The beginnings of Brasserie Dieu du Ciel occurred during a time that is ancient history to all, even those who lived through it. The early 1990s was a raucous time of cultural upheaval - even if television didn’t make it appear so. Jean Francois Gravel began his own contribution to this upheaval in 1991 when he began experimenting with a home brewing kit. He quickly decided that making beer was going to be his life’s work. It took until 1998 to get Dieu du Ciel on its feet and pouring pints. By 2005 the production was roaring and demanded the opening of another production facility - so the second brewpub was constructed. The past decade has seen a steady increase in their position and the number of beers they’ve created (over 500). Now it’s breaking out of the bunker in Quebec and heading across Canada for all to sample. Moralité is an American-style IPA made with a ton of hops and attitude. Serves well at 8°C and should be enjoyed promptly.
Pours a golden honey colour, slightly darker than expected, with a hazy body and light carbonation. A pillowy head of bubbly foam comes out of the can and clings to the glass.
The common mix of warm malt and fruity tropical medley comes through, but the interplay of the hop profile is what’s really exciting. Floral and herbal, with bright aromas, and a shifting scent.
The tropical fruit aspect of the nose doesn’t really come into play other than in the background. First impressions will latch onto a slightly bitter tone that lacks any depth, but that moves out of the way to let the hops do their thing. The taste of flowery and fresh greens. As it warms on the tongue it opens up to more root and stem flavours, along with a coppery salinity like blood in the mouth. A fascinating mixture of flavours that fades off leaving only a leafy aftertaste.
This beer has a high minerality to it and will pair well with acidic cheeses: Gouda, Gruyere, Limburger, and Brie are some tasty options.