There are just two new additions this week, but both are insanely special. First off, from Canada’s Unibroue arrives a beer to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Quebec. Another fine Belgian-style Strong Pale Ale, it’s called Quatre-Centième. At just 7.5% abv, it doesn’t go over the top as some of the other Unibroue special editions, but this is a collector’s edition with a beautiful painted label.

Second is the T’misje Grand Reserva. Many of you now this is one our favorite eclectic little Belgian craft breweries. (Perhaps you’ve gotten the Calva Reserva nudge from yours truly.) In fact, Johan Brandt was originally a bee-keeper, and made a single beer called T’mijse beginning in 1995. His Guido, with honey and raisins, is about as close to the original you’ll get these days. Now, with six permanent brews, the Grand Reserva makes its first appearance. Like Remy Martin? It’s “champagne cognac” for those who have never had it. T’mijse Grand Reserve is actually T’mijse Kerst, the dark spiced holiday ale, T’misje Catherine the Great, the imperial stout, aged in Michel Couveur cognac casks. It’s described as having “rich flavours from fruit, woody hints of whisky.” There are only two cases of this rarerity, so get it while you can.

UPDATE: The B. United website appears to be incorrect. The bottle reads Catherine the Great. At any rate, we had one last evening and it’s uber delicious. Really woody. If you’re into that sort of style.

[Image: beernews.org]