Here’s a beer I first tasted on tap in fall at the Chelsea Pub and which I wanted to give another whirl from the bottle this time. The other reason I pulled this tonight is because it is not coincidentally the first beer I recognized as being sur lies – and whence I first questioned “what does…
“India Pale Ale” (American IPA), Microbrasserie La Chouape
Sooner or later, we were going to have to tackle the question of what the heck is sur lie (which translates as “on the lees” in English). You’ve undoubtedly seen in as I have on some European labels and it is an even more common description on the labels of Quebec beers. So, what does it…
“IPA Classique” (India Pale Ale), Brasseurs Illimités
Here’s a very good brewery from Quebec that has provided a number of interpretations on the “pale ale” and this is but one of their half-dozen creations. As such, it seemed right to start with their “Classique.” A first taste reveals a ton of carbonation which was only accented more by how relatively little carbonation…
Maple Glazed Salmon with Thai Basil and Meyer Lemon
Here’s a dish that is great any time of year: either done in the oven or, if the weather permits, on a cedar plank on the barbecue. What puts this dish over the top in my opinion is the Meyer lemon zest. When I first concocted this, I used regular lemons. Then, a few years ago when…
Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Few cooking techniques are as decidedly “winter” as braising. The method telegraphs a slow, lazy day of cooking — and it proclaims comfort food … and nothing says Sunday dinner better than braised comfort food. If you’re even the slightest bit ‘iffy’ about cabbage, trust me, this will make a convert of you. Anne has dubbed this…
“St –Ambroise India Pale Ale” (IPA), McAuslan Brewing
Ok – so enough with winter beers for a bit, or at least until I attend Festibière d’hiver (WinterBeerFest) next weekend. We’re back to tasting new IPAs. Here’s a beer I picked up awhile back as well when, as I previously mentioned, I went in search of St-Ambroise Citrouille (Pumpkin Ale). I have long been…
“Desérables” (Maple Ale), Microbrasserie Le Grimoire
Wow – so this is a bit of a fortuitous moment. I’ve had this beer from BroueHaHa in my fridge for going on 3 months waiting for the mood to strike me. At 8% alcohol and 660ml, I figured I needed to be ready to open this one. The label will certainly catch the eye of…
“L’Érabière” (Maple Pale Ale), Brasserie Schoune
Yummy. Oh, yeah … yummy, all the way. I could end it there – but I won’t. Brasserie Schoune out of Quebec has nailed this maple-beer, so much so that they’ve cleverly inserted the word itself (érable) into the name. And I must say, they have also very cleverly achieved a pure insertion of maple…
“Black IPA” (American Black Ale), Brasserie DunHam
It’s been awhile since a beer really made me go “Hmm … interesting” and then want another long sip. Dunham’s Black IPA, however, is definitely a palette surpriser … and pleaser. Even with the word “black” on the bottle, I was totally surprised at how this beer poured which you can tell from the overly…
“la Messe de Minuit” (Seasonal/Christmas Beer), Les Brasseurs du Temps (BDT)
In homage to the seasons (just passed) here’s a delicious brew that, admittedly, I’m a few weeks late in reviewing. I bought it at BroueHaHa with the best of intentions, but it was a busier season with less imbibing than I forecast … and cross-country ski season has arrived, so hours are in shorter supply. First,…