Jack Black’s Skeleton Coast IPA doesn’t stand back
much at 65 IPA. Lovingly (and, I might add, rather
well) made by CBC’s Wolfgang Koedel, it’s seriously
entering the drinkable category. And then it’s called
Skeleton Coast, where I did my growing up, and
probably belong. Perhaps it’s best to limber up
with their Lumberjack Amber Ale, but do so at the
brewery. At least you’ll know where it’s been.
If, however, you are most fortunate, being party
to the hugs of one you love more than you love
beer, which is the ideal after all, charm her
or him not with hops but with with wine, for
that’s what I would do if I had another go. As
“Here’s the thing about bitterness –
it’s only nice in sweetness and in beer,
and then only when you cannot have
enough of it.”
thick and sweet and tangy as you can find,
studded with flavours of orange peel, flowers
and honey; shimmering like poured gold but
but silky as cream on your tongue. Make it,
if you can, a German Riesling – nothing less
than a Beerenauslese – or a Tokay Aszu if you
have one. Or Sauternes – splash on Château
Climens, or Yquem. Or if you have to: La Beryl,
from Fairview, or Vin de Constance. And then
go have your beer.