Sinful Pleasure

Each time I try a new beer from a Québec microbrewery, I am more and more impressed. These microbrasseries really produce craft beers of substance. They don't seem to shy away from making bold statements in producing flavourful, high-alcohol, seductive ales.

Take, for example, Dieu du Ciel. I have only tried three of their beers, and I've loved each of them. They are bold, flavourful, and often have an alcohol level that teeters near or surpasses the 10-percent mark. But they are balanced and a brew to savour.

This week, I tried one of their offerings that I once saw in an article by Ross Scarano, about the 100 beers you had to try before dying. I had already tried 10 of the beers in that list: I can make this one my eleventh.

Péché Mortel (Mortal Sin) Imperial Coffee Stout (9.5% ABV)
Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!
St-Jérôme, QC
Beer O'Clock rating: 3.5

Appearance: a deep mahogany that allows no light to pass through, with a taupe head that dissipates to a fine lace.

Nose: espresso, chocolate, and a hint of iodine.

Palate: bourbon, malted chocolate, and coffee, which ends in a strong alcoholic finish.

Overall impression: this is a serious stout that cannot be consumed lightly. It's well-balanced for the most part, but I found that I had to savour it in small sips, not large mouthfuls, lest the alcohol bite me. The trace of iodine gave it a slight medicinal aroma, which at first was a little off-putting, but it did ease up and allow the coffee to open up.

I picked up a six pack of this beer at Bières du Monde but I have also seen it in Broue Ha Ha and La Trappe a Fromage. It's not available in Ontario.

But crossing the border to pick this up is well worth the trip. Think of it as a sinful pleasure.

Cheers!

A Little Something Under the Tree?

So, what is Santa leaving for you under the tree?

Winter is the time for dark, strong beer, but what about something a little sexy? A little brewery in St-Jérôme, Québec, has done a little of both, and you can feel a little naughty and nice with this strong and flavourful stout.

Aphrodisiaque Cocoa and Vanilla Strong Stout
Brasserie Dieu du Ciel, St-Jérôme, QC
Broue Ha Ha: $12.99, 6 x 341 ml (approx); 6.5% ABV
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Deep walnut colour with a rich foam of dark beige that dissipates into a lasting, fine lace, this stout hit my nose with intense vanilla and sweet chocolate. On the palate, I was met with a light coffee and more vanilla, which was followed up with a rich, dark chocolate and alcohol finish that married nicely.

This is a deliciously decadent beer.

Over the holiday, whether you've been naughty or nice, or both, indulge a little. 'Tis the season, after all! There are lots of places in the Outaouais region that stock this beer, so get out and try some.

Or ask Santa.

This is my last beer review until after Christmas, so I want to wish everyone the best of the season. If you enjoy your pints, please do so responsibly.

Cheers!