Quebec's top craft brewer Unibroue is adding a brand-new flavour to its family of seasonal ales with the launch of Éphémère Sureau (Elderberry). The new Éphémère will gradually be available from the start of May in 12 oz. six packs and Sommelier Selection variety packs at retailers across the United States, as well as on tap in selected bars and restaurants. Like its other seasonal flavours, Éphémère Elderberry will only be available for a limited time.
Éphémère Elderberry is a Belgian style fruit-wheat ale brewed using a balanced blend of elderberry fruit and flowers. "This is the first time we're using both the fruit and flower in making an Éphémère beer," explains Jerry Vietz, Unibroue's Master Brewer. "The elderberry flower's aroma is a perfect complement to the fruit's rich, delicious flavour." In fact, its berry flavours, subtle floral notes and hints of tropical fruit evoke Muscat grapes' notable bouquet from the very first sip.
Elderberries' deep purplish-blue colour and unique flavour resemble that of blueberries and blackberries. There is nothing sour about this fruit as its French name, "sureau", might lead some to believe! It is used in countless recipes, and its aromatic flower adds notes to many refined drinks and cocktails. Moreover, elderberries are an increasingly popular choice in dish recipes due to their high antioxidant levels and subtle flavours. Moreover, North America's First Nations tribes, who made use of the berries, flowers, bark and roots, also prized their medicinal properties.
Éphémère Elderberry features a slightly cloudy and seductively reddish color with purplish hues, topped by a creamy pink head. Its medium bubbles and sustained effervescence make it a fun and refreshing choice when unwinding after a busy summer day.
"Éphémère Elderberry's explosion of berry flavours and subtle floral notes make for a wide variety of pairings," confirms Sylvain Bouchard, beer sommelier at the brewery. "This delicious beer goes very well with pork loin, grilled chicken, as well as fish and seafood dishes, and adds a refreshing touch to rosette sausages. It also pairs well with goat, Brie and Camembert cheeses."
Find out more about the Unibrofe brand and its products here.