Remember, in Chinese philosophy, the paradigmatic dichotomy of yin and yang does not generally give preference or moral superiority to one side of the dichotomy (thanks Wikipedia!). Rather, there must be a continual interaction of the two, resulting in a more balanced life. Therefore, drawing on Taoist principle as part of my constant quest for self-betterment, I have decided to drink more beer (makes sense, right?).
Yang, or, The Light Side
I've written previously about enjoying wheat beers in the summertime, and I'd like to add another to the list- Great Lakes Holy Moses, a Belgian-style Witbier brewed in Cleveland. Great Lakes Brewing Company's product can be found all over Buffalo, from Wilson Farms to Premier Gourmet and many shops in between.
Holy Moses is a sweet and spicy beer, with a strong wheat base and hints of fruit and clove. It's lightly hopped (comparable to many of its peers), and retains its head pretty well. It won't be a contender for my favorite drink any time soon, but it is nice and refreshing on a 90 degree day! If you've never tried a Wit, check this one out. It's good enough to be a solid introduction to the genre but not quite as well-balanced or complex as some of the better ones out there.
Yin, or, The Dark Side
Quebec's Unibroue Brewery makes a fantastic dark ale called Trois Pistoles, chock full of flavor and balanced superbly. It pours a dark mahogany color. My thought is it was meant to be black, but the glow from the brewer's red lightsaber altered the appearance (c'mon, I know referencing Star Wars is reaching, but at least I'm trying here!).
Trois Pistoles has a 9% ABV, and it definitely has a kick to it. The aroma is strong, like chocolate covered raspberries or cherries, and it lends to an almost wine-like taste. This beer is excellent with dessert after a good meal. I don't think I'd go for more than one or two in a night, but it's still pretty drinkable considering the high alcohol content. This is simply a top-notch beer from a fine brewery.
Somehow I Now Feel Less Balanced
Is it possible that Lao Tzu had it all wrong? That, in fact, drinking both light and dark beers leads to a loss of balance? I lack the qualifications to challenge such a wise and revered sage, but my experience seems to disprove his theory. I suppose the only way to attain the truth is continued practice- a trip to the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Buffalo may be in order (or maybe the local Star Wars Fan Club can clear it up for me).
Where do you stand, dear reader? The light side, the dark side, or are you the embodiment of a perfectly balanced interaction of yin and yang? If you don't know, try these brews and comment, and maybe your discourse can help others facing the same philosophical dilemma I am.
And no, destroying the Death Star is not an option.
Photo by Adam Fix