Beer Talk by Art of the Table
August 26, 2010
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It's not a particular day of the week, it could just be a Thursday evening after work, or a Monday you happen to have off. You want to treat yourself to a mixed six pack of beer. Maybe one or two large format bottles and a hunk of cheese to sit back with. You think, "Hmm...Art of the Table has a great beer selection and a really awesome walk in cooler, I'll go there." We think - good choice!
You are now in the cooler and you are looking around, a few things really catch your eye. The Belgian and Belgian style beers sound particularly good at the moment. You peruse the selections and find a nice Gulden Draak, maybe a Scaldis and you are now searching for a few things that will fit into your six pack carrier.
LOOK BELOW! (on the shelves that is...)
La Fin du Monde, Maudite, Ephemere, Trois Pistoles...all from Unibroue and they're staring at you for attention. In its defense, we are the ones putting them on the bottom shelf. This in no way reflects the quality of the beer. In reality, it's a very tight space and we wanted to keep the family together as best as possible.
These ales are incredible. Belgian at heart, Canadian in production. Wait, what!!! Canadian beer worthy of rave reviews? True story, this ain't no Molson.
A little history for you: Unibroue started in 1990 with a passion for craft beer and a dedication to do something unique. Deeply rooted in their Quebec roots and a passion for Belgian beers, they decided to save a dying Brewery in Lennoxville and by 1991, they were the proud owners of Le Brasserie Massawippi. By early 1992, Unibroue was official and Canadian craft beer was the focus. Also in 1992, they created their own eruption. Blanche de Chambly was born, the first North American Abbey beer. In 1993, Unibroue moved to a new cutting edge facility in the town aptly named Chambly, Quebec. The rest as they say, is history. Growth was incredible, the beer remained top quality and its fans have stayed loyal.
For us, Unibroue isn't only great beer, it's the power of the little guy. Two guys trying to save a dying brewery and using their passion to do so. Thirty years later, it's a widely recognizable and well respected brand. We can relate in a sense, and we will certainly raise a perfectly delicious glass of Unibroue in a cheers of celebration.
...Cheers.
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A few tasting notes
| | La Fin du Monde-Triple Style Golden Ale
Intensely aromatic with tones of floral and honey over clove and integrated malt. The palate continues on with honey and malt and additions of light, refreshing fruits. It finishes dry and balanced. A great beer to drink with soft cheeses with a lot of flavor.
Trois Pistoles-Abbey Style Dark Strong Ale
Intense dark malt flavor with roasted aromas and flavors of chocolate, ripe fruit, brown rum and dark spices. Slightly sweet from the malt with a smooth port-like finish. Very approachable with dark chocolate based desserts and certain red meats
in the roasted/slow cooked form.
Maudite-Strong Amber-Red Ale
Strong aromas of orange, wild spices, clove and floral hops. The flavors peak quickly with rich malts, spicy acidity and crisp hops all colliding together. The finish lingers pleasantly, rich foods pair nicely. Something like roasted pheasant with grilled butter squash and chevre smashed potatoes would do some justice.
Ephemere Apple-White Ale brewed with apple must
An anticipated aroma of granny smith apples, nutmeg, cinnamon and a faint hint of ginger. The palate follows through with additions of a sweetness to balance the tartness and spice. So good with Thai cuisine, and other spicy driven foods.
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Something special...you need to hurry!
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| Also from Unibroue, the Seigneuriale is no longer brewed but we were able to get in a few bottles. It's a Belgian styled strong pale aged on lees. When cold, the carbonation is overwhelming (not in a bad way) and the Belgian yeast flavor is dominant.
Once allowed to warm up, flavors of banana, apple, apricot and pear come through. This is in no way a fruit beer, but the interaction of the yeast, malt and hops creates an interesting combination (to say the least.) A truly great beer that we are sad to see leave the Unibroue line up. Get yours now before it's gone!
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