LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2021

ROOM AT THE TABLE

Boxing Day Brunch Where vibran- cy is called for, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier ( LCBO 75291, 500 mL, $3.80) provides notes of banana, citrus zest and white flowers with a lightly tart, spritzy body.

New Year’s Eve Unibroue Ce N’est Pas la Fin du Monde ( LCBO 21509, 750 mL, $9.95) reimagines its classic tripel with a modern hop character. Notes of peach, pineapple and pie spices explode from this effervescent Belgian-style IPA.

After Everyone Goes Home

In a moment that calls for re- freshment, simplicity is key. Amsterdam 3 Speed ( LCBO 575357, 568 mL, $3.35) has a light cereal body, gentle grass and lime, plus a crisp, refreshing finish.

Unexpected moments

In every holiday season, there are particular moods or settings that call for accompanying libations. Whether it’s a pairing for a meal or simply to set the scene, these beers are versatile tools in your holiday stocking.

By the Fire Great Divide’s Mexican Chocolate Yeti ( LCBO 22628, 568 mL, $7.95) takes inspiration from Champurrado: a hot-­ chocolate-based drink with cinnamon and spices. Leave one out for Santa alongside a plate of churros. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Henderson Brewing Moving Pictures 40th Anniversary Ale ( LCBO 22258, 500 mL, $13.95), a collaboration with seminal Canadian rockers Rush, is a Belgian strong ale aged in wine barrels.

Full of old-timey flavours like toffee, molasses and dried fruit, Brauerei Schloss Eggenberg Samichlaus ( LCBO 97469, 330 mL, $5.55) is aged for 10 months before bottling. Czechvar Pale Lager in a Mini Keg ( LCBO 345504, 5 L, $25.75) makes for effortless in-the-moment entertaining, with appealing lemon peel and grassy aromas and a crisp, lightly bitter finish. With a recipe that changes yearly, Fuller’s Vintage Ale ( LCBO 676213, 500 mL, $8.95) has future-thinking ageing potential: It’s a great gift for a budding beer enthusiast. Christmases past, present and future

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HOLIDAY 2021 FOOD & DRINK