Here’s a little something about the beer -

Light, hoppy, smooth and crisp are four words that come to mind when I think of this week’s Beer of the Week. Brewery Ommegang has been doing things right for over a decade, and their Belgian Pale Ale (BPA) is proof of that.

The 6.2% ABV BPA pours a pale amber with a large white head. Head retention is above average and lacing is good.

Hopped with a large amount of Styrian hops and dry-hopped with cascade, there’s a strong floral aroma, with some citrus and spice coming through.

The citrus comes through much stronger in the taste, followed by some fruits, mainly orange and grapefruit. For only 21 IBUs (International Bitterness Units), there is much more hop in the taste than you’d expect due to the medium-light body.

Carbonated well with a medium-light body, mouthfeel is very good and the alcohol is hidden well. Light and refreshing, but with plenty of different hop tastes coming through, this is a very well crafted beer.

90 Points            Wine Advocate

Wine of the Day – December 11, 2012

“The 2011 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon is aged in the same manner as the Chardonnay. It has an attractive bouquet of red currant, blackberry and cassis that is well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins on the entry. This is a more reserved take on Cabernet with an Old World sensibility, but it has superb earthiness and an almost Bordeaux-like classicism on the finish. This is excellent. Drink now-2017. – Neal Martin” October 2012

Big thanks to Taboo from Okanagan Spirits for the support, if you haven’t already you have to try the Taboo Gold.

A traditional style absinthe with a little less anise and the introduction of the botanicals veronica and angelica set this spirit apart from our classic Absinthe. The reduction in the use of fennel and anise causes a wonderfully dry finish whilst a distinct absinthe signature still remains.

This highly popular absinthe was originally released a few years ago and has been sold out ever since.

Our new batch consists of only 114 bottles so availability will be limited.

We will be closed somewhere in the near future for the final renovations directly in front of Clive’s as well as around the washrooms and we will post that when the time comes.

Thanks as always for your patronage.

BON VIVANT SERIES – Jan 20th, 1pm INDUSTRY, 6pm GENERAL PUBLIC

J. Wheelock returns to show you the secret of the pros on how to blend your favorite scotch whisky. This is something you can’t miss for the industry or the at home enthusiast.

DIA NACIONAL DEL PISCO SOUR – Feb 2nd

One of our favorite nights of the year celebrating one of our favorite sours, the Pisco Sour.

Make Mine a Mini

Do you really want a Martini the size of your head? Diminutive drinks are the next big (little) thing.

By ERIC FELTEN

FOR TOO LONG, COCKTAILS have been too big. A benchmark is the Martini: Consider the prewar versions favored by Mame Dennis, the chic Manhattanite of “Auntie Mame.” We’re told in the 1958 movie version that she abjures an olive garnish because it takes up too much room in such a little glass—which, in that era, might have measured anywhere between 2 and 4 ounces. By contrast, in modern glasses of 8 or 10 ounces (or more), there’s so much space that three overstuffed olives have become the norm.

Read the article here.

The Graves Rouge has a deep, vivid, red colour and a powerful and refined bouquet of red berries, pepper, and leather. On the palate, the silky tannins highlight the cherry, blackberry, nutmeg and licorice notes. The long finish is accented by spiciness and grilled flavours.

Wine Making Notes

Overlooking the Brion valley, the vineyard of Roquetaillade La Grange (which translates ‘carved out of rock’) is situated at an altitude of 70 to 113 meters. The soils and sub-soils produce wines of incredible quality. The vineyards wine production is made up of 75 hectares on gravelly soil and sub-soil, yielding approximately 50 ha/ white and 48 ha/ red.

Here is a brief description of this awesome 8% introduction to Autumn.

Maredsous Brune was blended by Father Attout, whose aim was to brew an aromatic ale for Christmas. His creation, with a delicate caramel bouquet, has become an indispensable fixture for beer lovers. This is a rich mahogany-brown Dubbel ale, with a delicate body, creamy head, and lush bouquet. Within its velvety taste you will discover subtle hints of dark fruit, chocolate, and toffee. You will also savour a dry and warming finish.