For a limited engagement this spring, at Beau’s Brewery we’re bringing back our first-ever Wild Oats Series beer released in the LCBO. Dunkel Buck, first brewed in 2011, is once again available in the province’s liquor stores – and unlike in 2011 when only a few hundred cases shipped to a total of 25 stores, Dunkel Buck will be available province-wide at LCBOs this spring.
The beer is a dunkel weizenbock, a strong, dark version of a traditional Bavarian wheat beer. The term “bock” indicates that is was brewed higher in alcohol than a standard interpretation of the weizen style. In a “dunkel” weizenbock the addition of a variety of darker malts produces a beer with rich amber and brown hues.
Beau’s has created more than 50 different beers so far for their Wild Oats Series, which is dedicated to exploring the bold flavours and exciting aromas of challenging styles of beer. Cloudy, dark and unfiltered, Dunkel Buck displays intriguing clove and banana aromas. The flavours follow, adding in a chocolate and mocha undercurrent. The beer finishes dry with a slightly tart spicyness, and the alcohol, at 6.8% ABV, is moderately warming.
Beau’s resident chef Bruce Wood advises pairing Dunkel Buck with fare such as curry-rubbed chicken wings on the BBQ with tamarind; ginger/dunkel dipping sauce; marmalade, mustard & clove-glazed smoked ham; and Glengarry Figaro or Chaource style cheeses; but he also adds that with its mocha, clove and banana flavours/aromas, Dunkel Buck has the distinction of being a great beer to pair with dessert. Chef Bruce’s signature recipe for “Dunkel Buck Banana Bread” is available online at beaus.ca/recipes.
Fans of the bock beers of spring can look for Dunkel Buck at their local LCBO beginning this weekend, where a single-serve 600 ml bottle will sell for $7.95. Bottles are also available for purchase direct from the Beau’s Brewery in Vankleek Hill, ON, and in Ottawa through Beau’s beer home delivery service BYBO (www.bybo.ca). In addition the beer will be available on tap at a selection of craft-friendly restaurants and pubs throughout Ontario. A Québec release of Dunkel Buck is planned for spring as well, but an exact date has yet to be determined.
Beau’s All Natural is a local, family-run, award-winning, certified organic, and totally DIY craft brewery. Founded in 2006, Beau’s brews interesting, tasty beers, including its flagship Lug Tread Lagered Ale, using best-quality certified organic ingredients & local spring water. In addition to Lug Tread, Beau’s offers a growing collection of Year-Round Beers and a rotating Seasonal program, as well as the “Wild Oats” and “Pro-Am” Series. Beau’s has been a recipient of more than 70 awards for brewing, packaging design and business practices, including 2 Gold medals at Mondial de la Bière (Strasbourg, France, and Montréal, Québec); 6 Gold medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards, 7-times “Best Craft Brewery in Ontario” (2007-2013) and 6-times “Best Craft Beer in Ontario” (2007-2011; 2014) at the Golden Tap Awards. As a Certified B-Corporation, Beau’s meets higher standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Beau’s beer is available in Ontario, Québec, and New York State. Oh yeah!
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