Savour the season with a selection of fall beers and ciders from Ontario and beyond
Now that the hot, humid days of summer are behind us, it is time to set aside the lighter lagers and reach for beers that suit the cooler months. These are heavier-bodied and full-flavoured ales and richer lagers.
Here are a few selections from Ontario, Germany and England worth sampling this fall. If I had to choose one season, it would be autumn when the air is crisp, the bugs are gone, and fields and orchards are bursting with fresh harvests. I have also included a couple of ciders: one from Prince Edward County, just south of us on Lake Ontario, and another from the United Kingdom, long known for its cider-making. Normandy in France is also famous for cider and Calvados, a wonderful apple brandy. But that is a story for another day.
These are just a few options available at LCBO stores. Get out and explore to find something new that suits your taste. And do not forget the great Belgian beers for this season, including Trappist ales like Chimay or Leffe Brune, a robust brown ale with aromas of roasted caramel, chocolate and dark fruit, and notes of raisin on a slightly sweet finish. It pairs beautifully with a hearty beef casserole.
Germany gave us the Reinheitsgebot purity law, which originally required beer to be made with only three ingredients: water, barley and hops. Yeast was later added to the list, along with wheat. Oktoberfest itself began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. The festival still runs annually for 16 days, ending on the first weekend in October.
DAB Ur-Bock, Dortmund, Germany
LCBO #43741 | $2.85 | 500 ml | 5% abv
This amber-coloured Bock beer offers a rich, malty flavour with subtle caramel notes. Full-bodied and smooth, it features roasted malt sweetness with hints of dried fruit and a gentle bitterness on the finish. Though technically a lager, it is darker and maltier, with just enough hops to balance the sweetness. Enjoy it with a grilled T-bone steak.
Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, Germany
LCBO #75291 | $4.25 | 500 ml | 5.6% abv
Cloudy golden amber with a thick, lasting head, this unfiltered German wheat beer is known for its banana and clove aromas, high carbonation and soft, bready mouthfeel. Expect flavours of dried citrus and floral notes with a mildly bitter finish. The word “Hefe” refers to the yeast left in the beer, giving it its characteristic haze and flavour.
Hacker-Pschorr Munich Gold Lager, Germany
LCBO #308403 | $2.90 | 5.5% abv
Brewed with pure spring water, this slightly cloudy golden lager pours with a fine lacy head. Expect aromas of cereal and roasted nuts, and a medium-bodied palate with floral and dried fruit notes. Brewed using centuries-old yeast, Hallertau hops and Bavarian barley, it pairs well with bread, salad, sliced meats and blue cheese.
Clausthaler Premium Non-Alcoholic, Germany
LCBO #589549 | $2.45 | 500 ml | 0.05% abv
An award-winning non-alcoholic lager brewed under the German Beer Purity Law. Crisp, lightly sweet and balanced by grassy hops, this brew offers great flavour without the alcohol.
Abbot Ale, England
LCBO #16329 | $3.20 | 500 ml | 5% abv
Amber in colour with a lasting head, this medium-bodied ale features floral, oatmeal, malt and hop aromas, with a creamy taste and clean, bitter finish. English abbey ales draw inspiration from Belgian traditions but use local ingredients, producing a variety of strong ales and golden bitters. One fan described Abbot Ale as “how it would feel if monks threw a party: kind of sweet, a little mellow and spiritually satisfying.” Expect a toffee nose and a blend of cherry, chocolate and apple on the palate.
And finally, it would not be fall without cider. Here are two — one local and one international — that highlight the range of flavours available this season. The best ciders blend several apple varieties to balance sweetness, acidity and dryness.
County Cider, Ontario
LCBO #15808 | $3.95 | 473 ml | 6.5% abv
From the heart of Prince Edward County, this fresh and lively traditional cider is made with apples grown in County Cider’s own orchards. Crisp and light-bodied, it has notes of ripe apple, citrus and a hint of spice. A great dry cider with just a touch of sweetness.
Strongbow Original Dry Cider, United Kingdom
LCBO #560532 | $3.90 | 500 ml | 5.3% abv
Clear gold in colour with a thin head, this cider offers aromas of apple, brown sugar and cinnamon. The palate is light with lively carbonation and subtle sweetness followed by a short, crisp finish. It has a refreshing apple flavour that is not overly sweet or acidic, balanced by a touch of tannin from bittersweet cider apples.
Enjoy your fall beverages and remember that they pair well with seasonal foods like stews, casseroles, and roast pork or beef.
Cheers!
Brian Preston – The Travelling Sommelier
brianpreston@hotmail.com
613.272.3129
The Travelling Sommelier column is a regular feature in our print/digital edition.
