If you’re dreading the countdown to midnight for reasons other than not having a significant other to lock lips with, it could be for the glass of bubbly that you feel obliged to down once the fireworks go off. Okay, so champagne might not be to your tastes. But there are actually a few newer styles of beer on the LCBO shelves that are worthy of celebration. Far from your typical six-pack or tall can, these brews borrow from wine-making techniques to give you a champagne-like drinking experience that’s more affordable and approachable.
One of our favourites is Beau’s appropriately-named New Lang Syne. This Belgian Trippel is an extra strong (9% ABV) style of beer that was first made by Trappist monks. Part of the beer is aged in pinot gris barrels for four months, giving it a bright, citrusy character. The aged portion is then blended back in with the rest of the brew. Another aging period in the bottle with champagne yeast creates a more delicate effervescence compared to the average brew.
New Lang Syne comes packaged in a champagne-like bottle with a wire cage and cork top. The effervescence built up from bottle conditioning makes this beer utterly satisfying to pop open, just like a bottle of bubbly. You’ll enjoy citrusy, tropical fruit flavours with a bit of peppery spice and a wine-like dry finish. If you’re eager to pop the bottle before midnight, serve New Lang Syne with chicken, fish or mild cheeses. But if you’re patient, keep the bottle in your cellar as it ages nicely for countdowns to come.
$16 for 750mL bottle, LCBO
