Classic flavour combo brings unique taste to “Elephant Monsoon”

Beau’s new “PB & Grape” Porter features peanut butter paired with the natural sweetness of organic Concord grapes, accenting a classic British-style dark ale

(VANKLEEK HILL – Feb. 23, 2016) This week Beau’s Brewery will launch the 4th of 5 beers brewed for their feBREWary winter craft beer event: a “PB & Grape” Porter called Elephant Monsoon. The classic sandwich combo meets an equally classic beer style, as the dark chocolate malt character of a Porter gets a fun and flavourful twist with an addition of peanut butter and Concord grapes.

Elephant Monsoon pours a nearly opaque brown/black with a tan head. The aroma is a medley of mocha, grape and peanuts, and the flavour is of sweet fruity grape accenting a canvas of dark chocolate and peanuts. The finish is dry, and the nuts linger. Beau’s Brewmaster Matthew O’Hara worked with the brewery’s resident Chef, Bruce Wood, to create the recipe.

“Once we had the concept in place, we chatted about a few variations of peanut butter and jam or jelly,” says O’Hara, “and Chef Bruce was of the mind that grape was the best match.” Explains Chef Bruce: “Concord grapes have a deeper and richer flavour than some other jam or jelly fruits, which works well with the characteristics of a Porter. We’ll be having some fun with the food pairing this weekend at the brewery too, serving Elvis-style grilled peanut butter, banana and bacon sandwiches,” he adds.

For those curious to try a PB & Grape Porter, more than 200 restaurant and pubs in Ontario and Québec will be tapping Beau’s Elephant Monsoon this week for feBREWary. Limited quantities of the beer will be available for purchase in 600 ml bottles in the Vankleek Hill brewery retail shop, as well as select corner stores and supermarkets in Québec, beginning Feb. 25.

FeBREWary 2016 is Beau’s All Natural’s 5th annual month-long beer event designed to “Give Old Man Winter a kick in the snowpants.” Next week’s fifth and final feBREWary release for 2016 is Koru, a complex and tasty Belgian-style Pale Ale with spice-and-peppery yeast character, and tropical fruit inflections from organic New Zealand hops. A full list of participating feBREWary restaurants in Ontario and Québec and details on all the feBREWary beers are available online at www.beaus.ca/feBREWary.