LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2017

BEER  EASY AFTERNOONS

[ LIGHT & EASY SESSION BEERS ] When did the term light get such a bum rap? Sometimes light is just what you’re looking for. Not every beer needs to be a flavour bomb; too much of that fatigues the palate.

SESSION BEER 101

Where did session beers come from? Session ale originated in England, and there are a few reasons for its inception. After World War I the Brit- ish government implemented taxes on alcohol—the higher the alcohol in a product, the higher the tax. This motivated brewers to brew weaker beers. These low-alcohol beers also made for a great option for beer rations given to workers during their break sessions. It was a beer that could be enjoyed without intoxica- tion, allowing for work to carry on as usual. The style continued to thrive in Britain’s pub culture, allowing people to gather for hours on end at the public house, socializing and chatting over multiple pints of beer. What makes a beer a session beer? Historically speaking session beers are in the style of an English Bitter or IPA. However, the term expanded its reach so that now session beers are brewed in many different styles. The defining characteristic of a session beer, whether it’s a lager or an ale, is its alco- hol content. Opinions vary on how high that level can reach for the beer to retain session status, but most people agree a maximum of 5% ABV is reasonable. Who makes a session beer? Any brewery can brew a session beer. Some breweries craft them deliberately while other breweries have been brewing low-alcohol beers for decades, long be- fore the term session beer came into favour. When to serve? A great time for session beers is when there’s an ex- tended period of consumption, such as a party or a get-together. They are perfect for sipping while enjoy- ing conversation or an intense game of backgammon. Glass and temperature? No rules here. Session beers are casual and no-fuss. However, if you want to get full satisfaction out of your beer, pour it into a glass. To keep things simple, a lager can go into a pilsner glass, while an ale can be poured it into a pint glass or mug. The ideal tem- perature will vary according to beer style, but the majority of session beers are perfect right out of the refrigerator.

Goose Island Endless IPA LCBO 459503, 473 mL, $3.15 (5% ABV) A bright nose of clementine and fresh marjoram, a well-rounded maltiness and a cleansing finish keep you coming back for another sip. Innis & Gunn Session IPA LCBO 519058, 500 mL, $2.85 (4.6% ABV) A fine effervescence leads into fresh bright white grapefruit and pine. Its sweet maltiness makes for a soft mouth feel; however, the American hopping keeps it sprightly, with a refreshing finish.

Railway City Express India Session Lager LCBO 498402, 473 mL, $3.15 (4.8% ABV) A bright citrusy nose of tangerine, lemon pound cake and a touch of pine. Its lighter- style body is able to carry a lot of flavour while remaining balanced and refreshing. Muskoka Craft Lager LCBO 175810, 473 mL, $3.15 (4.8% ABV) More mouth feel than your average lager, with a gentle offering of graham crackers and honey on the nose. It’s flavourful and malt-forward with an easy hand on the hops. Sessionable indeed!

Pizza Bianca recipe on page 252

164  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2017