LCBO Food & Drink Spring 2022

HAIL TO THE ALE

Classic and balanced This style of IPA encompasses versions that showcase balance and restraint. Everything is in its place: the hops, alcohol and sweet malt are all recognizable and available for the tasting, but none of these components are obtrusive or overwhelm their counterparts. A balanced IPA should have noticeable hops, but not to the point where they’re the only ingredient doing the talking. The same applies to the sweetness of malt and level of alcohol: in a well-balanced IPA, they are noticeable but thoughtfully integrated in the beer.

CHEDDAR & BACON SOUP WITH CRUSHED PRETZELS

Recipe on page 110

This soup was created to be a perfect pairing for beer. Bacon, cheese and pretzels: need we say more? The creamy, deca- dent nature of this soup is a great counterpoint to the bright personality of a classic IPA. Its velvety consistency opens the beer up, allowing it to be more expressive. Smoky bacon nods to the sweet, toasted malt, and the crushed pretzels are a cheeky garnish that adds a pleasant contrasting texture.

Great Lakes Brewery Octopus Wants to Fight IPA LCBO 458273, 473 mL, $3.45 A generous nose of papaya, candied orange and lime blossom with a cleansing herba- ceous finish rem- iniscent of dried rosemary.

Collective Arts Ransack the Universe IPA LCBO 450312, 473 mL, $3.65 Begins with notes of mango and clementine. The full mouth feel repeats the ripe flavours and wraps up with a pleasant rooibos tea finish.

Creemore Springs Boundless IPA

LCBO 698415, 473 mL, $3.40 A sweet malt

backbone tables ripe tropical aro- mas of pineapple and mango, while well-integrated hops keep this IPA balanced and approachable.

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SPRING 2022 FOOD & DRINK