Cuvée Des Jacobins Belgian Lambic Ale
Rating: NNNN
Why This Flanders red ale is a spontaneously fermented, unblended lambic that spends roughly a year and a half in French oak before it’s bottled and sent out into the world to beguile fans of malt and vinegar. I dig it, but keep in mind I’m the dude who’ll guzzle natural wine all night and still crave the vinaigrette dregs from the salad bowl.
Price $3.95/330 ml
Availability LCBO 318758
Boon Oude Geuze
Rating: NNNN
Why A spontaneously fermented lambic from Lembeek, the Belgian village from which the style may have taken its name, this can be cellared for far-future thirst attacks. All tangy funk and tiny bubbles, it recalls a tart, dry cider. A blend of one- to three-year-old lambics, Boon is a self-professed “monument of taste” – and I can’t really argue with that.
Price $15-$20/375 ml
Availability In specialty beer bars around town
Blood Brothers Paradise Lost Dark & Sour
Rating: NNN
Why Dark and sour? Blood Brothers’ last Paradise Lost release turned my overcast-spring beer dreams into a tangible and tasty reality. Like malt chocolate cherries brushed with balsamic.
Price $8
Availability In specialty beer bars around town
WHAT we’re DRINKING TONIGHT
Charlevoix Dominus Vobiscum Lupulus
Why Quebec’s Charlevoix has a rep for making Belgian-inspired ales with signature verve. Lupulus, arguably its most cultish offering, is a generously hopped strong ale suited to the awkward halfway weather Torontonians endure at every tedious seasonal change. Smells like a yeasty heaven and drinks with a memorable, plush texture. Hopefully, it’ll make you happy. It worked for me.
Price $11.80/750 ml
Availability LCBO 270389
