs $14.95 for 12 bottles.

MAXI – Alexander Keith’s, Beck’s and Rickard’s at $24.99 for24 bottles.

Savour slowly, The Bugler.

News and Views For a Holiday Weekend

Happy Easter/Passover, Bugler Bunnies!

First, in the news.  The Quebec government has, once again, chosen April Fool’s Day to raise the minimum prices on cases of 24, as follows:

Beers with 5%-6.1% alc. from 23.36 to 23.43;

Beers with 4.1-4.9% alc. from 22.52 to 22.58;

Beers with 4.0& alc. or less from 21.32 to 21.38; and

Cans (all brands & percentages) from24.32 to 24.39.

That having been said, why has Molson M (at 4.9%), never been advertised along with Labatt blue, Tremblay, etc…, at the midline price (22.58)?

Welcome now to Ardennes, Belgium. Chouffe Double IPA Tripel is likely the finest, most involved of all the “Chouffe” offerings. Made from Tomahawk, Amarillo & Saaz hops. Taste is bitter (through lemony, spicy tones), but overall pleasant & smooth. The depth & body is perfectly presented and thirst-quenching. This brew has 9% alc., light blond, cloudy colour, and white, fragrant roam. SAQ available at $8.40/750 ml. goes well with ham and mash potato.

After a few weeks of wanting to introduced my fans to this totally different double IPA, the stars aligned to have this beer on Easter weekend supper. Unfortunately, this “Amarillo-hops” double IPA is available in a limited edition only. It’s called La Vache Folle Amarillo Double IPA from Microbrewery Charlevoix, in Baie-St Paul. An amazing aroma of grapefruit, lime and sweet lemon feel comes out simply by smelling the top foam, after pouring. The taste follows through with the equal flavours of lime,grapefruit, balanced with a sweet bitterness. The colour is orange-yellow sparkling clear; with 9% alc. would pair well with many desserts-lemon meringue pie, fruit salads & raspberry tarts.

Signing off,

Swig Wisely

The Bugler

Another Two Fine Beers For Your Consideration

Dear Bugler fans,

Today we are travelling to Germany, at least for our first beer, Schneider Aventinus, manufactured in Kilheim, Bavaria, by Privat Weisbierbraueri, Georg Schneider and Sohn. It is presently headed by the sixth Georg, since 1982. The only time the director of the brewery was not a Georg, was when Mathilda, wife of the third Georg (who met with an untimely death) took over. She introduced this champagne yeast double bock. The taste is complex, well malted with a hint of plums, figs and raisins, along with cinnamon and cloves. In the end there is a dry peppery bite, concluding with an effervescent bubbly aftertaste. The colour is dark ruby, the foam is rich and off-white, and it contains 8% alcohol by volume. Available at SAQ outlets  for $3.30 per 500 ml bottle. Fine libation, it would pair well with uncompilicated pasta, sausages and fine medium cheeses.

Now back to Canada. We’ll be tasting a refreshing pub ale from McAuslan Brewery, Griffon Extra Pale Ale. Here’s a little bit of history. In 1989, convinced he could brew better products than he was being offered in local pubs, Peter McAuslan (currently president of the St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal) established his own brewery, After winning many awards, including a platinum for his St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout at the World Beer Championship in 1994, his Extra Plae Ale won the gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 1996. Pleasantly mild with hops and malt dominating, the crispness of the body takes on a clear, golden yellow shine, with a clean white head. It has 5% alcohol by volume and would accompany homemade soups, chicken with rice and bries or camembert.

I Hope you will enjoy these and other fine beers soon.

Sincerely,

The Bugler