It is time for Zurich Beer Tour's Top 3 beers for February & March 2023. Simona is sticking to what she loves the most and has chosen a rich and flavorful #stout from the Swedish brewery Omnipollo and another one, aged in a really special barrel from Cohones in #Sofia. Sandro's picks are two #hazy IPA's. One from Messorem, his favorite Canadian brewery, that he just can't get enough of and the other one is also from the guys from Cohones. As for the staff picks, they recommend trying a special Kriek from 3 Fonteinen and a barleywine from O/O, a Swedish brewery known for their innovative and unique beers. Let's do this!
Simona's pick for February: Omnipollo (SE) x Buxton (UK) - Power Peanut Butter Biscuit Imperial Stout
The Beer:
This imperial stout is not your average beer. It pours smooth and creamy, making for a luxurious drinking experience. But what really sets this beer apart is its unique flavor profile. Brewed to celebrate all things new and open-minded, this stout boasts extra rich notes of peanut butter and biscuit, despite containing no actual biscuits, butter, or nuts. It's a testament to the #creativity and originality of the brewing process, and a reminder to never be prejudiced when it comes to trying new things. The brew has a decadent peanut butter flavor with hints of chocolate and roasted malt, balanced by the biscuit-like sweetness and a creamy, smooth mouthfeel.
The Brewery
You can find out more about the brewery in this blog article.
Our food pairing recommendation:
Chocolate Brownie at Kanaal in Sofia
Simona's pick for March: Cohones (BG) - Balkan To The Bones (Serbian Quince Rakia Edition)
The Beer:
This stout is a tribute to the shared #Balkan heritage, as well as their love for good rakia. Each bottle is sealed with red wax and contains an imperial stout that's been aged with oak chips infused with powerful quince brandy from Tetovo, Serbia. Every fruit and drop of this brew is carefully selected and controlled by the experts of Raketa Rakia brandy bar in Sofia. The resulting beer is a bold and complex blend of flavors. Notes of dark chocolate and roasted malt are balanced by the fruity sweetness of the quince brandy and the creamy smoothness of the milk stout. The oak aging adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor that lingers on the palate. It's a true taste of the Balkans, and a reminder of their shared history and traditions.
The Brewery
Two friends who shared a passion for beer and a desire to make a beer that reflected their principles established Cohones Brewery. They set out to create a beer that was bold, unapologetic, and true to its roots, with a flavor that would make people take notice. They eventually developed their signature beer, the Cohones Imperial Stout, after #experimenting with several formulas and ingredients. The name "Cohones" is a nod to their fearlessness and willingness to take risks, as well as their belief that great beer requires a certain amount of guts and determination.
Our food pairing recommendation:
Goat cheese baked with honey.
Sandro's pick for February: Cohones (BG) - Just Stop SpOil NEIPA
The Beer:
This brew, which is Cohones' first #canned beer, boasts a rebellious attitude with its vandalized label. The beer's creation was inspired by humorous anecdotes and the message to unite and make a positive impact. The dry-hopping process with 26 g/l and the addition of Cryo Azacca, Cryo Citra and Cryo Pop hops creates a bold flavor with hints of citrus and tropical fruits. They also say this beer carries a message: "Enough grumbling! Enough self screwing! Let's pull together and do something meaningful!" Cheers to making a difference!
The Brewery
See above ⬆️
Our food pairing recommendation:
Fried Chicken Burger
Sandro's pick for March: Messorem (CA) - Vision/Illusion DIPA
The Beer:
Vision/Illusion is a double #dryhopped New England IPA that pours a hazy golden yellow with a fluffy white head. The aroma is bursting with juicy tropical fruits, citrus and pine, with a subtle underlying sweetness. On the palate, it is soft and creamy with a full body and moderate bitterness. Flavors of ripe mango, passionfruit, grapefruit and pine dominate, with a delicate sweetness balancing out the bitterness. The finish has a lingering bitterness and tropical fruit notes. Overall, Vision Illusion is a beautifully crafted NEIPA with a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness.
The Brewery
We found out about this brewery on our recent travels to Canada (read more about them here). Messorem is a Quebec-based brewery that prides itself on its use of high-quality ingredients and dedication to producing unique and #innovative beers. They believe in experimenting with unconventional brewing techniques and flavor combinations, and their beers often showcase bold hop profiles, fruity esters, and complex barrel aging. Messorem's ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of traditional beer-making and create a community of beer enthusiasts who share their passion for creativity and experimentation.
Our food pairing recommendation:
Poutine with Pulled Pork
Zurich Beer Tour's pick for February: O/O Brewing (SE) - 300 Crystal Barleywine
The Beer:
This beer was brewed with 300 kg of malt and aged for six months in bourbon barrels, which imparts a rich, boozy flavor to the beer. It pours a deep amber color and offers aromas of #caramel, vanilla, and oak. The taste is complex, with notes of toffee, dark fruit, and a warming alcohol finish. The mouthfeel is thick and syrupy, with low carbonation. This is a bold and decadent barley wine that is best enjoyed slowly and savored.
The Brewery:
You can find out more about the brewery in this blog article.
Our food pairing recommendation:
By itself, it is best enjoyed in a wooden cabin in the Swedish countryside (But your living room is also okey ;) )
Zurich Beer Tour's pick for March: 3 Fonteinen (BE) - Intense Rood 19/20 Kriek
The Beer:
This beer is a blend of young and old #Lambics, created to provide a rich and balanced flavor experience. It was macerated on whole sour cherries (no syrups or aromas added). With a deep red color and a tart aroma, this beer has tasting notes of cherries, raspberries, and a hint of oak from the barrel aging process, for which they used a Pedro Ximénez sherry barrel. The beer has a medium body and a dry finish, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a complex and flavorful sour beer.
The Brewery:
You can find out more about the brewery in this blog article.
Our food pairing recommendation:
Swiss Chällerhocker Cheese
These are our top beers for February & March. Which ones were your favorite brews these months? Tell us in the comments!
Are you looking for more personalized recommendations, that are made to fit your taste? Check our Pocket Beer Sommelier.
Stay tuned for our future recommendations!
Cheers,
Your Zurich Beer Tour Guides