LCBO Food & Drink Winter 2017

Dark Lagers

What is a dark lager? First things first, what makes it dark? Simply put; the malt, or dried barley grains used to brew the lager are roasted to a dark brown or black, which then colours the final product. What makes it a lager is the cooler temperature at which the beer is fermented, along with the use of lager yeasts instead of ale yeasts.

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PAIR WITH SWORDFISH WITH CAPERS, OLIVES & SUN-DRIED TOMATOES recipe on page 95

FLAVOUR Within the dark lager family there are many styles, most originating in Germany. The common thread with dark lagers is that they offer a refreshing, drinkable taste and a clean crisp finish. The flavours run the gamut from dark toasted nuts, roasted coffee or caramel to dark, dried fruit.

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GLASSWARE AND SERVING TEMPERATURE

COLOUR The range is broad, from dark ruby or mahogany to the deepest black. Some words on the label that indicate a darker larger are dunkel (dark) or schwarz (black) in German, černé (black) in Czech and donker (dark) in Dutch.

Waterloo Dark LCBO 86439, 473 mL, $2.50

Subtle aromas of dark toasted notes; with a hint of coffee. Sweetish malt flavour with a succinct, clean grassy finish.

45° TO 48°F

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Tall, straight-sided glasses or wheat beer glasses work well. A pint glass will also allow for proper enjoyment of aromatics. Serve dark lagers between 45° to 48°F (7° to 9°C).

Side Launch Dark Lager LCBO 437228, 473 mL, $2.80

AROMA The darker the malt is roasted, the more the aro- mas will venture towards coffee and chocolate.

Earthy and complex, the roasted notes of coffee and chocolate add character while the lager characteristics keep it fresh and lively.