Guide

Belgian

Gin is a flavoured spirit, obtained by redistilling a high-proof spirit primarily in the presence of juniper berries and other flavouring agents. There is no single way that gin must be produced and a variety of styles exist depending on distillation techniques, botanical recipes and maturation processes. Origin: The first gin was created around 1650 in Holland by Dr. Franciscus Sylvius with the intention of creating an inexpensive medicinal oil. By redistilling a pure alcohol with juniper berries Sylvius believed he could capture the therapeutic properties of the berry. The medicine was called Genievre from the French name for the juniper berry, which was shortened and anglicized to “gin.” Within a few years, Dr. Sylvius’ Genievre was relieving bladder and kidney ailments. Common ingredients in gin include: coriander, angelica, rosemary, sage, quinine, grapefruit, ginger, and chamomile.

Food Pairing

Brie

Stew

Lamb

BELGIAN TRIPEL

Traditionally bright yellow to gold in colour, with an aroma and flavour that’s spicy and fruity/estery, with a sweet finish. The use of Belgian candy sugar lightens the body and gives the beer complexity.

SAISON/FARMHOUSE ALES

Saisons are also known as “farmhouse ales” because Belgian farmers would brew the beers in the winter to be consumed through the summer months, when they were busy tending to their crops. Once an endangered style, in recent years there has been a massive revival, especially amongst U.S. craft beer brewers. Fruity in aroma and flavour, with earthy yeast tones, mild to moderate tartness, with lots of spice and a medium bitterness.