In a highly saturated industry that prioritizes uniqueness and originality, it can be hard to stand out. Although Northern Maverick Brewing Co. is relatively new to the game, it is quickly becoming a staple in Ontario's craft brewery scene, thanks in large part to their passion for cultivating creative flavour profiles.
Like many local craft breweries, Northern Maverick started out as a series of home brewing adventures among inquisitive friends. Today, the self-proclaimed blissful beer geeks operate a 400-seat brewery and locavore restaurant in Toronto’s King West neighbourhood, providing locally-brewed Ontario craft beer and an elevated culinary experience to foodies and beer-lovers alike. Brewing outside the box has always been at the heart of the Toronto-based brewery’s mission and the newest addition to their catalogue is a direct reflection of that.
Northern Maverick’s white truffle pilsner, created by brewmaster Andrew Crowder and owner Jason Kaptyn, draws on the delicate earthiness of Italian white truffle to balance the bittersweet flavours of the pilsner’s malt and hops. While mushroom and truffle-infused brewing isn’t a distinctively new art form--previous black truffle iterations have made appearances beyond the border at price points upwards of $120 per bottle--Northern Maverick is the first to introduce the practice at a commercial level to the Great White North.
“We have been developing this white truffle beer recipe since Northern Maverick Brewing Co. opened,” says Jason Kaptyn, owner and founder of Northern Maverick Brewing Co. “Andrew and the brewing team have been dedicated to finding the right beer style to accompany the white truffle flavours."
Similar to previous Northern Maverick craft creations, the white truffle pilsner was developed with food pairings in mind. The robust hop character and delicately crisp flavour profile was created to complement the brewery’s recently launched spring and summer menu. Although the brewers believe the beer is best when paired, the quaffable versatility of the white truffle pilsner provides an enjoyable drinking experience on its own as well.
“The new white truffle pilsner is a beautiful addition to Northern Maverick’s beer offerings, pairing well with a variety of classic items like soft cheeses, simple pastas, scallops and roasted red meats” stated Andrew Dahl, executive chef of Northern Maverick Brewing Co. “Pairing this unique pilsner with your meal allows for the subtle truffle notes from the beer to complement the flavours of any dish.”
The white truffle pilsner is on tap in the Northern Maverick restaurant, served in a tulip ($9) or available in bottles ($8) at the on-site bottleshop located at 115 Bathurst St. in Toronto's King West neighbourhood.
