Lead Dog Ale
Style: English Strong Ale
ABV: 7%
Presentation: 6 packs of 341 ml brown bottles
Brewery: Yukon Brewing Company
Country: Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada
KANPAI! w/ Jeff Werstiuk
An aptly named dark ale, this one easily remains at the head of the pack. It even has the credentials to prove it.
In the Spring of 2009 Yukon Brewing’s head brewer Alan Hansen was invited to take part in an annual Real Ale competition in England, the J.D. Wetherspoon Beer Festival. It was there with the drawback of using foreign equipment and ingredients that he managed to brew up two improvised batches of Lead Dog Ale to naturally condition in casks and enter into this 18 day international invitational. Not only that, out of the 50 breweries represented Hansen managed to bring home a 2nd place win with the Lead Dog Ale, no small feat against the home turf competition. All things considered, a silver medal under such circumstances is as good as gold.
Then again, this is also a fitting style to win over a crowd of classic British ale drinkers. Also known as Old Ales or Stock Ales, Lead Dog Ale emulates the robust and malty strong dark beers that were traditionally nursed in front of a fireplace to help satiate the spirit and take a bit of chill out of the bones during the winter months. Variations and interpretations abound, it seems that an Old or English Strong Ale tends to fall somewhere between regular strength Pale Ales and high alcohol Barleywines, with a brewery’s seasonal Winter Warmer much of the time getting lumped into the mix, additional spices and all. The major prerequisite however is that it has to taste good, not any old generic high test will do.
Because it’s such a hearty ale Lead Dog will do well in almost any beer glass you choose, be it mug, pint glass or brandy snifter. Yet because of the rich and complex flavour profile I’d let the bottle sit out a good 20-30 minutes before opening and serving. If you have the discipline then slightly chilled beyond room temperature is a more traditional approach.
Once in the glass Lead Dog is a deep russet brown in colour, nearly but not quite opaque. There won’t be much of a head retention beyond the quick splash of a spongy tan cap. By allowing your nose to follow that receding foam an encounter with notes of roasted malt, toffee, dark dried fruit, treacle, some earthy, spicy hops, as well as a bit of alcohol warmth will ensue. Whew, and that’s just brushing the surface, feel free to finish that list off from your own experience. Not one to tease, this dark ale delivers a flavour of robust roasted malt at first, followed with toffee, molasses, figs, a bit of nut, finishing with some dry wood and faint spicy, grassy hops. To match it all is a full, creamy mouthfeel with low carbonation and dry finish. Really, an ideal companion for a cold winter night. And if I had to play favourites I will openly admit that Lead Dog is easily my favourite beer from Yukon Brewing, although the remaining competition from them is by no means a push over for my affection.
If you’re looking to pair this ale with something beyond a comfy chair, a roaring fire and some good company, consider a platter of assorted nuts along with some earthy and tangy cheeses. When finger food just won’t cut it the rich and roasty character of Lead Dog is a welcome companion to almost any grilled or roasted meats. Gamier meats such as venison, pheasant or duck are also worthy options if they are available to you. This Lead Dog Ale will definitely not lead you astray.
The next steps in the cooler:
From This Brewery:
Yukon Gold
Yukon Red
Chilkoot Lager
Yukon Cranberry Wheat
Discovery Ale
Ice Fog IPA
Midnight Sun Espresso Stout
In-Style:
Cooper’s Extra Strong Vintage Ale
Wellington Iron Duke
Fuller’s Vintage Ale
Lateral Steps:
McEwan’s Scotch Ale
Unibroue Trois Pistoles
Rochefort 10
Traquair House Ale
Paddock Wood London Porter
For The Adventurous:
Rogue Imperial Porter
Thomas Hardy’s Ale
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout - North Coast