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.
1
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.
2
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
3
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.
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator