A potent brew, at 9.5-per-cent alcohol, this dark-amber gem hides the heat well. Though billed as an "extra strong beer brewed with spices," it's substantially sweet and tastes initially of fruit rather than spicy heat. Loads of fruit, in fact, as in syrupy peach, papaya and raisin, backed by sweet malt, caramel and brown sugar. Then the baking spices kick in for a very complex profile and a balanced, satisfying finish. It's an excellent cold-weather warmer from the great Microbrasserie Charlevoix.