It’s getting pretty hard to turn on the news these days, what with the global pandemic, stock market crashes, political instability and the Vancouver Canucks’ playoff chances slipping away (again). It’s enough to drive one to drink.

But don’t drink to numb the pain and forget the woes of the world—because that doesn’t work. Instead, why not introduce a little bit of beauty into your life, if only for a brief instant?

Small indulgences can be wonderful distractions, injecting your day with just enough dopamine pleasure to keep you moving forward. Maybe it’s a decadent pastry, your favourite song, or a trashy novel that gets you to your happy place. For me, it’s this lovely Rhubarb Sour from Victoria’s Category 12 Brewing.

Delightfully tart and refreshing, it offers notes of gooseberry, stone fruit and rhubarb. The balanced lactic acidity gives it a bright character and a dry finish that avoids being puckering.

If you’ve shied away from sours in the past, Rhubarb Sour is approachable enough to convert even the most ardent hop head or lager lover. You can pair this beer with just about any savoury dish, as it will cut through fat and spice, cleansing your palate perfectly. It’s so good, I’m scarcely concerned with my plummeting RRSPs!

To be clear, I’m not advocating you use alcohol to check out from reality, just that you take the time to remind yourself that beauty still exists in this world.

Also, wash your fucking hands.

Drink This: Rhubarb Sour by Category 12 Brewing

Sour ale • 5.5% ABV • 473 mL tall cans

Appearance: Hazy gold with a billowing white head.

Aroma: Gooseberry, lactic, stone fruit.

Flavour: Tart, rhubarb, stone fruit, gooseberry, apricot, balanced lactic acidity, mild cereal malt character, very refreshing.

Body/Finish: Light-medium bodied with a tart, dry finish.

Pairs with: Almost any savoury or fatty dish, washing your hands, washing your hands and washing your goddamn hands.