December Beers of the Month: Unibroue Brewery

MAUDITE

(moe-dzit)

In November 1992 Maudite (the damned one) was the first strong beer to be distributed in Quebec grocery stores. It contains 8% alcohol and is also the first beer brewed in America that improves with age. When served young, it is very smooth, but when served after several years of storage, its flavor is reminiscent of port. Maudite is a mahogany-colored, rich-tasting premium beer that has a distinctive, complex taste. Because of the warmth it releases, this strong character beer must be served cool but not cold. Perfect with pasta, red meats, stews and spicy dishes, it also makes a good aperitif and after-dinner drink.

Maudite has a typically Quebecois name that is reminiscent of the legend of the Chasse-Galerie (the legend of the Flying Canoe). Legend has it that a group of lumberjacks struck a deal with the devil to fly home in their canoes, guided by Satan himself, to make it home in time for Christmas.

notes: toasted pecan and almond with a touch of caramel, clove spiced honey, rose and subtle dried cherry

LA FIN DU MONDE

(la-faeh-doo-mohnd)

In February 1994, after 18 months of research, Unibroue launched La Fin du Monde (the end of the world). It is a 9 percent alcohol, triple fermentation beer. This type of beer was originally developed by the monks of the Middle Ages to be served on special occasions. La Fin du Monde is a deluxe beer made by triple fermentation and a unique way of straining the yeast. This method produces an unexpectedly subtle flavor. With its champagne-like effervescence, it has a vigorous presence in the mouth, which accentuates its strong personality. This beer is brewed to honor of the great explorers, who believed they had reached the end of the world when they discovered America.

notes: orange bitters, lemon, apricot, tart apple, white pepper, nutmeg, white cinnamon, marjoram