LCBO Food & Drink Winter 2017

“Session beer” is an English term that refers to beers with less than 4% ABV that you can drink comfortably all evening long. They also have a moderate to robust fla- vour profile, distinguishing them from more lightly flavoured “light beers.” Canadian beers tend to average a slightly higher strength, so something under 4.5%or even 5% ABV could be considered a session beer over here. “Some common global brands fit the definition,” says beer guru Stephen Beaumont, “including lagers like Pilsner Urquell at 4.4% ( LCBO 255380, 500 mL, $2.80) and even a stout such as Guinness at 4.2% ( LCBO 270447, 500 mL, $2.95). Canada also has a number of popular session IPAs, including the piney-citrus Muskoka Detour at 4.3% ( LCBO 404368, 473 mL, $3.15) and the terrifically balanced Red Racer I.S.A. at 4% ( LCBO 415703, 473 mL, $2.70) from British Columbia’s Central City. But there are also plenty of options for those who prefer their beers a bit more on the malty side. These include the orange- and lemon- accented Saint of Circumstance at 4.7% ( LCBO 450320, 473 mL, $3.05) from Collective Arts and the earthy, caramel- citrus Brakeman’s Session Ale at 4.5% ( LCBO 389098, 473 mL, $2.85) from Toronto’s Junction Brewing. Also look for the biscuity, British-inspired Great Lakes Pompous Ass English Pale Ale at 4.2% ( LCBO 408054, 473 mL, $2.65) and the actually British Spitfire Kentish Ale at 4.2% ( LCBO 402545, 500 mL, $2.35) with its dryly malty and vaguely spicy character.”

FOOD & DRI NK WINTER