What makes it special: As the melancholy adieu of fair weather draws nigh, seek out this warming and substantial ale whose French name blithely translates to: “The End of the World.” But don’t despair, this is a surprisingly spry and sunny-colored beer that provides autumnal solace as it mysteriously balances its full body and high alcohol with lively crispness and hedonistic refreshment. Produced by the much-lauded Unibroue Brewery of Quebec, this beer, like the rest of their range, draws its inspiration from the monastic (and secular) beer styles of Belgium. Fin Du Monde is an “abbey tripel” style ale, meaning it is a triple-fermented and lightly spiced beer, the kind Belgian monks used to (and some still do) brew for their sustenance. Almost winelike in complexity, this works equally well for end-of-the-day contemplative sipping or at the table with food. In fact, this beer is one of the best foils for robust cheeses.
What’s in the bottle: Hazy, old gold color. Lavish orange peel, pear, apple and spice aromas. A rich, frothy entry leads to a vibrantly tart and fruity full-bodied palate with wheat bread, orange peel, honey, dried peaches and apricots, and subtle brown spice flavors with a touch of sea salt. Finishes with a long lingering wave of wheat cracker, honey, citrus and spice flavors. Amazingly balanced and extremely drinkable despite its 9 percent alcohol level. Watch out!
Where to buy it: Not available on tap in the U.S. unfortunately, but can be easily found at Sam’s Wines & Spirits, Binny’s, Whole Foods Markets and Armanetti’s, 3530 N. Lincoln Ave., for $7 to $7.50 for a 750-milliliter bottle, or $10 for four-pack of 12-ounces bottles.
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