LCBO Food & Drink Summer 2025

LAGER HEADS

Lagers for the Cooler by the Grill When pairing beer with grilled meats and veggies, look for more malt character, from honeyed to bready—think of the beer almost as you would the hot dog or burger bun. Lean into the savoury-tasting Maillard char flavours, too (the Maillard reaction occurs when foods containing sugars and amino acids are grilled at high temperatures). These beers have enough character to enhance your next cookout.

Old Flame Vienna Lager Red (LCBO 10562, 473 mL, $3.50) from Port Perry features toasty, biscuity aromas and a sweet malt complexity that’s balanced by a very gentle hop bitterness. It’s a perfect accompaniment to beer-can chicken. Creemore Springs Premium Lager (LCBO 666917, 473 mL, $3.85) has been an Ontario staple since 1987. The heat of the brew kettle brings forward a caramel flavour and full body that still finishes crisply. If your weekend meal plan includes a smoker, the roasty malts in Czechvar Dark Lager (LCBO 18170, 500 mL, $3.15) will match intense smoke and burnt ends, while the fruity sweetness and spicy bitterness are great compan ions to your spice rub. 473 mL, $3.85) is the perfect accompaniment to planked salmon with lemon and dill, with a light pithy bitterness cutting through the richness of the fish and allowing the bubbles to lift the fat from your palate. Sawdust City’s Little Norway Pilsner (LCBO 449942,

Pairing Lagers and Salads Bitterness can present problems in pairing, unless you lean into it. For the bold brassicas and bitter greens of some summer salads, the bitterness of an assertive Pilsner works: Pils pairs with dressed arugula or endive, a creamy broccoli slaw or even roasted Brussels sprouts.

Wellington County Brewery Fine Italian Style Pilsner (LCBO 43325, 568 mL, $3.95) uses Saphir hops to elevate spice and tangerine aromas above the lingering finish of this dry, crisp beer. The bigger- than-normal can is a bonus!

Tooth and Nail Vim & Vigor Pilsner (LCBO 32039, 355 mL, $3.50) is inspired by Northern German brews and features a bracing bitterness to go along with its vibrant floral, peppery, spicy nose.

Warm Arugula, Olive & Tomato Salad, recipe at LCBO.com/fdsummer25

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———————— SUMMER 2025