Food & Drink
Beers of SummerRed, White and Blue
DANA YOUNG
Summer 2009 |
For a variety of reasons, according to the Brewers Association of Canada, beer consumption has fallen every year since 1975. Calorie-counters and responsible drivers are curbing their enthusiasm for beer. At the same time, Canadians are drinking more wine. Statistics Canada reports a 46 percent increase in wine consumption over the last decade.
Still nothing tastes better on a hot summer day than an ice cold beer. Recently I tasted something new, something non-alcoholic and something Blue.
Red
For designated drivers or people who don’t drink but like the taste of beer, non-alcoholic beer has never been better. President’s Choice “de-alcholized” Red Brew (0.5 percent) is a dark beer brewed in Hamilton by Lakeport (Labatt). It is considered by many to be one of the best on the market and is a tasty alternative to the real thing. It is also easy on the waistline. One 355 mL can has 50 calories compared to 145 for a regular beer. This could pass for the real thing.
White
Just in time for the patio season, Alexander Keith’s has introduced Premium White. Brewed in traditional white ale fashion, and with the essence of Seville orange, coriander, cinnamon and cloves, Premium White is an unfiltered ale that features a rich golden colour and cloudy appearance unique to white beers.
Keith’s Premium White is being marketed as the perfect summer beer to enjoy with friends at a backyard barbecue or on a pub patio. It is now available at The Beer Store in 12-pack bottles for $22.95 and is five percent alcohol by volume.
It wasn’t love at first sip, but this beer complements salty or peppered foods nicely. Those who like it will like it a lot.
Blue
Labatt Blue is the best-selling Canadian beer in the world but only No. 4 in Canada. Introduced in 1951 as Labatt Pilsener, it was inspired by Czech pilseners.
Fans of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team nicknamed the beer “Blue” after the colour of its label, and Labatt incorporated the name in the early 1960s.
Labatt Blue was the first brand in Canada with a twist-off cap.
Labatt Breweries was the original principal owner of the Toronto Blue Jays. A contest was held to name the team. Blue Jays was chosen because the company had hoped the team name would be shortened to “Blues.”
My first love. Blue brings back memories of my college days in London, home of John Labatt. In those days it was Blue or “50” ale and nothing else.
Beer 101
Lagers
Lagers are the world’s most popular beer and include pilseners. Lighter tasting foods such as grilled chicken, turkey, and mild-flavoured seafood such as mussels, scallops and halibut bring out the crisp and refreshing flavour of lagers.
Canadian Ale
This category includes export ales, cream ales and some blonde ales. They have a hint of fruit and floral notes but are very easy to drink. They are a great match for hearty soups, pizza and lighter fare and best with foods that are not sweet.
Light
Light beer has fewer calories and/or lower alcohol content. It is light in colour and mild in flavour. Light beer tastes great with spicy Mexican or Italian dishes or sushi.
Wheat Beers
These beers are light and easy to drink with very little aftertaste. Wheat provides a soft character to beer and is sometimes hazy or cloudy with a touch of spice notes. Wheat beers make a great pairing with any egg dish, spicier meals, salmon and salads.
Ales
Generally robust and complex with a variety of fruit and malt aromas, ales come in many varieties and could include bitters, milds, Abbey ales, pale ales and nut browns. Match these with fuller bodied meals, such as steak, pork, lamb or stews.
Amber Beers
A very versatile beer; amber beers are full bodied malt with aromas with hints of caramel. These beers can be either lager or ale. Amber beers make a nice pairing with chicken, most cheeses and burgers.
Specialty Beers
Specialty beers include a wide variety of styles such as strong beers, fruit beers, honey beers and bock beers. These beers range in alcohol content from 5 to 9 percent. Specialty beers can be a great complement to many meals. Try honey beers with chicken or ham; fruit beers with dessert; and strong beers with dessert or after dinner on their own.
Stout
Stout is deep, dark and flavourful with intense malt and caramel flavours that range from sweet to dry and distinctively bitter. Stout beer is a unique complement to shellfish, hearty stews and wild game.
Source: The Beer Store
