A beer that can be served in a champagne glass

“At certain times it appears that having beer is just the right thing to do,” said my step-daughter Kim, who was sipping on a cold pint of Belgian Moon at Jesse’s Tap and Grill in Omemee.

We had heard that Jesse’s prepared good wings. Good is not good enough to describe these wings. Outstanding is a better word!

I don’t drink beer, except on very rare occasions. But this evening I ordered 20 wings Thai style which proved to be super salty. I decided to try a half-pint of the Belgian Moon (CSPC 457804), $2.70 for 474 mL can). The small glass came dressed with a slice of orange, which I immersed.

Boy oh boy is this a delicious white beer and fabulous partnership. The beer is gold and hazy looking with a thin head on top. The nose sang with flavours of citrus and spice. With gentle carbonation, the palate was just as delicious, reminiscent of flavours of oranges and bananas. With medium body this beer had enough weight to stand up to the chicken wings. It also had zesty acidity to cut right through the saltiness of the wings. Its hint of sweetness also nicely offset the gentle heat of the Thai dry rub.

I highly recommend this beer the next time you order take out wings from Jesse’s or from your favourite joint.

According to the LCBO website, “Brewed with 30 to 70 per cent wheat malt, this fluffy ale has a unique tangy flavour and pale hue. It’s bubblier than other beer styles, wonderfully aromatic and may be naturally cloudy. No matter what you call it — witbier, weisse beer, weissbier, weizen — you’ll find our favourite wheat beers in stores now.” Wheat beer has a very long history, dating back to Germany in the Middle Ages — and some argue, to the first century AD. It’s a style that’s found throughout Europe, and called “white beer” — or weissbier in its native country of Germany, wit beer in Belgium and bière blanche in France. German versions are known for their banana and clove flavours, produced by the yeast, while Belgians stand out for the coriander and orange peel that’s added to the ale. Most wheats are naturally fermented in the bottle, so these “living ales” explode with tons of tiny bubbles. Explore all the flavours and decide which you love best.”

This beverage can be paired with salads dressed in white balsamic vinaigrettes or simply splashes of fresh lemon or lime-juice. The beer is light enough to handle brunch dishes like omelettes, crepes and quiche. Because of its citrus notes on the nose and palate, Belgium Moon will also complement a light, medium and fatty fish. Just always include a splash of fresh lemon or lime juice when serving. Harmonizing cheeses are those that are salty and tangy, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, Asiago, fresh goat cheese.

For some sophistication, serve this beer in champagne glasses. Be sure to rinse the glasses with cold water before pouring. Pull the beer from the fridge and let it sit for just a few moments before pouring to settle the foamy head.

The LCBO website also states, “German wheat beers are a bit tricky: the yeast at the bottom of the bottle must be stirred up and poured into the glass. To do it, pour into a tall weissbier glass (or divide between two smaller glasses) then when the bottle is about three quarters empty, roll it in your hands to stir up the yeast, and distribute the hazy liquid evenly among the glasses.”