LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2017

BEER  EASY AFTERNOONS

[ BIG AND BOLD SESSION BEERS ] For those who believe bigger is better, here is a handful of ales leaning toward boldness. An impressive showing of flavour, while managing to stay in the realm of sessionability.

Founders All Day IPA LCBO 486514, 6 pk, $14.45 (4.7% ABV) Full-flavoured explosion of citrus and pine; a low-alcohol beer that manages to pack a huge punch of flavour. Sweet mango and orange curd mesh beautifully with bitter hopping, reminiscent of green tea. Wellington Special Pale Ale LCBO 190439, 473 mL, $2.95 (5% ABV) A full-flavoured ale with notes of dried biscuit, caramel and kernel fruit on the nose. A round maltiness is kept in check with gentle hopping for a pleasing, clean finish.

Old Tomorrow Canadian Pale Ale LCBO 400853, 473 mL, $3.00 (4.9% ABV) A warm nose of toasted raisin bread and orange marmalade leads into a wonderfully balanced, British-style ale. Full of sweet toffee and malt flavour and a clean, elegant finish. Fuller’s London Pride LCBO 470757, 500 mL, $3.00 (4.7% ABV) A warm sweet nose of apricot and tof- fee, with a warm sweet malt aroma. The palate delivers as promised with round, fruity maltiness and a refreshingly bitter, dried herb finish.

Winter Paella recipe on page 253

Here are a few beers that don’t fall from the British family tree but have all the necessary traits of a great session brew: full of delicious flavour and low alcohol. SOME “UN-CLASSIC” SESSION BEERS

Birra Moretti LCBO 296889, 500 mL, $2.75 (5% ABV) An Italian lager with a toasted biscotti aroma, and a touch of white floral and hay. As a rule Italians like amaro , or “bitter,” and bitterness plays a strong part in the refresh- ing makeup of this beer.

Smithavens Nottabottle Belgian Pale Ale LCBO 508499, 473 mL, $3.05 (4.5% ABV) An interesting, aromatic nose delivering notes of spice and fruitiness. The medium body is nuanced with mild floral hopping and a crème caramel con- sistency on the palate.

Czechvar Dark Lager LCBO 459396, 500 mL, $2.75 (4.7% ABV) The colour and aroma of this beer is big and bold, however its 4.7% ABV keeps things light and drinkable. Lots of nut, mocha, chocolate and spice on both nose and palate.

Pilsner Urquell LCBO 255380, 500 mL, $2.90 (4.1% ABV) A classic. Flavourful from start to finish with a toasted nose of baked bread, caramel and subtle florality. The mouth feel is full, sweet and balanced with earthy, cleansing hops.

168  FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2017