Besides blogging photos of stuff, I thought this would also be a good way to track some of the beers I have had. Mainly this will help me stay organised and prevent me from re-buying shitty brews. Enjoy!
The Ales:
When I left Canada for the US back in 2010, the Amsterdam brewery had me less than convinced. I had not ventured much past the Amsterdam Blonde hogwash they were making at the time, and the inconsistent quality of the aforementioned product had me doubting their ability to make anything else I would even consider spending money on...Fast forward 4 years, I am back in Toronto and upon one of my first explorations of my local beer store in Liberty Village, I come across this well designed little bottle. Without taking notice of the Amsterdam brand, I plop this 6 pack in my carrier and go on my merry way...Let's just say that Boneshaker convinces. It should be said, that it isn't an all night drinker, unless you want to get seriously hammered. Talk about full bodied...this one here convinces with the right amount of carbonation and a mouthful of hops you'll be writing home about. I had it on tap on several occasions and as is usually the case, it made it all the better (9/10).
This one actually kind of surprised me. I mean, the quality of PC products is typically pretty high, but I did not imagine they would come out with this. The second reason I initially discounted this ale, was because it only comes in a 355ml can. But the first one I cracked had me convinced. Smooth, light carbonation and full body without being overbearing. Well done and a great shoutout to the british pub standards (8/10).
I love Friday evenings...My drive home from work has me excited for the weekend and the weekend typically has me excited for new beer. Well this past Friday, as I pulled into the parking lot of my local Liberty Village LCBO, I realized that it had been a while since I tried something new, so I was excited to see this hippie themed IPA sitting in the cooler. I had honestly never heard of Headstock before, nor had I come across Nickel Brook brewing...both of these facts were perfect reasons to drop this into my basket and the rest is history. I enjoyed this rich tasting, full bodied IPA, though I must add that this is not an all night drinker but rather an after work "enjoyer". Lingering hops taste and rich carbonation...I'll be adding this to my bullet belt of choice weaponry! (8.5/10)
On a recent trip to Ottawa I had the chance to have this on tap at a pub on Elgin street. It was Canada day and we had our little daughter with us. We'd been out all day, it was 11pm and I was really looking forward to having a drink. When we finally got to the patio (which was a bunch of stairs up) and managed to get the stroller navigated through the labyrinth of plastic patio tables with red clad Canada day drunkards to our spot at the far end of the place, I was expecting to have to settle on a plastic cup pint of Molson or Rickards whatever... Needless to say I was pretty excited when I saw Mad Tom on the list! I have had this ale many many times as a six pack, but this was going to be my first 'live' experience. It didn't disappoint (and I believe it didn't disappoint 3 more times after that first pint). Full rich flavour. Solid hoppy aftertaste. I really enjoy this one chilled and in a pint glass! One of Ontario's best, if not my current all time fave (10/10).
As much as I love the Mad Tom, this one seriously underwhelms me...I guess this is the case with most any beer that carries the word 'Cream' in it's name! (3/10)
This one is a great weapon of choice. I find that I default to this whenever I am confronted with the dismal Molson or Labatt monopoly at the taps...Tastes best draft. Full bodied IPA style Ale with more carbonation than most (7.5/10)
Probably the hoppiest Ale in my roster right now besides the Boneshaker. Flying Monkey has several hoppy concoctions with this one being the most enjoyable. As much as I was turned off by the quirky logo and label design, the taste more than made up for that flaw. Recommended! (8/10)
From Double Trouble brewing comes this little gem...I picked Hops and Robbers up for the first time while I was on a short family vacation in Ottawa. Though the brewery hails from Guelph, their footprint obviously reached the LCBO in the Rideau centre.
Bold flavours, lingering hoppy aftertaste and the right amount of carbonation to leave a respectable amount of head. I for one, look forward to trying this one on tap since I must admit having indulged more than once in the can variant. I'll be back for more...(9.5/10)
Considering the name of this Ale and it's pedigree (Great Lakes Brewery), I am very surprised with myself that I did not try this sooner. Cracking the first one the other night, I was left with a memorable, full bodied yet not overwhelming impression of what would quickly become one of my preferred choices in Saturday night liquid entertainment. Easily paired with food or on it's lonesome...Woe to you oh earth and sea for the Devil send this beer with wrath (9/10)!
And the rest.........
All of these I found very underwhelming both from a taste and consistency perspective. No point writing much more about them...(1.5/10)
Not sure how I first heard of Unibroue (makers of the above pictured Maudite and La Fin du Monde) but what does it really matter...I love them! Headquartered in Chambly near Montreal, this brewery has been crafting original and fine tasting belgium style white beers for all of us to enjoy.
My favourite of the bunch is probably Maudite, both for it's styling and the flavour and also because it is not as strong as LFDM. Reminiscent of the belgium trappiste ales, this is a double fermented Biere sur lie. The overall flavour is quite unique however. I have seen this on tap as far south as Georgia and people I speak to generally enjoy it as much as I do.
It also reminds me of drunk nights with my good friend Rodolphe in Montreal! (9/10)
This is one of my favourite brews from the Belle Province. Full bodied and just the right amount of hops.
Rich colour and a great lingering bitter flavour that isn't too over powering. The blonde they make is a great lager as well. Crisp taste and refreshing after taste. Highly recommend this one! (9/10)
The ale standard in many north american pubs. Can't really go wrong with this one. When enjoyed at just below room temperature in a standard pint glass while watching the rugby world championships it puts you in just the right mood...Can of course be enjoyed chilled.
I usually get this when there is nothing more interesting on the menu. You will find this in pubs where the erst of the selection usually consists of Rickards and Molson products...or so I have found. (8/10)
Not often found on tap in Canadian pubs, so when I do see it, I strike. Typically this is my choice when I am at the LCBO and really want the british pub flavour. It's kind of a commercial classic. Not much more to say other than you can't go wrong with it's smooth characteristics and non over powering hoppiness. (8/10)
It has been a while... 7 years in fact... damn!
