LCBO Food & Drink Holiday 2025

AFTER DARK

ROLL OUT A PERFECT PAIRING Cabbage Roll Casserole with Dilled Sour Cream p. 158 Cabbage rolls are everything you want in winter. They’re a slow cooking dish that caramelizes in the oven and concentrates flavours—and this version elim inates labour-intensive rolling. Caramelization and browned, bubbly cheese complement toasted-malt sweetness in the beer. The result is a pairing that edifies the palate and the soul.

DARK LAGER AND ALE

Solstice Sippers What we might call a solstice sipping beer or winter warmer is typified by a slightly higher alcohol content, with the famil iarity of dark, toasty flavours. While dark lagers remain crisp and roasty while pouring dark in the glass, dark ales tend to develop rich toasted nut and treacle depths alongside dried fruit notes. A hearty dish served alongside provides all the forti fication you need.

Sapporo Black Lager (LCBO 28412, 4 pk, $13.95) combines the crispness of lager with the dark choc olate and coffee tones of darker malt in a refined, accessible way.

Walkerville Brewery Rob Roy Scotch Ale (LCBO 628883, 473 mL, $3.95) is driven by the sweetness of toffee, treacle and toasted nuts. It’s just the thing to warm up your bothy (or your living room).

Caledon Hills Maple Strong & Free Brown Ale

Gouden Carolus Cuvee Van De Keizer Imperial Dark (LCBO 288696, 750 mL, $13.25) features warm tones of caramel, plums, chocolate and gentle baking spices in a dark, contemplative sipper. In stores this December.

(LCBO 47502, 473 mL, $3.65) combines the

toasted malt and rich body of a brown ale with the light woody sweetness of maple.

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———————— HOLIDAY 2025