Latent Construct

Getting ready to host a beer and cheese competition to ring in the New Year, I took a different approach than I usually do to create my pairing: I actually chose my cheese first and then went in search of a complimentary beer. The cheese I landed on was a semi-soft cow’s milk number from Quebec called Le Cendré de Notre-Dame—creamy and mild, with a delicate flavour. Traditionally, I have gone beer hopping first and then found a cheese to match, but I was feeling impish.

 

After some soul-searching, I decided that what I wanted was either a local (Toronto) brown ale or a stout, not too sweet, and not too strong. I put my internet skills to work and decided on a likely contender: Latent Construct is a coffee and oatmeal stout. From Rorschach Brewing Co. in Toronto’s east end, sourcing LC provided me with an opportunity to visit a brewery I’ve been hankering to try for ages. And at an even 5%, the flavour of the beer would be able to shine.

Latent Construct has a bold, java-heavy scent, with dark chocolate and brown sugar notes. It’s flavour is likewise bold—strong brewed coffee is paramount, giving the beer a bitter and rich tone—but this is supplemented by chocolate notes and a lingering hops finish. It is a handsome obsidian ale that arrived with a lush off-white head.

When I host a beer and cheese event, I always play to win. With my duo of Cendré and Latent Construct, I went into the party feeling pretty confident. This is a beer I’d gladly revisit, and one that left me feeling extremely curious about the rest of Rorschach’s lineup.

 

Note: I did won both the coveted best pairing and best beer awards.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10.

Stone Hammer Oatmeal Coffee Stout

Stone Hammer Oatmeal Coffee Stout sprung of the liquor store shelf and into my waiting arms faster than you can say "unhealthy relationship with alcohol." Hailing from Guelph, Ontario, SHS is the progeny of Stone Hammer Brewing and a partnership with Planet Bean Coffee. According to the 473mL can, this beer is brewed up nice using a single origin coffee called Café Feminino. At a regulation 5%, this ale won't overawe with potency, but it does pack a saucy 30 IBUs. It poured coffee black, under a zealous tan head.

SHS has a heady, malt-driven aroma that boils up some nice café mocha notes, as well as a touch of sweets. However, like a fine cuppa, there is considerable bitterness laced throughout the flavour, experienced as both French roast and hops leanings. The finish is particularly punchy, with heavy-handed coffee elements.

This beer tastes considerably stronger than its 5% pedigree. According to the can, it's a five-time award winner, headlined by golds at the Ontario Brewing Awards. This is understandable, considering the lovely java tones that stoke SHS's fire. It could use a more boisterous opening note, but its nose and finish pack enough heft to make up for that minor shortcoming. It's been ages since I was able to try something new from Stone Hammer--their Dark was an early fave when I moved to Ontario five+ years ago, but since then, I've not seen much innovation. Hopefully this beaut of a beer is a herald of more things to come from this unsung Ontario brewer.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.