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ale — Chimay Cinq Cents (the
white label), Tripel Karmeliet,
Petrus Gouden Tripel, Delirium
Tremans, and Corsendonk are
often found on shelves.
Corsendonk also makes a
double. Basically, the dubbel/
tripel/quadrupel label refers
to the amount of malt used to
make the beer. The more malt
there is, the higher the alcohol
content in the finished beer is.
So, for example, for a tripel, the
brewer would use three times
the amount used for the regular,
low-ABV “table beer.” Gulden
Draak 9000 and St. Bernardus Abt 12 are both good examples of a
quadruple, or “quad” style.
Lambics are a bit more complex and often are made with fruit.
The natural bacteria found on the fruit used in the brewing process
will often impart a pleasant sour or tart flavor. Lindeman’s series of
lambics can often be found in stores, but note that the tartness is
counteracted by added sweetness. Some people like the sweet taste,
some prefer a more sour version.
Finally, I would be remiss if I left out one of the most food friendly
beers out in the market, Saison Dupont.This saison is flavorful but
delicate, with an effervescence that lightens the spice of the yeast
that’s used. Really, it’s a great go-to beer when it comes to trying
to figure out what to pair with a specific dish. Saison Dupont will
more often than not do the job beautifully.
Other European countries have their own stamps on the beer
world. Ireland, of course, is the home to Guinness, a dry Irish stout.
Guinness also just released a Nitro IPA in the U.S., in which the
hops used are softened by the nitro creaminess. It’s an interesting
combination of flavors and textures. Ireland has its lagers as well,
Harp being the most popular. Holland is the home of Heineken
and Grolsch, both popular export lagers.
Moving away from Europe, Japan has a thriving beer culture, which is
reflected in themany beer brands that are available in theU.S.Sapphoro,
Kirin Ichiban, and Orion breweries brew lagers to complement the
delicate cuisine, and newer breweries like Kiuchi are brewing ales
as well, like its Hitachino Nest White Ale, a wit style that’s another
excellent food pairing beer — no matter what the cuisine.
Mexico also has many lagers to enjoy on a hot summer day —
Corona, Modelo, Sol, Tecate, and Dos Equis. Continuing a trip
around the world in lagers, try Red Stripe from Jamaica and Fosters
from Australia. Lagers dominate the market because the light body
and subtle taste holds universal appeal, especially in warm climates.
Like the Gulf Coast, for example.
Local breweries also continue Old World brewing traditions —
in addition to NOLA Brown’s English mild, Abita Amber is a
Munich-style lager, based on a classic German regional style. Bayou
Teche incorporates aspects from France and Belgium, often using
malt and hops from those countries and putting an American twist
on it like its Cocodrie “Triple IPA,”
which combines the high booze
factor of the Belgian triple-style
with large amounts of hops for
increased bitterness and flavor.
WE’VE GOT THE BEST
FOR THE WURST
From dark, malty German bocks
and crisp, hoppy pilsners and
classic Bavarian wheats, we’ve
got it. We carry the largest
international beer selection on
the Gulf Coast.
BEER