Drink this smooth, spicy ale out of a wine glass
STYLE and ORIGIN: Belgian-style strong dark (red) ale. Because it is bottle-fermented, it has a slight effervescence. It's a smooth, easy-to-drink ale that belies its hefty 8 percent alcohol content. 
THE PITCH: "It's very rich and round with a lot of depth and herbal spiciness," Lambert says. 
"I just love the flavor – it's got some coriander and flavors up and down the scale. Every time you taste it you want another sip because you're trying to figure out all those complex flavors." 
PAIR IT: Serve it slightly chilled, but not cold. "I drink it in a wine glass instead of a beer mug. It's more elegant, and better for accompanying a meal," she says. "A wine glass is also better for getting the aroma. They actually have a special [snifter] glass for drinking this beer." 
Lambert says the beer pairs well with rich, spicy foods, but not bland foods. "It's delicious with fennel salami and would probably go with Italian sausage, too. It also goes well with chicken cacciatore and spaghetti with a marinara sauce." 
The beer pairs well with Mozzarella Company's Deep Ellum blue cheese. "It's a match made in heaven," Lambert says. 
GET SOME: Sold in corked 750-ml. bottles for $7.99 to $8.99 at select Majestic, Sigel's, Goody Goody and Centennial stores; Central Market; Whole Foods Market; Market Street; Mr. G's; S & K Liquor stores; Lone Star Beverage; Kegs & Barrels; and Kegs N Cellar.