Where to find it: Pub Italia at 434 Preston St.
There comes a time during every semester when I feel I should take a step back from university life and pay my respects to an institution that helped build this city. It is with great reverence that I then make my way to the great beer cathedral of Ottawa: Pub Italia. Decorated with stained glass, medieval saints, and of course, beer bibles, this fine establishment somehow manages to make this potentially sacrilegious use of iconography work.
Instead of holy water, Pub Italia specializes in Trappist and abbey beers, all still made in a select number of European monasteries. One of the most affordable and delicious of these ales is La Trappe Tripel. This strong ale from the Netherlands delivers an assertive sharp first taste before winning you over with a dry fruit finish and slight hint of banana.
After a few sips of this masterpiece you might think you’ve tasted liquid gold, but don’t be fooled — it’s a Trappe.
Bottom line: 5 out of 5
