Quebec’s great Unibroue has long distinguished itself for a line of seasonal what beers called Éphémère. And ephemeral they are – made in limited supplies with fresh, seasonal fruits. Apple, cranberry and blueberry have all figured into the rotation. Now there’s a different twist: strawberry and rhubarb, two ingredients for the price of one. You probably know the combination as a pie filling and jam. Why it took so long for this beer to happen is the only negative thing you can say about it. This is perfectly executed, using Unibroue’s famously bready, Belgian-style yeast, which imparts richness and spice to the 5.5-per-cent alcohol beer as well as a subtle note of banana that complements the precisely balanced main ingredients – sweet-ripe strawberry and tart rhubarb. Sylvain Bouchard, the brewery’s beer sommelier, suggests pairing it with chicken curry, ham with pineapple, spinach salads, blue cheese or triple-crème brie, among other things. Or simply pair it with summer. Available in Quebec and Ontario (at the LCBO, Beer Store and some supermarkets) for a limited time.
- Food pairing: Chicken curry, ham with pineapple, spinach salads, blue cheese, triple-crème brie
- Price: $9.99/750 ml