Actually in full "Biere Nouvelle 2006, Brasserie De St-Sylvestre, St-Sylvestre, Cappel, France." A biere de garde 8% strong beer on lees from Marché Jovi in Gatineau, Quebec for the nutty price of $5.79 for 750 ml.

Deep-varnished-pine-coloured ale under a massively mountainous light tan head that defies pouring more than a third of my hoppy holiday glass. A very odd clasp sort of corking requires a pair of tin snips - every cork's master - to open. Hint: grasp cork top between the handles. Grainy dry husky beer with a bright twinkle in its eye. Fruit underneath that husk: pear and apple with a bit of acidic tang. Hops like the pages of an old book. Best value in Christendom or at least within a two hour drive from my place? Stunningly, only six BAer reviews but all make a kissy face.