The Cuisineist takes a look at Don de Dieu Ale Beer from Unibroue, making big noise in North America
The Cuisineist , by definition is about Cuisine, however from time to time we visit with a Mixologist or Sommelier or Winemaker at a Wine Dinner , why? because they all are very intertwined . Wine making, Brewing and pairing are more similar that some are led to believe.
This time, we take a look at a very nice Ale from Chambley , Canada from Master Brewer Jerry Vietz. His very nice Don de Dieu is brewed at Unibrouge.From the very beginning, Unibroue has found a special niche in the beer world by producing top quality products rooted deep in Quebec culture.
It made history by becoming the first North American beer maker to use a brewing method inspired by the two-centuries-old tradition developed by Trappist monks in Europe—particularly in Belgium. Over the years, Unibroue has remained faithful to its origins even as it has grown to become an icon of the brewing world.
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| Jerry Vietz |
Jerry Vietz stated , “ I’m very passionate about fermentation in general. I’m not afraid to mix all kinds of stuff, to try new things. I’ve had the chance to experiment with a wide range of raw materials. I really believe that anything that contains carbohydrates can turn into something very interesting when it goes through the fermentation process, depending on the way you manage it. Each cereal, fruit, or sugar has a different profile and they need to be processed and managed differently in order to get a liquid with the desired characteristics I tell people I make "flavorful beers"—that’s the category I brew. For me, the important thing is to express myself through the beer. I brew with passion and I hope that people take as much pleasure to taste my beer as I have to create them!”. After sampling the Don de Dieu we have to agree!
Don de Dieu (Gift of God) was the name of the ship that Samuel de Champlain sailed on his mission to “explore and discover the vast and perilous land of America” in the name of the King of France. His travels led to the founding of Quebec City in 1608 (a modification of the Algonquin word “kebec” which means “where the river narrows”). Inspired by this great adventure, Unibroue created Don de Dieu an abbey-style triple wheat ale refermented in the bottle.
This Ale is ,rich, with a nice head, and aromatic with aromas of vanilla , white flowers , and honey . On the palate, flavors of red and white fruit , nuts and of course yeast. This refreshing triple wheat ale showed a nice orange , gold color in the glass . Just like good wine, fine beers develop with age. Over time they become smoother, sometimes revealing notes of honey and candied fruit and developing a more assertive and lasting flavor. This phenomenon is known as “maderization” and is similar to the aging process of dessert wines like port.
The Don de Dieu has been recognized all over North America wining , The Americas Best Wheat Beer - Strong - 2010 - World Beer Awards,UK ,Silver - 2010 - World Beer Championship, Chicago Beverage Testing Silver - 2010 - Denver International Beer Competition, Gold - 2005 - World Beer Championship, Chicago Beverage Testing Institute, Gold - 2001 - World Beer Championship, Chicago Beverage Testing Institute.
With the summer months just on the horizon, we could not think of nice beer to pair with goat cheese, buchette or even sausage. We enjoyed some very large meatballs made from pork ,beef and veal with this Ale and it paired magnificently . Served at 50F , you cant go wrong. For more on this great beer please visit http://www.unibroue.com/en/beers/don_de_dieu/product
