Beer of the Week - Joyeux Anniversaire!

Since this week I am celebrating the anniversary of my birth, it is only right that the BOTW be a anniversary celebration of sorts as well.

We talked a little about the Canadian brewery Unibroue back here , so if you want a little of the brewery back story, go check it out.

Each year, Unibroue releases a special brew outside of its standard repertoire to commemorate the anniversary of the brewery. This is the 16th year of the brewery, and the beer has been aptly titled "16" as well.

My only criticism of this beer is that it is totally within the comfort zone of Unibroue; however, Unibroue makes excellent beers in the Belgian tradition, so this isn't entirely a bad thing.

While you can get most of Unibroue's roster in 12oz. bottles, the 16 only comes in a 750ml champagne style bottle. This brew is so delectable that you're probably going to want a whole bottle to yourself, so buy an extra bottle to share. Be advised that 16 weighs in at 10% ABV, so after you've sucked down 750ml, call a cab.

16 has an exceptional head, forming a tall, tight layer of thick bubbles to protect the brew before eventually settling to about 1/4". The beer is a cloudy burnt orange, and has a yeasty citrus aroma, backed by a honey-like malt sweetness. The initial taste is sweet, but the alcohol and the hops/yeast mix give it a balanced almost "sour apple" type back. The carbonation is penetrating and the finish is alcohol dry. Delicious!

If you don't like the Belgian yeast and noticeable alcohol, then you aren't going like this beer. If you are a more adventurous quaffer, then hoist a glass and salute 16 years of quality brews from Quebec, and Unibroue 16, our first Canadian BOTW.

Joyeux Anniversaire!