LCBO Food & Drink Autumn 2022

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

The final ingredient in beer is yeast. These single-celled fungi exist only to turn a sugary solution into a carbonated, alcoholic beverage and, in doing so, perform a wonderful trick: they produce aromas that you find in ripening fruit. You might smell orchard fruit, banana, citrus or tropical characteristics. In Ontario, we’re on the cutting edge of fermentation science in beer, with scientists who can isolate and culture trillions of these cells so they’re ready for your favourite brewery. OntarioYeast Brewed with Escarpment’s Hornindal Kveik Blend strain, Brew Revolution’s Kashmir Norwegian Pale Ale (LCBO 23777, 473 mL, $3.75) is light bodied with a spritzy red apple and lemon nose that develops into light honeydew melon, lime zest and herbal interest on the palate. The combination of gooseberry minerality from New Zealand hops and the lush ripe pineapple and pear expressed by the Lærdal Kveik strain make Whitewater Brewing’s North Meets South Nordic Pale Ale (LCBO 27126, Bench Brewing’s Sun Daze Rosé (LCBO 25094, 473 mL, $3.65; only available until October) features Escarpment’s Old World Saison Blend strain. While strawberry and hibiscus provide a lush, fruity floral aroma, the tart body and lightly spicy Each of these beers features a yeast strain cultured by Guelph’s Escarpment Laboratories. 473 mL, $3.45) a vibrant globe-trotting quaffer.

Using Escarpment’s Foggy London strain to make the enormity of its hazy dry-hopped character even fruitier, Town Brewery created Mad Nice IPA (LCBO 26090, 473 mL, $4.25) , which is redolent of tangerine, sweet dried flowers and ripe peach.

ESCARPMENT LABORATORIES escarpmentlabs.com

Founded in 2015, Guelph’s own Escarpment Laboratories is Ontario’s answer to yeast propagation needs for the craft beer industry. Having made significant contributions to popularization of hardy Norwegian Kveik strains, Escarpment has a healthy lineup that’s popular with professionals and homebrewers alike—and not just in Canada.

bone-dry finish leave you anticipating another sip.

72 FOOD & DRINK AUTUMN 2022