These days when I hit the hill it’s Pray Ski before, and Après Ski after. Typically, my après ski of choice these days is a tube of A535. After the aches subside a bit, I head to the beer fridge for an après ski brews-ski. And after a downhill day more taxing than the CRA, this St. Ambroise Vintage Ale from Montreal based McAuslan was just the ticket. At 9.2% it looks like the Saints will preserve us tonight, in alcohol.
A pour of caramel soft brown about to go down. A thin dense foam head seemed able to withstand the 9.2% emanating from the depths. Malt booze toffee nose, fresh and hoppy. First swig is carmelized strong and sweet, slightly bourbon boozy body, finish, and aftertaste. It had an immediate warming sensation to it.
A slow sipper for sure, the never mandatory but usually perfunctory big swig test was not in the cards tonight. A bourbon swig comes up, strong and not subtle, yikes! Ok, now the caramel is back, and we are settling in together for the night. It definitely has a mellowing influence, and I’m under it.
Here’s the thing, I could see this brew winning multiple awards * for its unique nature, strong character and at the same time its mellowing drinkability as a sipper to savour. But it’s not a fridge stocker tailgate party kind of pint. I was on the fence about this one, not an everyday kinda beer but it worked it’s magic on me last night and that vaulted it to super suds status. A serious but definitely not sobering Après ski brew-ski!
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