New and looking for suggestions!

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by amadori16, May 20, 2019.

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  1. amadori16

    amadori16 Initiate (0) May 20, 2019 Canada (ON)

    Thanks so much to everyone for all your suggestions! Now I have a much better idea of what to look for, or what to get the next time I am out with friends.

    I am in Toronto... so I looked online to see what was available at my local LCBO/ Beer Store. I found the Boston Lager, Rochefort, Westmalle Dubbel and Chimay Blue mentioned above. Of those options, which one would be the least bitter? I've read that the Boston Lager is similar to Barking Squirrel, which honestly was probably my favourite of all that I have tried, but even that was a tad bitter. The one Belgian Dark Ale I tried, the Zundert Trappist, was also quite bitter to me.

    I think bitterness is what bothers me most about the beers I have tried. Often, I love the flavours but it is overpowered by bitterness and then it is all I can really taste after a few sips.

    I don't see Trois-Pistoles at my local stores, but I do visit Quebec quite often as I have family there so maybe on one of those trips I will be able to give it a try.

    Well, I do like love spice if it's chili peppers or cinnamon/ cloves! :slight_smile:
     
    #21 amadori16, May 24, 2019
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  2. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Of the ones you mentioned, Chimay Blue is probably the least bitter, followed by Westmalle Dubbel and any of the Rochefort brews (there are a few options you're likely to see, with 6, 8, and 10, but they all feature low bitterness).

    Compared to those, Boston Lager will actually seem quite bitter (even though it doesn't even begin to approach IPA levels). I can't speak for Zundert Trappist.

    I really do think the more of these you try - including branching out into beers that test your tolerance for bitterness, like Sam Adams Boston Lager - the more you will find your palate rapidly adjusts to the bitterness, and it stops being a problem entirely - maybe even becoming something you enjoy! Don't force it, just continue to try different beers, enjoy the ones you like, and when you find one right at your threshold (like Barking Squirrel, apparently), just relax and enjoy it - it may be a touch too bitter right now, but before long, I promise, it won't be. :slight_smile:

    Cheers!
     
    #22 Roguer, May 24, 2019
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  3. Coronaeus

    Coronaeus Grand Pooh-Bah (3,744) Apr 21, 2014 Canada (ON)
    Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Trois Pistoles is available at both the LCBO and The Beer Store in a mixed 6 pack with other Unibroue beers. It might be worth a try as there is a mix of styles in the current one that might be nice for you to try.

    As you are in Toronto, I really think you should give Godspeed a try. They are at the corner of Coxwell and Gerrard and have some great Japanese food as well as great beer.
     
    #23 Coronaeus, May 24, 2019
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  4. amadori16

    amadori16 Initiate (0) May 20, 2019 Canada (ON)

    Thanks for the bitterness comparison.

    You're probably right about the bitterness. I enjoy other kinds of bitter food and I suppose it may be similar to building a tolerance to spicy food (which I love!)

    I tried some Chimay blue today. Maybe I am missing something, being new and all, but I didn't enjoy it very much.
    I didn't really taste much caramel or fruit or sweetness.. I read several reviews saying that it was port-like, which got me interested because I do enjoy port... but I didn't taste that either. I mostly just tasted yeast and alcohol. It almost- almost reminded me of chocolately soy sauce (maybe it is the spice that makes me think soy??) mixed with alcohol. It did look very beautiful though and the texture was nice.
    Maybe it's too much alcohol for me? I didn't think it would be- I mean I drink other drinks that contain more than 9%.
    Oh well, at least according to the bottle much of the revenue goes towards charity.

    So far I think I still prefer Barking Squirrel Amber lager and the two English Pale Ales I have tried, but am hoping for something less watery and less bitter.
     
    #24 amadori16, May 25, 2019
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  5. bbtkd

    bbtkd Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,790) Sep 20, 2015 South Dakota
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    You may want to try Scotch Ale style beers.
     
    #25 bbtkd, May 25, 2019
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  6. Roguer

    Roguer Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,811) Mar 25, 2013 Connecticut
    Mod Team Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    The "sweetness" of a Belgian is very subtle, and very much depends on whatever else you have eaten (or drank) beforehand. The yeast can come across as rather dry and spicy (not "hot" spicy). I always make sure if I'm drinking a Dubbel or Quad that it's the first thing I consume in that session.

    Even then, though, those may not be for you. Generally they do carry strong notes of dark fruit and bread. The high ABV in a beer like that definitely doesn't at all come across the same as the high ABV in a mixed drink, so it can be a factor.

    Soy sauce is an interesting note. Many people complain about stouts tasting of soy sauce, but I don't recall hearing it about a Quad before. Could just be how you interpret those flavors - some people taste soap when eating cilantro, for example.

    I second what @bbtkd mentioned above (and I didn't even think about!): Scotch Ales. Most of them are smooth, rich, and thick in caramel and dark fruit flavors.

    Cheers!
     
    #26 Roguer, May 25, 2019
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