Valentine’s Day is upon us and whether you’re happily occupied with a significant other (or not), it’s a great day for beer. Yes, most think of Valentine’s Day as the day of wine and chocolate—or a champagne toast—but we suggest you try beer. Beer can be romantic, and we’ve got a bunch of suggestions for you that warrant celebration of your “taken” status. Or, if you prefer, your “single” status.
Romance
Try something special this year, something new and exciting. We’ve got many options for you. Sparkling ciders, “champagne” biere, or perhaps a splurger you’ve been wanting to try, but didn’t have the occasion to do so. The fact of the matter is: You can get an absolutely fantastic bottle of beer for the price of a cheap or median bottle of wine. Beer, for all intents and purposes, is still an affordable luxury in this economy.
Christian Drouin Poiré—[France, cider] “The lightness and elegance make Christian Drouin Poire a traditional drink in the Normandy region. Its fine bubbles are naturally produced in the bottle. With its delicate marriage of crisp acidity and discreet sweetness, Poire is both refreshing and festive. Serve chilled in a champagne flute, as an aperitif. It also goes beautifully with salad (artichoke, endive), shellfish (oysters), terrines, steamed fish, goat cheese and fruit sorbet.”
Hanssens Oudebeitje—[Belgium, lambic] One of the most unique lambics from the last independent lambic blenders, Oudebeitje is made with strawberries. Tart with a subtle fruity finish, this matches perfectly with a gourmet cheese selection and chocolate-covered strawberries. Serve chilled in a champagne flute and put a sliced strawberry over the rim of the glass for garnish. If strawberries aren’t your thing, try the Hansenns Kriek instead with chocolate-covered cherries.
DeuS Brut des Flanders—[Belgium/France, Champagne biere] Brewed in Belgium and finished in France, DeuS is nothing like beer as you know it. First brewed at Bosteels, then transferred to the Champagne region of France where it is treated much like a champagne with the bottles inverted and the yeast expunged and bottle re-corked. Serve chilled in a flute and drop a raspberry in the drink for garnish.
Malheur Dark Brut—[Belgium, biere brut] Brewed by De Landtsheer, this sparkling beer will appeal to the dark beer lover. Often called “black chocolate” in the U.S., Malheur is an effervescent, malty sparkling beer with hints of caramel, toffee and a sweetness like cotton candy. Perfect with dark chocolate truffles.
Cheeky
Perhaps you want something more tongue-in-cheek this holiday. A beer that says something about your significant other in name alone. Try these out for size.
Victory Wild Devil—[United States, Belgian-style IPA] You’ve got a wild guy or a wild girl, so let them know that you love them for it. Victory’s Wild Devil is Hop Devil IPA brewed with a strain of Brettanomyces (aka, Brett) for a sour, tart, yet still citrusy, hoppy finish. Serve this with oysters on the half shell. (We all know what oysters do.)
Dieu de Ciel! Aphrodite—[Canada, stout] Also know as Aphrodisiaque in its hometown of Montreal, this cocoa stout is named for the Greek goddess of love. Flavors of vanilla, dark chocolate, bourbon and roasted malt marry nicely to produce a well balanced beer. Subtle hops and cocoa add a touch of bitterness. This dessert beer is brewed with organic fair-trade cocoa and first rate vanilla beans. This beer has been a periodic winner since 2003 at Mondial de la Bière in Montréal. Serve mildly chilled in a chalice or tulip with berries on the side.
Flying Dog Horn Dog—[United States, barleywine] Horn Dog Barley Wine is a strong, dark and malty English-style barleywine that is aged for a minimum of three months before being packaged. Sweet and viscous like a port, this beer will only get better with age when stored at optimum conditions. Give your guy a nice cigar to go with this one. Give your girl a box of truffles.
Lagunitas Lil’ Sumpin’ Extra—[United States, imperial wheat] Tonight’s the night you make a little extra effort, so give them notice. This wheat beer is not a traditional witbier. More malty on the backbone but still light in color with a fruity finish.
Dogfish Head 60 Minute—[United States, IPA] Ladies, do you have a 60-minute man? Well, give him a hoppy 60 Minute beer as a primer for your 60 minutes.
Bitter
So, you hate Valentine’s Day. Despise it. You’re drowning your sorrows over someone or maybe celebrating your newly-single status now that said someone is out of your life. Good riddance! No pairings here, because you’re probably eating ramen noodles, potato chips and ice cream while making a voodoo doll, so no need for anything fancy.
Stone Brewing Arrogant Bastard—[United States, American strong ale] The label says it all, “This is an aggressive beer. You probably won’t like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth…”
De Dolle Dulle Teve—[Belgium, tripel] This beer had to have its label changed to meet labeling standards in the U.S. Because “dulle teve” means “mad bitch” in Flemish.
Founder’s Curmudgeon—[United States, English-style old ale] “Think classic sea fairing ports, local pubs, and weathered old fisherman. This old ale is brewed with molasses and an insane focus on the malt bill, then aged in oak. The result is a strong, rich, malty-delight that’s deceptively smooth and drinkable.”
Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted—[Scotland, blonde ale] Award-winning blonde ale with a lemon twist finish.
Left Hand Fade to Black—[United States, export stout] “Pours black with licorice, espresso beans, molasses and black cardamom with notes that give way to self-loathing, burnt opportunities and smoked relationships.” Perfect.
