A second-generation professional hockey play, Theodore “Terrible Ted” Lindsay played on the famous “Production Line” of Gordie Howe and Sid Abel. I think I most like him, though, because his gameplay was a key part in the league instituting penalties for elbowing and kneeing. He also was one of the primary players in organizing the NHLPA, to ensure players were treated fairly. In his day, it was not uncommon for players to have to work summer jobs to pay the bills. Seriously. He is an obvious choice to be featured in Lake of Bays excellent NHL Alumni Association series of beers. These beers are made in partnership with the NHLAA, and feature the stories of various players, from Curtis Joseph to Johnny Bower. Proceeds from the beers go to support the association and it’s work with past players and their families, as well as their philanthropic efforts. Terrible Ted Red Saison is their 7th beer made in partnership with the NHLAA. Which makes perfect sense. His bright red number 7 proudly hangs in the rafters of the Joe Louis Arena.
Terrible Ted Red Saison — Lake of Bays Brewing Co.
From a 750ml bottle, Terrible Ted Red pours a brilliantly clear copper red. There are orange hues at the edges, and touches of brown in the centre. About 1/2″ of head drops fairly quickly. Aroma is immediately fruity, and reminiscent of red berries. Sweet and a little tart, hints of cherries and raspberries. There is also a clear spicy note from the Belgian yeast, showing a bit of coriander and white pepper. Just a touch of maltiness if you look for it, giving a hint of caramel sweetness to the nose. On the palate, there is more fruitiness, but it’s not overwhelming. Clearly cherries now, with more of the spiciness from the yeast. There is a slightly herbal note that I presume is the perle hops, which balances nicely with the yeast. The big surprise is how malty it is on the tongue. It drinks with a taste a bit like a German bock; caramel, and rye bread are there adding an interesting note not often found in saisons. The finish is just slightly tart and fruity, with the nice effervescence keeping things light on the palate. The body is on the light side, and with the bright carbonation makes this a fairly refreshing beer, which goes well with the fruitiness, but might surprise a few who’s eyes might tell them to expect something on the medium-to-heavy scale. All in all, it’s a pleasing saison. The unexpected maltiness works well, and makes for a complex yet accessible beer.
Cheers to Lake of Bays and the NHL Alumni Association.
Buy Terrible Ted Red Saison
Exclusively at the LCBO now (#419788).
Drink It With
An interesting beer, and I’m not 100% sure of what I would suggest to pair it with. Saisons often work well with Belgian fare, like mussels, and I think this would not be an exception. But I’m trying to think of something to highlight both the fruitiness and the malts. Here’s a funny thought: Maybe a good pad thai? The base flavours in pad thai are a juxtaposition between sweet palm sugar, sour tamarind, and salty fish sauce. I think the fruity, slightly tart saison with a good dose of malty sweetness might do some interesting things there. Certainly, the sprouts and cilantro (or chinese chives, if you’re really authentic) will add some herbal and earthy flavours that might draw out a bit more of the perle hops. And maybe all together, the two will elevate each other. Or maybe it will be a disaster. If you’re looking for a cheese, maybe try to find a moderately tart goat cheese. At least, that’s what I’m wishing I had in the fridge right now 😉
About The Brewery
Lake of Bays is dedicated to bringing you the finest in premium craft beer; tried-and-true year-round brands, as well as exciting seasonal beers. Rest assured, all of our beers are brewed in small batches using all-natural ingredients right here in Baysville, Ontario. The result: beer that sets the standard for quality and flavour, while staying true to our Northern roots.
About The NHL Alumni Association
The NHL Alumni Association is a registered charitable organization in Canada and the U.S. that serves as a passionate advocate for greater quality of life benefits for all former NHL players. The Association eagerly pursues greater benefits and the implementation of programmatic services devoted to enhancing the lives of retired NHL players and their families.
The NHLA serves its retired player members and their families through the NHL Alumni Association and supports youth and community charities through various charitable initiatives. Since our inception in 1999 the NHL Alumni has made significant impact on both the retired player community as well as children’s charities.
