So I come home
from work tonight and I want a beer. Something special. What to have? I have
lots of really special beers on hand most of the time, but tonight I want
something I haven't had in a while. Ah! I know I have a bottle of Unibroue
Quelque Chose in the bedroom. Yes, that'll do nicely. I tear the beautiful
black foil off the top of the 750 ml bottle, pop off the cork, and pour it
into a pint glass. Hold on, you say? Something's not right? The beer is at
room temperature? Of course, you're right, but that can be remedied.....and
I do, by zapping the beer in the microwave for 75 seconds.
No, I haven't gone off my rocker, Quelque Chose (French for "Something") is
styled after a Belgian "gluhkriek", and is meant to be served warmed. It's
only released in the winter months by Unibroue, but I happen to have a
bottle left over from last year. It is perhaps the most sought-after of all
the many beers made by this Canadian brewer, who curiously enough has a
listing on Epinions with only one beer mentioned.
Back in November of 1997 I had my first sample of Quelque Chose at the RI
Beer Expo. It was served at room temperature in very small quantities, and
it was divine. I have been hooked on it, and have been hooking others on it
ever since. Though the concept of heated beer is difficult for some to
overcome, they usually do when they taste this magical elixir, especially on
a cold winter's night.
Quelque Chose is dark chestnut in color with an extremely light carbonation
bordering on flatness. The nose is warm and medicinal smelling, with strong
cherry notes (the beer is brewed with cherries). The body is thick and
syrupy, loaded with cherry notes, a hint of licorice, subtle spiciness and a
sweet warm alcohol finish. This is a potent brew at 8% alcohol by volume,
another reason it's a great winter brew. Quelque Chose is something indeed,
something special. Don't miss it this winter season.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.