LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2023

MAKERS AND SHAKERS

SUMMER SIPS While visiting Japan, Lafontaine developed an appreciation for local ingre dients such as yuzu, a tart citrus fruit. It’s the star of Godspeed’s Yuzu Saison with Japanese Citrus (LCBO 18826, 355 mL, $3.95). The peel adds bright, bitter notes and complexity, while fresh yuzu juice introduces pleasant aromatics into this Belgian-style ale with hints of ginger and coriander.

Lafontaine is a Quebec-born brewer with a passion for classic European beers and Asian culture. A trip to Thailand and Japan inspired his appreciation of how those countries make efforts to preserve local craftsmanship, and he brought that philosophy to Godspeed Brewery, which opened in 2017. He set out to do things differently, but with recipes rooted in old-school techniques. “I see myself as a meaningful brewer,” says Lafontaine. “I want to pay respect to brewing traditions Mash-Up Culture Luc Lafontaine, brewmaster and founder GODSPEED BREWERY, TORONTO

ALCOHOL-FREE INNOVATION Iced Tea Mugung with Hibiscus is one of Godspeed’s low-sugar, caffeine-free, gluten-free non-alcoholic beverages. It uses South Korea’s national flower, mugung hwa (or rose of Sharon) plus organic Quebec hibiscus to create a pink drink to enjoy straight up or as a cocktail mixer. A portion of sales goes toward grassroots Asian organizations focused on anti-racism initiatives. Buy it at the brewery or online (godspeedbrewery.com) .

MORE ONTARIO NO- AND LOW-ALCOHOL INNOVATION

Søbrii (avail able through

Rally Beer Company’s Dry Run Pale Ale (buy at drinkrally.ca) has three types of hops, and, at just 0.3 per cent alcohol by volume, qualifies as non-alcoholic.

Toronto-based sisters Andrea Grand and Katie Fielding founded Barbet in spring 2022 to produce flavour-packed spar kling waters (find at drinkbarbet.com), like Love Bite with pink grapefruit and ginger flavours.

Toronto’s Teetotaler Wines (at amazon.ca and well.ca) has won numerous awards for its non-alcoholic wines, including a Sparkling Rosé boasting notes of strawberry and cherry.

sobrii.ca and at retailers listed on the site) gets into the spirit with Stratford-distilled, de‑alcoholized gin- and tequila-­ inspired bottlings.

and ingredients.” It’s evident in his interpretations of lagers, ales and porters, often made with a nod to Japanese culture.

132 FOOD & DRINK EARLY SUMMER 2023