For the first time in the history of the Taste of the Month, we have a tie. And somewhat surprisingly, it occurs between two French beers, neither of which is brewed in that country's northern beer heartland, Nord-Pas de Calais.
Taste of the Month Number One, first sampled at the Festibiére de Chambly in early September, was X.O.Beer, a "Bière au Cognac X.O." from a company called L&L of Cognac. Said to contain 5% X.O. cognac, this is a stunning marriage of beer and spirit, one which combines the two constituent parts beautifully and deliciously. (For more on this beer, please see my report from the Festibiére at: http://www.worldofbeer.com/ktt/festbier.html.)
TOTM Number Two was equally a surprise, as it appeared in the form of a beer purchased entirely on spec in a Québécois liquor store. It was Cervoise Lancelot, an herb-seasoned beer from Brasserie Lancelot of Brittany. There is no indication on the label as to which herbs are used, but judging from the big medicinal, minty nose and the stunningly complex resiny herb body, I'd guess that two of them may very well be rosemary and tarragon. (The Beers of France guidebook offers no further guidance, noting only that hops are one of the six herbs used.) Unfortunately, I only bought one bottle of this intriguing brew, but rest assured that I will not make the same mistake when next I return to la belle province.
(For travellers within North America, you can find both of these beers in the government liquor stores, known as SAQ, throughout Quebec. Others will have to visit France.)
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