CRAFTY BREWS
WE’RE IN THE MIDST of a beer renaissance. Over the past decade, the craft beer industry in this province has worked tirelessly to transform the image of this beverage – from lowbrow swill to the incredibly versatile and refined drink that it can be when made with care and creativity. Specialty bottles, one-off brews, and experimental ingredients are now the norm, not the exception, raising its sophistication and enjoyment to that of wine. So, this summer when you’re hosting guests at your al fresco soirée, or when you’re out on the town, know you can grab a provincial brew that will taste a heck of lot better than anything you had growing up. We give you a great place to start with five Ontario beers to try now.
MUSKOKA BREWERY
THE BREW Detour FOR THE AFTERNOON Somehow the folks up in Muskoka found a way to create a lighter beer (this guy weighs in at 4.3 per cent) without stripping it of flavour and body. It ends with a nice hop bang and won’t take you out of commission before dinner, so go ahead a grab another.
SAWDUST CITY BREWING CO.
THE BREW The Princess Wears Girlpants FOR DINNER Head brewer Sam Corbeil names this big, bold beer – his take on a Belgian Golden Ale that comes in at a warming nine per cent – after two of his friends. The nick- names may be hard to get your head around, but your mouth and its tastebuds will thank you for following our advice on this one. The fragrance is floral, and it’s quite hoppy, but the Belgian yeast helps create incredible balance.
WELLINGTON BREWERY
THE BREW Chocolate Milk Stout FOR DESSERT Rich, dark, and creamy, this bottle pairs perfectly with late-night sweets. Brewed with milk sugar (lactose) and a dose of cocoa, Wellington crafts something decadent to enjoy during the cooler evenings of the summer.
BEAU’S ALL NATURAL BREWING COMPANY
THE BREW MaddAddamites NooBroo FOR BEDTIME Curl up with a Margaret Atwood read while you sip on this before calling it a night. Made in collaboration with novelists Atwood and Graeme Gibson (her husband), this gruit ale – a style of beer that doesn’t use hops – incorporates herbs and botanicals and was inspired by MaddAddam, Atwood’s latest. It will be released on draught initially, with the possibility of popping up at the LCBO later this year.
SPEARHEAD BREWERY
THE BREW Hawaiian Style Pale Ale FOR THE BEACH Spearhead puts an island twist on this West Coast pale ale that put them on the map. Their “Beer Without Boundaries” motto guides their every step: this unfiltered beer features pineapple juice, adding a tropical flavour to its zestiness. —Travis Persaud