The country’s in a recession and I’m recommending a $35 bottle of beer, said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. “What? Am I insane?” Normally, that would be a possible explanation. But the unpasteurized, unfiltered, limited-edition vintage ale brewed by Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes in Switzerland is a perfect example of the brewer’s art—superbly complex, “bright in the mouth,” bracing, and tart. It ranked first in a recent tasting by a Times panel of 25 beers that are aged, like some wines and whiskeys, in oak barrels. Our top five:
Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes 2006 Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien, Switzerland (11 percent alcohol; 25.4 oz, $34.95) “Bracing and complex,” with refreshing tart spice and sour fruit flavors.
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