Only hardcore calendar pedants really believe that the days between Labour Day and Sept. 21 are summer. That’s until a heat wave hits, like the one we had this week, and our air conditioners are forced back into service for one last, weezy victory lap.
The Tailset Ginger Ale from Grand River Brewing is well suited to the weather between summer and fall. It has just enough lively interest to extend a glass over a contemplative, chilly evening, and it also has a refreshing sun-fighting base.
From the bottle, this ginger beer pours a hazy orange-gold with a bright white head. Its fresh ginger aroma is backed up by notes of lemon peel and bread malt.
The first sip is candied ginger (without the sweetness), and warm spices and baked grains complete the flavour profile of a subtle ginger cake. The low alcohol (4.5 per cent) and the crisp, dry finish reinforce the refreshing side of this beer. It doesn’t have a whole lot of ginger burn.
To pair the Tailset with food, look for somewhat rich dishes — roast chicken, grilled pork chops or baked beans — that will act as contrast to the dry ginger spice. But stay away from anything that actually has ginger in it, because the flavours are bound to clash, and one will overwhelm the other.
Even if the last blast of summer is behind us, the Tailset Ginger Ale will still find a place in my rotation for the last (breezy) days on the dock. There is still quite a bit of inventory for this beer in LCBOs across the province.
Grand River Brewing’s Tailset Ginger Ale, $3.95 for a 500 ml bottle, LCBO #349142
In addition to covering beer, new restaurants and food trucks for Post City, David Ort writes about food and drink for several Toronto publications including his own site, Food With Legs. He is also the author of the upcoming Canadian Craft Beer Cookbook. For more of his thoughts on food, beer and life in general, follow him on Twitter or get in touch at info@foodwithlegs.com.