The Summer 2008 edition of the LCBO's seasonal beer promotion series is officially under way, with thirteen warm-weather-friendly beers from around the world starting to appear on the shelves of selected outlets this week. And for the first time, local beer writers were invited to a tasting room at LCBO head office to get an advance preview of some of the brews in the line-up.
Following are some brief notes on the nine beers that were featured at the media tasting. More detailed reviews of a few of them will show up in future Beer of the Week columns.
Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen-Mix (LCBO 63511) - $1.95/330 ml bottle
The regular Schöfferhofer Hefeweizen was available here a couple of years ago, and is a decent version of the style, but I was sceptical about this 50/50 blend of wheat beer and grapefruit drink. But this is a surprisingly enjoyable beverage, with a nice tart edge that makes it quite refreshing. I could see this being a great breakfast beer on a hot summer day.
Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale (LCBO 615633) - $4.95/650 ml bottle
Reviews of this beer have been mixed since its original appearance as a seasonal release last summer, but I've always been a fan, and remain so this year. The beer itself it a well-crafted golden ale, and the oranges and peel added during the brewing process give the finish a pleasant dry edge.
Christoffel Bier (LCBO 696955) - $2.80/330 ml bottle
This Dutch pilsner has become a summer tradition at the LCBO, and I'm not complaining, as the herbal, spicy hop character makes this a favourite for me any time of year. Tip: Buy at least two bottles of this, use one to steam some mussels, and drink the other while eating them - it's an unbeatable combo!
Chapeau Lemon (LCBO 76034) - $2.40/250 ml bottle
Chapeau Kriek (LCBO 76117) - $2.10/250 ml bottle
The Chapeau line of sweetened fruit lambics from Belgium's Brouwerij De Troch have always been sort of hit and miss for me (with more misses than hits, to be honest), and they hit .500 with this duo. The Lemon really surprised me with a very tart lemon flavour and a hint of lambic funkiness that is hidden in most Chapeau beers, while the Kriek has an unappealing cherry cough drop aroma and flavour.
Grolsch Weizen (LCBO 73734) - $2.75/473 ml bottle
Like their iconic lager, Grolsch Weizen is a fairly mainstream version of the style. The expected aromas and flavours are there - banana, clove, lemon, etc. - but they're quite subdued.
Unibroue Ephemere Apple (LCBO 692574) - $5.25/750 ml bottle
Quebec's Unibroue Brewery is known for making Belgian-style ales that are yeasty and spicy, and this one is no exception, although the spicy edge is toned down somewhat to make way for the fresh green apple flavours.
Edelweiss Snowfresh Weissbier (LCBO 73718) - $2.05/330 ml bottle
The label on this Austrian brew promise an "aromatic taste of alpine herbs", although it doesn't mention just what those herbs are. Whatever they might be, they add a nice herbal/medicinal touch to this beer, raising it up from being just another weissbier.
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (LCBO 75921) - $2.85/500 ml bottle
One of the world classics in the German Hefeweizen style, it's great to see this legendary beer finally available in Ontario. The flavour is very full, with prominent banana and clove notes, and the finish is clean and refreshing.
The remaining beers in the promotion which were not featured in the media tasting include the following:
Wells Bombardier Burning Gold (LCBO 74484) - $TBA/568 ml bottle
Brussels White (LCBO 411157) - $TBA/TBA ml bottle
St Peter's Golden Ale (CBO #TBA) - $TBA/500 ml bottle
Brakspear Bitter (LCBO 909531) - $TBA/500 ml bottle
