Food & Drink
A taste of summer
JAMIE KENSLEY
Summer 2010 |
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2008 issue. It’s that time of year again; the sun is shining, barbecues are firing up, and yes, we are all thirsty! First, we need something to act as as the seasoning. How about the blossom of the hop vine? Then we could add a fermentable grain, likely barley. If we just added yeast to the blend, we may end up with something really special. Wait a minute, someone else has already invented beer!
Water is great, but wouldn’t it be nice if water could be changed to taste a little better?
In fact, beer is as old as civilization. There is evidence of beer brewing in Mesopotamia as early as 4000 BC. Since those ancient beginnings, beer has evolved and many different styles exist today.
The good news is, you don’t have to go that far to find a great one. In Ontario, we are blessed with 29 craft brewers dedicated to making fresh, natural beer of the finest quality.
By definition, a craft brewery is dedicated to brewing only premium beer in small batches, using the finest Canadian malts with natural and pure ingredients. No additives and preservatives are used and freshness is guaranteed. (The Ontario Craft Brewers website offers a wealth of information, ontariocraftbrewers.com.)
If you enjoy lagers, which are lighter in flavour, try Neustadt Lager (76166, $2.55, 500 mL). The smooth and very creamy Neustadt Lager has been the recipient of gold and silver medals at the prestigious Canadian Beer Awards. Its flavour is fuller, the colour is deeper than average Canadian beers, and the finish is clean and fresh. Serve Ontario craft lagers with grilled burgers.
If you prefer ale, which is typically sweeter and fuller-bodied than lagers, then J.R. Brickman Amber Ale has “flex appeal.” The amber ale has smooth malt aromas, rich copper colour, as well as a mildly sweet caramel finish. Try pairing ales with spicy wings or ribs. Looking for even more richness? Try the Hockley Dry with an inviting deep amber colour and a creamy head.
Satisfying aromas of toast, coffee and chocolate are followed by full, round flavours and a refreshing bitter finish.
The Neustadt 10W30 Brown Ale was awarded two silver medals for its deep brown colour, aromas of caramel, rich malt and roasted barley. With a weighty palate of malt and caramel, and a well-defined hops note, it is a perfect partner to beef, steaks, stews or kebabs.
Talking about beer is tremendously exciting but I can’t forget to mention other summer beverages. Increasing in popularity, rosé wine is perfect for many occasions. Sometimes misunderstood, rosé is not always sweet. Crisp, dry rosés are great companions for summer cuisine and can be served as a refreshing aperitif or with seafood and salads.
A rosé wine is made when red skinned grapes are crushed and the skins are allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, from several hours to two or three days. The grapes are then pressed, and the skins are discarded rather than left in content through fermentation (as with red wine making).
Many delicious rosés hail from France and California, however, Ontario shines with delicious rosés from some of our top producers. Flat Rock Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé, Malivoire Lady Bug Rosé, and Henry of Pelham Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé are just a few of the gems to be found.
Vintages is the fine wine and spirits business unit of LCBO. There are two locations in Sudbury and with new product releases every second Saturday, be prepared to expand your wine cellar.
Vintages tasting take place every Thursday at the Lasalle location and every Friday at the Algonquin location. For more details, including telephone numbers, addresses and store features, visit the Vintages website (vintages.com).
When visiting your local LCBO, let our knowledgeable staff help you discover the world. In the end, if you find yourself questioning what the best buy is, the answer is uncomplicated; it is what you like.
