Beers to have on hand

LEFFE BLONDE LCBO 84012, 6 pk, $15.75

Belgian pale ales are much more delicately hopped than other IPAs. In this full-bodied, complex abbey brew, the bitterness of the hops is less obvious than the spicy notes of ginger, coriander seed and banana, all held in a lovely balance with the beer’s malty heart. A fine match to the food’s Korean flavours.

EXCHANGE BREWERY GOLDEN ALE LCBO 493049, 750 mL, $13.50

Barrel-aged beer is all the rage and this golden beauty from Niagara-on-theLake’s Exchange Brewery shows why. The French oak barrels once held wine and you can taste it in the finish of the ale after a fascinating flavour journey through citrus, pineapple, green herbs, peppery spice and a funky whiff of Brettanomyces.

LAKE OF BAYS SWITCHBACK PILSNER LCBO 499327, 473 mL, $3.05

This German-style pilsner from the Baysville, Ont., craft brewery offers subtle hints of lemon and honey before the pleasant bitterness of magnum and hallertau hops kicks in for a clean, lingering finish. It’s a beautifully balanced lager that will work with every one of the dishes.