Something old, something new: a trio of releases from Beau’s this December
Craft brewery Beau’s All Natural will be launching a trio of beers into Ontario and Québec in the month of December. Limited-edition holiday release “New Lang Syne” Belgian-style Tripel will hit shelves early in the month, along with Farm Table Series “80 Shilling”; fan-favourite “Bog Water” from the Gruit Series returns mid-month for a hibernal stay.
New Lang Syne is a Belgian-style tripel that has been aging in white wine barrels since the summer. The strong (9%) deep golden ale is bottle-conditioned to sparkling effervescence, making it a perfect selection for New Year’s Eve, or any holiday celebration with friends and family. First impressions of New Lang Syne are of lemon zest, as well as papaya and tropical fruits. A white wine character harmonizes with firm tannins, and French and German hop varieties provide suitable balance. A bright, sparkling mouthfeel leads into a finish that is distinctively fruity, with subtle peppery notes. The beer is packaged in a 750 mL champagne-style bottle complete with cage and cork – only limited quantities of this 2016 special release will be available.
Available in early December at Ontario and Québec retailers, Farm Table Series 80 Shilling is a toasty traditional Scottish-style ale. Malt-focused and sessionable (4.7%), 80 Shilling pours a deep copper colour, with mild-to-moderate caramel flavour and balanced hop presence. Originating in the 1800s, Scottish ales were classified on a “shilling” scale based on their alcohol strength, typically ranging from 60 shilling (“light”), to 90 (“wee heavy”). In the midst of these extremes are 80 shilling ales (“export”), classic crowd pleasers and a style that has stood the test of time. 80 Shilling is a seasonal release, and will be offered throughout the winter as part of Beau’s ongoing Farm Table Series.
A popular beer with craft beer fans since 2008, Beau’s Gruit Series Bog Water will return for a winter residency on LCBO shelves in mid-December. Bog Water is brewed with hand-harvested organic bog myrtle, which contributes a sweet aroma, balanced bitterness, and herbal, spicy notes suggestive of a digestif. A plum-like fruitiness and a Belgian yeast profile make Bog Water a very complex and contemplative winter ale. Beau’s Gruit Series takes inspiration from centuries-old brewing tradition: herbs, spices and other botanicals replace a dominant hop character.
As noted, all three beers will be available in both Ontario and Québec markets for December 2016. They are also available directly from the Beau’s Brewery retail store in Vankleek Hill, as well as in the City of Ottawa through home-delivery service BYBO (www.bybo.ca).