Christmas Time in August: Something Special from Unibroue, the Quelque Chose

Arriving at Whole Foods in Venice Friday night, I walked right into an ambush/beer tasting with Unibroue sales rep Michael Smith, who interestingly enough owns a CrossFrit gym in Huntington Beach (i.e.he's huge). We tried six beers, including Blanche de Chambly, Ephemere Apple, Maudite, La Fin du Monde, Trois Pistoles, Terrible and the night's special Quelque Chose - more on that later. Apparently Whole Foods invites brewers every Friday night to the store at 7pm. For $15, a thirsty individual can receive a bunch of beer and a free meal (always different) and sometimes a free glass. Duly noted Whole Foods, you're in my calendar. I also won a free shirt for being excellent and/or correctly guessing an irregularity in the Trois Pistoles bottle (more when we profile that beer).




What I'm choosing to speak about this evening was the night's special, Quelque Chose, which is pronounced 'Quell K Shows' and means 'something'. Now, why is it special?

A). This is a limited edition Unibroue, only 750 cases worldwide.

B). It falls into the category of a mulled beer, which is basically a beer served hot (like gluvine - hot wine). Mulled beer is usually produced during the winter season. I'll tell you what, this beer is delicious any time of year. I wish it was on every street corner liquor shop.

C). Why only 750 cases? Because it takes three years to make. Ah, that's why it isn't everywhere.

Mulled beer is served at 122-155 F degrees, which is accomplished by bringing a pot of water to boil and then simply dipping the beer in-and-out of the water. It's that simple. (Hot Saki uses the same basic technique, only you have wait for the bubbles to rise).

The Unibroue website describes the Quelque Chose as a blend of Belgian Kriek Ale and a Brown Ale brewed in Chambly. Now as Michael Smith poured it, he describes it as a Sour Brown Ale, which I find closer to the truth and instantly easier to comprehend. I usually don't like sour ales but this beer changed my mind. First off, it's not super sour. The cherries come up front but quickly wash away as the heated ale rises up and then finishes with the sweetness of vanilla and honey.

This beer is arresting. The unique blend, the spices, the heat. Everyone in the bar gasped and involuntarily exclaimed 'oh my god! This is amazing.' High off winning my novelty Unibroue t-shirt, I join in with the dweeb chorus around me....but inside my mind was going YUM YUM YUM YUM like a kid who'd waited a long hot summer's day for delivery of a ice cream fudge sunday.


 
Michael promised that they would have cases in Whole Foods for the seasonal and while I'm holding out crossing my fingers he isn't one to make empty promises, I'm not holding my breath. It's just so rare. Still, if you see one BUY IT - it's one of the BAD BOYS.