As Canadian Thanksgiving arrives and we sacrifice hundreds of thousand of pumpkins across this fair land as part of our traditional devourment of the greatest pumpkin pies in the country, it seems appropriate that I spend a few days at least contemplating that other pumpkin treat: pumpkin ale. What makes a great pumpkin ale? And what is the…
“Legendary Oddity” (Spiced Beer), Muskoka Brewery
Finally … a beer from the Muskoka Brewery worth writing about. Having previously reviewed their ubiquitous Mad Tom and Twice as Mad offerings which left me unimpressed, I was hesitant about sticking another toe in their fermented waters. Twice bitten — definitely third time shy. So why did I take the bait? The packaging grabbed…
Ale No. 5 ~ “Spring Maple” (Belgian Blonde Ale), Lake of Bays Brewing Company
Fifth up is a unifying beer if ever there was one. If you like beer, but not sure if you like maple, you’ll like this beer; if you like maple but on the fence regarding beer, this will knock you over the fence. Not sure you like blondes, think you’re more of a darker drinker, think…
“Saint Paix” (Fruit Beer) Les Brasseurs RJ Inc
Some things are entirely tied to a moment in time. It really is remarkable how much our mood and place impact our intuitive reaction to things … reactions which might be quite different if we sat down to really dissect what we’re experiencing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for a careful dissection of…
“Pepper Lime Lager” (flavoured), Dead Frog Brewery
Ok, I thought I should try reviewing a few beers outside my normal comfort zone, so I took a little trip back to the Beer Store (when will I learn you ask?) and looked for “different.” How about a few lagers, I thought? Well, if I wanted “different” I sure found it in this box…
“Magouille” (Pumpkin Ale), Brasseurs Illimités
Drinking a seasonal beer is a bit like going for a swim in waters where sharks have been seen. That’s not to say you’re going to lose a limb, but you’re always worried you’re going feel a nibble on your big toe just before it happens. Perhaps Jaws made a big impression in my childhood…
“St-Ambroise Apricot Wheat Ale” (Wheat Ale), McAuslan Brewing
Tradition is such an integral part of our lives. It gives it structure; it gives us place; it gives us identity. I remember hearing an interview with a Jewish Canadian cookbook author who was talking about the importance of the Shabbat in developing her love and reverence of cooking – because she cooked for her…
“Desérables” (Maple Ale), Microbrasserie Le Grimoire
Wow – so this is a bit of a fortuitous moment. I’ve had this beer from BroueHaHa in my fridge for going on 3 months waiting for the mood to strike me. At 8% alcohol and 660ml, I figured I needed to be ready to open this one. The label will certainly catch the eye of…
“L’Érabière” (Maple Pale Ale), Brasserie Schoune
Yummy. Oh, yeah … yummy, all the way. I could end it there – but I won’t. Brasserie Schoune out of Quebec has nailed this maple-beer, so much so that they’ve cleverly inserted the word itself (érable) into the name. And I must say, they have also very cleverly achieved a pure insertion of maple…
“la Messe de Minuit” (Seasonal/Christmas Beer), Les Brasseurs du Temps (BDT)
In homage to the seasons (just passed) here’s a delicious brew that, admittedly, I’m a few weeks late in reviewing. I bought it at BroueHaHa with the best of intentions, but it was a busier season with less imbibing than I forecast … and cross-country ski season has arrived, so hours are in shorter supply. First,…