tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84128508036980030952024-03-27T18:24:14.200-04:00Pints with PolkThe Barley Poet and Hop Philosopher Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.comBlogger370125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-81692603744408015322024-03-21T19:10:00.002-04:002024-03-21T19:10:24.967-04:00Enough<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I find myself in a weird position in life, a thing that gets magnified at work everyday when I talk to folks who are hustling to get by and hope to get ahead as the future rolls on. Seeking promotions, more money, more everything and while I understand it, hell it was me not so long ago, I find my hustle, my need for more has dissipated into the ether of my years and now all I seek is contentment, routine and just what I have. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Enough.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't know how it came to be. We struggled for decades just to keep our heads above water, not always succeeding, but always striving for more and better...until now. I find myself at the crossroads of somewhat middle age, okay, two thirds age, but what I am after now more than anything is not trying to get more, to look at what other people have and wonder why I don't. I find myself looking in the mirror and occasionally smiling with a chuckle that I'm still standing and honestly it's fucking bizarre to be happy after years of Darkness. I won't lie, I still struggle with that feeling of losing hope, wondering about why I chased everyone away amd if I can ever find friends like that again, but for the most part and with a little help, I am okay.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The hustle of my younger years has left, I am more interested in the quality of my time, not how many hours I worked last week trying to squeeze one more dollar into my pocket. I seek no promotions, I don't want more responsibility and while I would not say no to a raise, I figure it will come when it comes and as long as I have enough, I'll make due until it isn't and then the conversation will be how to make what I have be enough for what I need. I sought to be something I thought I should be for so long, more money by working harder, longer and more than anyone else didn't get me a damn thing short of burnout and lost time doing what makes me happy. I do what I need to do at work for what they pay me to do, nothing more, nothing less. The exchange has finally become clear...only took me 35+ years...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Now I seek the minimum that I must do so that the time I have left on this planet can be spent seeking a sliver of the happiness I thought all that working could bring me. The time I lost giving to work will never come back and while it did indeed get me a chance to be here, at what cost did it come? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've got enough, now to figure out how to make that the thing that makes me happy so that whatever time I have left I can have fewer days under the clouds of my own demise and more sunshine giving me hope.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">March 21st, 2024</span></p><p><br /></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-83041810982343489182024-03-18T11:08:00.003-04:002024-03-18T11:24:15.327-04:00On 51<p> <span style="font-size: medium;"> Looking back on another year around the sun and while my 50th year was a shifting sand dune on which I climbed, stumbled down and rose again, I find myself at much the same spot as last year, albeit with a little more chill in my life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> To be honest, not much has changed in the last year, I continued to be somewhat of a recluse outside of working, only stepping out a handful of times for dinner with Kat and only twice to have a quick beer with someone other than her. My circle has shrunk pretty small, I spend more time with Oreo, Marbles and Simcoe than any human and while I may have periods of deep introspection on what caused this loneliness, I can only quote Jimmy Buffett, "But I know, it's my own damn fault...". I watched it happen in real time and hardly recognize myself some days, who is that man in the mirror every morning, practicing his smile and covering his growing fear that it is all coming down to whether he can truly change or continue this slow and steady decline into his winter years. 51 ain't old, but I feel every year, the last decade weighs heavier than my waistline and I struggle with the notion that it was all for nothing, the past is best left undisturbed, lest it drag me down with it.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I had high hopes for last year, even with the changing of jobs, a summer with a decent stretch of time off and a new job that is lower stress, I still find myself at the same place, with the same thoughts and the same problems. It's a simple fix, but I am either too lazy or too afraid to get moving again. There will come a time when my body decides for me that it has had enough of my inaction and that is the scariest part of what I think about as the lights dim and sleep approaches. I do not want to go gentle into that good night, I want to rage against the dying light, but I also seek solitude and routine, rest and normalcy. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I am not an adventurer anymore, nor a glad hander, party guy who has a thousand acquaintances and no lasting friendships. I have seen the top of the mountain, done almost everything I wanted to do when it comes to beer and life. yet I ponder what I could seek that would bring me joy and wonder again. What is it that I want and what am I willing to do to get there? I find myself writing notes to myself at all hours of the day, tucking them into my lunch bag at work for future reference when I am home, jotting down random thoughts that could be the next great idea. I have a dozen half written posts on the go and twice as many little niblets of knowledge that are just outside of my eye line, perhaps I shall find them all one day and inside them the answer I seek. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I was once inspired to write about anything that came into my head, sometimes about beer and then my life. I find so much malaise seeps in to my days, but not enough to trigger a full blown descent into depression, just enough to sap whatever inspiration I have found. I push on but also push away from a community I do not fit in anymore, drinking alone and staying home don't sell as well as being out and about. I miss it sometimes, but am I willing to push back against my own routine that I have wrapped around myself as a shield against the world? I don't know, but I will keep hoping that I can find that thing, that divine light I once grasped briefly and let slip away.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">March 18th, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-24399074584403053212024-02-26T12:13:00.001-05:002024-02-26T12:13:16.397-05:00I Drink Alone<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Is that a weird way to open a blog post? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Admitting that I drink alone?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Well, it is the truth and I wanted to write about my life more this year, even if it seems a little uncomfortable or difficult. My greatest success and growth has come from laying it all out for the world to see and releasing whatever is inside me that tries to bring me down into the darkness again, silence is my own worst enemy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I think what I mean to say, without trying to downplay my lack of a social life outside my going to work or online, is that I enjoy my own company when I want to relax. After almost 4 decades in working retail, food service and general public facing jobs, I do feel worn down just a tad, the last 4 years have proven even more difficult with the rise of the selfish class, a special breed of hell mongers all their own. It has bled into almost every part of my day, the inward facing, sole spotlight seekers, to whom everyone must revolve for their existence to mean anything to them. It is exhausting sometimes and while there are some bright spots, I have not really engaged with anyone (with a few rare diamonds shining brightly) who I wanted to carry out friendships beyond the superficial stage in quite some time. Now that isn't to say I haven't met some wonderful people, but none with whom I could consider a daily friend, someone I could hang out with on a whim, without planning everything in advance and hoping something doesn't come up in between. All my best relationships seem to be online, quietly waiting for engagement when I have the mental capacity to do so...not so intrusive, yet lacking in spontaneity and time to forge close bonds that last longer than a text. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I did at one time, have a large circle of close pals, hangers on and assorted characters who would flit in and out, depending on the time of year, party theme or drinking indulgence. We hosted get togethers almost weekly, sometimes a raucous house full of poker players, karaoke singers and drunkards, other times just a couple close friends for dinner and games, maybe heading out on the town for a night out of nonsense and liquid fun. It was a glorious time, we were all relatively young, with little in the way of outside responsibilities and life seemed a grand stage for us to strut about, happily glowing in drunken revelry. Time marches on though, and as I tumbled down the rabbit whole of career interuptus, losing what I thought was my life, I began separating from everyone I knew, pushing them away because I could not understand how anyone would want to hang out with such a loser. Self pity turned into dark and deep depression, it took years to climb out of that particular hole, clawing my way up through thoughts of not wanting to be alive anymore to falling into a morass of self medicating to keep the demons at bay. When I finally came up from the depths, life had moved on and I was exactly where I thought I deserved to be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The last few years have been decent, I've grown a little better as a person, albeit one who still isn't certain of himself from time to time. I do not know if I can ever recapture who I was or at least, the part that I think I was, the happy go lucky kind of person I hope to project to the world when I leave the house. I turned down opportunities to go to beer fests, judge a beer competition, hang out with the few people who still reach out every once in awhile. It's not that I don't want to, it's that I don't know I know how to anymore. My ability to spend time alone has become a shield in defense of nothing, a tilting at windmills that only exist in my mind. But what used to be a heavy indulgence in clouded thinking and over indulgence has changed into a more quiet pursuit of peace and opportunity to try to understand who I really am underneath the layers I've painted on this life I tried to walk away from so many times. I am trying to appreciate my own time so that I can give it to others with the joy I used to. I cannot recreate the past, nor should I want to, that guy doesn't exist anymore...but I do.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Finding myself hanging out with the Boys, I was happy, I do miss the camaraderie of The Lodge, the not so subtle jabs we would toss at each other when we discussed sports and played poker. It could get deep too, some nights we would delve below the surface, not too far, but enough that we felt loved and bonded, maybe not family, but something deeper. I salute those folks, true gems they were.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Good times, hazy memories and an entirely different person...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I drink alone. But I do not wallow in solitude, I have found myself slowly rising again, perhaps the road ahead is long and will not be easy, but it does not seem so insurmountable as it once did. I raise my glass to the days gone by, to the ones ahead and to the simple life I seek. Perhaps I shall find it, and you, one day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">February 26th, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-48189138835252117252024-02-20T11:21:00.003-05:002024-02-20T11:21:34.913-05:00That Beer Buzz...<span style="font-size: medium;"> There is almost no better vibe in the world than when you're having a couple beers and that magical warm and fuzzy feeling kicks in. Be it after 1, 2, or more beers, we all have a sweet spot for when everything is right in the world and you just drift along for a little while in your happiness. You're not quite drunk, not quite sober, but existing in a beautiful place known as the Beer Buzz.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's a real art form finding the right spot, knowing when to say when and when to say just one more, a delicate balance of slow sipping and quick chugging, sprinkled in with some laughs and a smile growing across your face. I took a couple of quick polls on social media last week and found that the vast majority of folks (over 75%) who are with me for this weirdly beer centric trip I'm on seemed to agree that 3 to 4 beers was that very place to be when it came to the best feelings, the place where it's just right. I'll admit that I thought more people would lean into the old 2-Beer Buzz territory and of course some people still do, but with more than 3/4 of 300 plus people answering at the higher end, it got me to thinking if my own levels had changed over the years or not.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> There was a time when I'd get home from work and think nothing of rocketing back a 6-pack of Brava or Old Milwaukee tall-boys in quick succession and that would get me on the way to where I wanted to go, a stumbling start to the black-out I was seeking. Somewhere along the way, I did find a better way to drink, still slipping into old habits of course, but generally being more aware of what I was pouring in my glass and trying to appreciate it gave me some pause when it came to my beer consumption.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's been almost a decade of riding along this craft beer road and I have finally come to a place where the conversation turned to seeking a better balance in what had become a daily grind of trying to keep up with things I didn't really care about anymore. What I wanted was a way to enjoy what seemed like the perfect feeling whenever the fancy took me. Some days that's no beers, sometimes just 1 or 2 and on those wonderful days when it really felt right, the Beer Buzz hum of that third pint with a fourth in waiting. And therein lies the art of the entire thing, knowing where you are and not having the one that tips you from the Buzz to the Drunk. I'll say that I have found since the vast majority of my beers tend to be above 6% ABV, 3 is often the best place for me to slide into home with my eyes wide open. It's a really nice feeling to not have the next beer, to know that this one was the last one of the evening and savour every last drop. Sure, there are days when I make the decision to go a little past that last beer and drag myself to another place entirely, but in the last few months, I find myself intentionally stopping at the same spot, satisfied with where I was and how it made me feel. Too many mornings filled with self reflecting conversations of how I shouldn't have had that last beer, seemingly wasting a great pint on a night that didn't need another one. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Honestly, I feel like that is what the goal of this entire endeavour has been. It's about enjoying a couple, three beers, without extending myself into bad habits I know I have and mistakes I want to make less and less. Taking nights off of beer, stepping away from a toxic work environment and making peace with who I am and where I came from has been a big part of this too. Understanding myself makes it easier to know when I have found that very real feeling the Beer Buzz delivers and I can lean back to enjoy it without needing to go any further. I've spent a lifetime in search of this very peaceful place...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> I hope you find yours.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">February 20, 2024</span></div><div><div><div><br /><div> <br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-87738820952859720392024-02-08T10:23:00.001-05:002024-02-08T10:23:55.018-05:00Beer Zen - Nickel Brook Brewing Double Headstock<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD9J97w5AeAP6DtAERFRDxZiJs6u1Pic6ZUhudUceM6_DIezntJqtBlrigQ4D9ww0XILMEQNFkAef9Xb8AuOJzSH6PIjhFBZ5S4X3ImYV-QyY4_rqSpPBYBGNdQvBpmtSwjkUXcKgjPD5hwDEVaRWuj2BRIUPTThxGzDjzkHYypOlL-Q6NHmIH9Ecpj4/s2052/IMG_20240207_192314_239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2052" data-original-width="2052" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBD9J97w5AeAP6DtAERFRDxZiJs6u1Pic6ZUhudUceM6_DIezntJqtBlrigQ4D9ww0XILMEQNFkAef9Xb8AuOJzSH6PIjhFBZ5S4X3ImYV-QyY4_rqSpPBYBGNdQvBpmtSwjkUXcKgjPD5hwDEVaRWuj2BRIUPTThxGzDjzkHYypOlL-Q6NHmIH9Ecpj4/s320/IMG_20240207_192314_239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> Yesterday I stopped in at Nickel Brook Brewing in Burlington after work and was lucky enough to get to try their newest release, the 9.5% Double Headstock Imperial IPA, while also spending some time chatting with Founder John Romano about the state of the beer business in general and reminiscing about the years that seem to have flown by since we first met. I've been a fan of this OG Ontario craft brewer for many years, getting to know the people that work there only reinforced that feeling and when I heard this particular beer was coming out, it brought back a wave of nostalgia from when I first started trying all these "weird" beers back in 2014/15. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Up until the end of 2014, I was a dedicated macro beer drinker, the cheaper the better. It was about volume, not quality and I was adept at finding the best deals to deliver the quickest trip to getting drunk. As I started to wander around into craft beer, I was taken aback by the bitterness of IPAs, it threw me off just how full on they were after having spent the first 25 years of my drinking life drinking beers with nothing better than cold as a flavour description. It took me some time to understand what I was drinking and I can tell you that as I see other people get into drinking great beer at a younger age, starting out in my 40's just makes me wish I too had started sooner. It was a tremendous time in those days for me though, it seemed every week introduced me to a new style or a new brewery and I wanted nothing more than to immerse myself into the world I didn't know existed full steam ahead.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I remember the first time I had a Headstock from Nickel Brook and really understood it. I felt an immense sense of comfort and latched onto to this West Coast IPA with all I had. It delivered everything I had come to love about beer and led me to other styles of IPA that has no doubt helped fuel my desire to keep going with everything I do in beer. There was a real feeling of adventure and anticipation in those days that remains a palpable memory whenever I think back to how eager we were to just be a part of it all. It was a glorious time I'll never forget.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The ensuing years have seen explosive growth in both the industry and the community that surrounds it. Creativity and innovation not only happens in the brewhouse, but on social media as fans of the beers continue to find new and interesting ways to share their love of the beer they drink. It's changed a lot since I first started and I while I keep doing what it is I know how to do, I applaud and look forward to seeing the amazing stuff some people come up with to spread the good word. Having said that, it is rare that I truly get excited about a beer release, I enjoy new beers and returning seasonal ones too, but it's got to be something real big to get that feeling from so long ago to come bubbling up to the surface again.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Double Headstock did just that.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It was like stepping into a time machine from the first sip. A big malt bill, smooth honey like body with the bitter citrus and pine showing me you can go home again. I was immediately transported back to the early 2010's and that bold sense of change I was feeling around me. It was nostalgia mixed with wonder poured into a glass. A throwback to the days when I measured IBU as a personal challenge and beers like Nickel Brook's Immodest Imperial IPA and Sawdust City's Twin Pines shook the core of what I knew about myself. From the first sip, I closed my eyes and felt the woosh of time pass by and all the years and troubles fell away till I was left standing in a singular moment, experiencing the joy that beer can bring all over again. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This feeling remained as we talked over the tall boy we had split, sipping as the sun began to fade through the windows and it became time to say our goodbyes. As release date for this beer wasn't until today, John sent me home with a 4 pack and I thanked him for sharing this moment with me. We had talked about this particular idea he had for Double Headstock many years ago and it was a dream come true not just for him, but for anyone who loves Headstock too. As judged by the reaction from people when I posted it later online, delivering an Imperial version of this iconic beer is being welcomed with the fanfare it deserves. I'll be grabbing another 6 pack on my way home for the weekend tomorrow, it is something I relish, this feeling of completeness and joy. That a beer can do that, even if you're only having one, is a tremendous accomplishment and one that I hope more people can find.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">February 8th, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-1898135268402725612024-02-05T12:36:00.001-05:002024-02-05T12:36:56.885-05:00The Beer Store - Another Look<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgMMqJFND2nA7kATRGsyFIoU2gY-6GoTZkJte4EiKmC6rYwM52jx05C1TLqz6F-KwwhD5tydgHfHgld6g_1lvEX_V0smvH0CPZJgxvxVZzSyD-Hog0xWcdsLr9_awhqFSqFnuJk9BOlH-CKXF4daJTqtnoTc_r6A_NAoImRqKX6TSJuob7bniTCGGlco/s897/1000029258-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="897" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgMMqJFND2nA7kATRGsyFIoU2gY-6GoTZkJte4EiKmC6rYwM52jx05C1TLqz6F-KwwhD5tydgHfHgld6g_1lvEX_V0smvH0CPZJgxvxVZzSyD-Hog0xWcdsLr9_awhqFSqFnuJk9BOlH-CKXF4daJTqtnoTc_r6A_NAoImRqKX6TSJuob7bniTCGGlco/s320/1000029258-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artsy Beer Store Beer</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I come here not to bury The Beer Store, nor to praise it. I come here today to talk about what most folks who aren't me, or beer drinkers like me, think about the it and the impending changes coming to the selling and distribution of beer in this province.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Short answer...most people don't give a shit.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Longer short answer...they just want to get their 24's, return their empties and get on with their day. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EqlRmsRPTyzUsqMZKffyt5UoFt0vHeAn-o9I9GYHH4m06w-XnjXm1g6vgeZh-F_KMPx2pgI751MIN71K8itJDalEVnSwkomJlTxEhwTb0R5iGcNdVQfpbj0UVftZKAlImZxAja_Af8RfT7ASotxdRheTRYW-hta5r9u_V8kC1t6dNREAG305D7nYIlE/s1080/1000029257-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1080" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4EqlRmsRPTyzUsqMZKffyt5UoFt0vHeAn-o9I9GYHH4m06w-XnjXm1g6vgeZh-F_KMPx2pgI751MIN71K8itJDalEVnSwkomJlTxEhwTb0R5iGcNdVQfpbj0UVftZKAlImZxAja_Af8RfT7ASotxdRheTRYW-hta5r9u_V8kC1t6dNREAG305D7nYIlE/s320/1000029257-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beer Fridge, 2014ish</td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Until about ten years ago, I so rarely bought beer at the LCBO that it wouldn't register on my radar as an option. It didn't cross my mind to get my beer anywhere else but the Beer Store, bring back my empties, grab another 24 and away I went. A simple, singular transaction that took place in a building filled with olfactory nostalgia that hits me with memories of summer afternoons getting to go with my Pop as he was picking up a pack for the weekend. It never occurred to me that there were small breweries in Ontario to buy beer at or that I would ever bother going to them and paying a little more for the drunken satisfaction I sought every time I grabbed a case. I cared not for variety, only the best price and quickest in and out I could get. Convenience sold then and it still does now.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjweMrEyTyouBx5ECXcWo1snaAssJKmTlE_OQ5ZU7OkPvP7nZdswKkACSGIamBtKt4Bm3BlDbL15MlG-RLW7BwOkw1XZas-tY2EOjVI4VqFSvb8xKQ1zr8PoYmNtJOwGZ7NkHk74xolERC1xTka_LZnb2ByYnR8DGw4mRtRuJMOnHthzA5q00x0YVHHuM/s719/1000029260-01.jpeg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjweMrEyTyouBx5ECXcWo1snaAssJKmTlE_OQ5ZU7OkPvP7nZdswKkACSGIamBtKt4Bm3BlDbL15MlG-RLW7BwOkw1XZas-tY2EOjVI4VqFSvb8xKQ1zr8PoYmNtJOwGZ7NkHk74xolERC1xTka_LZnb2ByYnR8DGw4mRtRuJMOnHthzA5q00x0YVHHuM/s320/1000029260-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did so love the Beer of Summer, circa 2013</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The change in the beer drinking landscape in the last decade or so has been tremendous no doubt, but the craft beer segment of consumers still makes up a relatively small percentage of overall beer sales, despite what those of us who have become so immersed and invested emotionally in believing in what we see as better beer and a better way to make and sell it. To say we can't see the forest for the trees wants me to admit we look any further than our own beer glasses and as someone who spends most of his time with people who see craft beer as a novelty, somewhat expensive and out of their comfort zone, I know what I think of The Beer Store isn't in the majority. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I understand the monopoly of the three headed mega beer corporations, with a smattering of craft brewers trying to swing for the fences, isn't the best way to sell beer anywhere, I also know that most folks do not care or have it on their radar to do anything else. Beer in grocery stores is a lovely convenience, when they are able to sell 24's, no doubt that will be manna to some people. But there is no real money in beer sales for a grocery chain, there were no more labour hours given to deal with the beer section, so it is at best an afterthought in most places or worst a begrudging problem for others.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Corner store sales will be something else entirely, dealing with a different clientele seeking sudsy sustenance, and if we think the 20% craft beer shelf space is gonna mean better distribution for anyone but the larger breweries, I think you're dreaming. It's going to mean older shelf dates, perhaps not even any fridge space at all in places where the only concern will be checking ID's and moving along to the next customer. 7-11 doesn't give a damn about freshness and rotation in beer, they wanna sell 6 packs and Doritios. I may be cynical, but I was there for the start of beer sales in grocery stores and can tell you from experience that with very few exceptions, it isn't something franchisees want to deal with, it's often more trouble than it's worth.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> But more than the problems of freshness and accessibility, the vast majority of beer drinkers have no desire to make multiple trips to different places to get their beer and return their empties. I did a couple of polls on my social media last week about what people do with their cans and bottles and about 45% of people returned them for the deposit cash back with another 35% just tossing them into the recycling bins. I should say that the people who responded are most likely drinking craft beer more than macros, not a 24 buying crowd according to another poll I ran a few weeks ago showing few people who follow along with me are getting two dozen of any single beer very often or stopping at the Beer Store for anything but returns. I know there are machines out there that take empty bottles, kind of like coin sorters for boozehounds, but if you think most beer drinkers are going to stand there and feed bottle after bottle into a damn machine instead of just dropping the case on the rollers and probably saying hi to someone who's been serving them for years, well then I believe that may be delusional. Part of the concept of The Beer Store has become focused on their high level of recovering recyclable materials and that isn't something anyone wants to really take on. It is a dirty, thankless task and let's face it, most people aren't cleaning out the bottles and cans they return, a lot of nasty stuff spills out and has to be dealt with by the folks behind the counters.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkKDPl8t3sKEP-XaRmcQffe08TwgnD605XCKi7jYB9yb8SjiHI5hnsN982mYAsfpunHOfh36GDmE9ABD28aC7_Y5u9UmF2Ihefvt_0A4JlZpPYwwXQxEFFv2n8xBQg9yjF0iiMpFgAGJP8p9TFlXbeY2ZZPnOplsAd0nnfK0UEJ8IeQbDXjpY_aA0ZLA/s895/1000029261-01.jpeg" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="895" data-original-width="895" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZkKDPl8t3sKEP-XaRmcQffe08TwgnD605XCKi7jYB9yb8SjiHI5hnsN982mYAsfpunHOfh36GDmE9ABD28aC7_Y5u9UmF2Ihefvt_0A4JlZpPYwwXQxEFFv2n8xBQg9yjF0iiMpFgAGJP8p9TFlXbeY2ZZPnOplsAd0nnfK0UEJ8IeQbDXjpY_aA0ZLA/s320/1000029261-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a man who loves the Mountains Blue...</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The diversity of selection at most Beer Stores is often cited as one major issue. The antiquated keeping of the beer in the back room that only the staff can get you or the overwhelming macro selections on the roller shelves out front is another. But if craft beer made business sense (or had the pull at the corporate level of The Beer Store) to occupy the same spaces that are taken up now by Bud, Coors Light and Canadian, they would be there. The people who are buying the majority of beer speak with their dollars and until we can get craft beer to a better place in terms of overall sales, change isn't going to come quickly. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We have seen a lot of positive developments in my almost decade of watching and discussing beer, bottle shops have sprung up and by all accounts seem to be servicing a real need in our little community, albeit with a little sticker shock tossed in for good measure. The profile of local breweries has certainly been raised and I know more and more people who include craft beers in their purchases, sprinkled in with their regular beers. We who are immersed would be well served to step back every once and a while to see what the bigger picture is, The Beer Store serves a larger purpose than we like to acknowledge and despite more changes coming, they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Good union jobs, not as many as there were before, are hard to come by in beer, I don't know of many craft breweries that are unionized or even pay a fair wage. The industry will continue to go through difficult times in the next few years and despite all the optimism I see on social media, the truth is not a pretty picture on Instagram. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I don't know what the future looks like for The Beer Store. They will most likely reduce their footprint, selling off properties that make no sense and streamlining operations to remain viable. It will mean the loss of better paying jobs, something a lot of craft beer drinkers do not want to talk about when it comes to industry issues, and no doubt a higher amount of people who just give up returning empties because it isn't convenient. The vast majority of beer drinkers do what they do because it is easy, they don't want to deal with anything but the simplest solution and until someone comes up with a better model, The Beer Store will continue to do what it does for the foreseeable future.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">February 5th, 2024</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-36969880926850545192024-01-29T11:22:00.002-05:002024-01-29T11:22:51.743-05:00The End - Truth from the Edge<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C6iQVLb-Ym0O6xsgDg3bdQgEuCMUHFcwa-HPNQoiK73CWSHz_sSSpO-9msty7FocPE-LDTWkgC5oy52eqAuJgvkW3LjWMsuatMk5S1HTEIKLgx6BlOz_RWYTSsjMrHMb8tO0MoBlirht5iU-Jk7knTPwJM4RR5-E1jdOW3gNCbx3hGhR73n06T4Xvy4/s4608/20180901_202921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C6iQVLb-Ym0O6xsgDg3bdQgEuCMUHFcwa-HPNQoiK73CWSHz_sSSpO-9msty7FocPE-LDTWkgC5oy52eqAuJgvkW3LjWMsuatMk5S1HTEIKLgx6BlOz_RWYTSsjMrHMb8tO0MoBlirht5iU-Jk7knTPwJM4RR5-E1jdOW3gNCbx3hGhR73n06T4Xvy4/s320/20180901_202921.jpg" width="180" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Every business appears viable right up until the point that it no longer is. Sure, some will send out clarion calls for help, try to encourage support from the local community, but for the most part, the pride and shame of what owning a business that is teetering on the brink is usually kept inside until the doors shut for the final time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Now, I am not in possession of any secret information of what is happening inside Ontario Craft beer, I do however have an intimate understanding of owning a small, independent business and the struggles that can entail. I see patterns and hear things, watching from close and afar, I know the desperation some folks are feeling, when everyday seems like another step toward failure. You cringe every time the phone rings or another letter arrives screaming out final notice. This isn't a lesson anyone needs to learn from experience, but if you've been through it, you know just how gut wrenching it can be.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> When you own a public facing business, especially one like a brewery or restaurant, you are often out there in front of the house or online as the face and voice of your place. Your identity quickly becomes intertwined with that of your dream and your work and with the advent of social media in the last 20 years, it has become increasingly more public with more interest hopefully driving higher sales. The smaller the footprint, the larger your presence will be felt in terms of your connection to the public, they see you as the point of contact and reference you by name as though you are everything. And, in a way, you are. It feels like everything is you.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Running a small business has always been driven by people who have a vision and make things happen to realize that dream. They clear hurdles, naysayers and self doubt to arrive at opening day, filled with joy and pride, a tired happiness that sees the doors open for the first time. In the case of beer, it is even larger as people truly do want to support local, sometimes at the expense of quality, they are more forgiving when the owner is right at the taps, sharing a taste of what their imagination has given to reality. But even the best made beer doesn't ensure survival, it is at the very heart of everything we know and taste, but there are different forces far outside of anyone's control are often the most destructive and crushing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There was a time, early on in my ultimately futile attempt to right the ship that was my life, that I thought I could pull out of the downward spiral by sheer force of will. By working longer hours, harder and with less return I could swing the financial home run I needed to stay open. I watched the numbers tell me the opposite, but I still found a way to convince myself I was just a good month away from solving the mounting list of debts and problems points piling up. But more importantly, it was with a good amount of fear that I would fail in front of the world and then who would I be. That fear drove my descent into a terrible mental health crisis that I have documented over the last 8 years here and on other platforms. There comes a moment when you finally understand that there is no one coming to save you, every mistake you made or success you created did not matter because the end and the truth are staring right back at you in the mirror. It can feel hopeless and the darkness of ending it all feels very real, I went down some very somber, disturbing roads and held on for dear life to the small things I could keep on living for.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> As for the current situation that has seen a slow but gradual drip of brewery closures, mergers and acquisitions for the beer scene here in Ontario, so much of that has been driven by some of the factors that we can all identify with if we imagine ourselves in those positions. The pandemic loans are playing a part to be sure, the CEBA program was designed to help keep businesses afloat during lockdowns and despite some forgiveness and extensions, it is proving to be difficult for many places to find a way to pay them back or get extended credit to float them by. Dry January and February continue to do no good for breweries, driving down sales in the two slowest months of the year, albeit with a good cause in mind, just a terrible time to do it. The changing economic landscape no doubt has been a large part of what is driving up inflation, rent and utilities continue to rise and the cost of goods rides that wave right into your profit and loss columns. It is more than just one thing happening that is causing this foreboding feeling, there was easy money for so long and we didn't think that would ever stop. Who wants to look for darkness when all you want to see is light. There are places I am sure who have over extended themselves because they saw a path forward through growth and in the end it wasn't enough. I know that feeling myself, having taken on more debt to renovate the business that I hoped would help, doing much of the work myself and knowing deep down that I was only chasing a whisper to a dream.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There are a myriad of reasons why businesses succeed or fail and when we see someone have to finally give up that dream, we pass on our condolences and move onto the next beer. But I can tell you, those of us who have had to hear those goodbyes internalize that loss. We feel it in our guts, we lie awake at night even after it's all over, wondering what we could have done differently or better to make everything work. We carry an invisible weight that often crushes our identity and we lose a bit of ourselves every day after. I went to some very dark places, lost a lot of people I called friends (who I miss terribly every day), because I could not see myself worthy of any good in my life, I was tied to that business and its failure was a personal one that lives with me to this day. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXnBoftQDtp0aPPoYy_vkQVpibfWcV8LMpHMx7Q5W8IXsfS0tzqbKERxe_63Ok0LoLAtHfhPvMa8B_P9sMgj4jJvBj47aNm2ftmzRaTpd-Pepa08fJRG59ej_BaRSEggKD7jND4q6x-DibMdq6cvW3eJXd1f1ZUGjectNJje_lQHaS8KGkErYsI7EmJs/s1192/FB_IMG_1600040538723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeXnBoftQDtp0aPPoYy_vkQVpibfWcV8LMpHMx7Q5W8IXsfS0tzqbKERxe_63Ok0LoLAtHfhPvMa8B_P9sMgj4jJvBj47aNm2ftmzRaTpd-Pepa08fJRG59ej_BaRSEggKD7jND4q6x-DibMdq6cvW3eJXd1f1ZUGjectNJje_lQHaS8KGkErYsI7EmJs/s320/FB_IMG_1600040538723.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It has taken me more than a decade to get to this point where I finally feel that tether to the past letting me go. I'm sure if I could do it all over again, I would have sought professional help for my mental health as everything fell apart around me. I know it is possible to bounce back, to rebuild your life and let go of that dream, but in the very real and raw time of the moment it all stops, you feel more alone than you ever had. I encourage anyone who is in this struggle right now to try and reach out to those around you who love you. They will be the strength you may need. Do not associate a business failure with some kind of character flaw or internal moral debt. Seek out someone to talk to about this very real loss, it is something you will grieve and therapy isn't a bad word, despite the macho mentality of going it alone. I know, it almost killed me in the end to keep it all inside. There is life to be lived outside the walls you've built up to try and keep it all together.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I didn't know what today was going to bring, I had some ideas about what I wanted to write about. Happy, silly things like beer fridges, nostalgic beers and some other stuff, but I felt this was a time to talk about my own difficult experience so maybe I could reach someone out there who is feeling the weight of the world coming down on them to tell them there is a future and you deserve to be in it. Life isn't work, you are more than what you tried to make come true. Craft beer has been an incredible influence on my life in the last 9 years, but there are serious problems everywhere in the industry and the honest truth is that 2024 is going to be a difficult year for some people we have come to know and love. Support your favourite breweries and other local businesses when you are able.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We are all in this together.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> All my love for the folks who keep on believin'...long after the music stops. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">January 29th, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-50445021220790790722024-01-22T11:37:00.003-05:002024-01-29T09:43:50.127-05:00The Streak <p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E3H845jSH7TWhEdeZN2ne0NrtNBNlA9b9bUhjC7qgUhjb3LPrP3yNR5e61lQ7khkEvL80UuoMvIPyffhOIoJqYS9DvvKuFg6wa6c_-ZvhB0j89jTZYO7Ebqg-fRXheoXfRdArt25WTPgPtc31rae6T9Hd1HfTk9ula5oooTOuC-OwZwNLhOJb8k4nHY/s2880/IMG_20170422_213946_067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2304" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3E3H845jSH7TWhEdeZN2ne0NrtNBNlA9b9bUhjC7qgUhjb3LPrP3yNR5e61lQ7khkEvL80UuoMvIPyffhOIoJqYS9DvvKuFg6wa6c_-ZvhB0j89jTZYO7Ebqg-fRXheoXfRdArt25WTPgPtc31rae6T9Hd1HfTk9ula5oooTOuC-OwZwNLhOJb8k4nHY/s320/IMG_20170422_213946_067.jpg" width="256" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">November 21st, 2015 - December 8th, 2023</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2939 days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Streak began without my knowledge, gained traction because I thought it would be interesting to see if I could write about beer on Instagram every day for a year and morphed into a weird ritual that was part of my daily routine for just a little over 8 years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">6,664 beer and beer adjacent posts later, it came to an end and strangely enough, something changed almost as undetected as it had started. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I've loved the feeling of leaving behind the world with a couple of drinks for longer than I can remember. It goes back more than 3 decades and while there have been long stretches of sobriety in those years, it wasn't long before I had a bottle in my hand and was tipping more than a few back every weekend and the odd weekday too. I enjoyed many nights with friends, just shooting the shit about life, nothing too deep mind you, and indulging in the three beers to the truth we would joke about as the pints flew quickly and everything seemed so grand.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Then came the fall of all I had been working for and slowly I watched as my business and then my grip on reality slipped away from me. I was torn down to my core, exposed and searching for the reason why I had failed so much at life when I thought I was going to succeed. Being labelled a gifted kid with no real understanding or support system to help me direct my energy into making that something more than a grade school bully target and then derelict high school drop out gave me an odd sense of accomplishment as I looked at how much I had managed to accomplish, even with what I had thrown away. I reveled in the mundane destruction of it all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Through all those dark days, I did manage to keep up appearances, my mask slipping occasionally and the frightening sadness underneath would ooze out into the world, causing me to retreat further from those who knew me before everything changed. I didn't want to be around people who knew me as a good-time guy, that facade was a heavy burden I carried because I grew up with the lesson that men didn't talk about their feelings or troubles, you just carried on and did what you needed to do for your family. Isolating myself from who I used to be made everything harder but there was a small light at the end of the very long tunnel and lucky for me, it turned out not to be the 3:10 to Yuma barreling down on me.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> When I stumbled upon craft beer and the growing community online in late 2015, there was a sense of us against the big corporate macro brewers, the Rocky theme played out as we tried new styles of beer and got excited about cask nights, beer festivals and meeting like minded folks through our little pictures on Instagram. I pledged to drink a beer and write about it every day in 2016 and when I completed that, I just kinda kept going. It wasn't my intention to do all I have done since that November day in 2015, but who among us is the same person they were 8 years ago?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I loved a lot of what those early days brought, I found solace in talking about my own mental health struggles through the lens of Mindful Drinking and trying to drink less but better. It was true in my heart in those days, I really did believe in everything I wrote and talked about in those much more innocent times, a veil of superiority cloaked every pint we poured and every picture we took. We thought we would change the world, but as the years have gone by, we have seen the same issues society at large faces come out in the stories of the terrible behaviour of so many people involved in craft beer and the increasing influence of the hidden cost of this liquid dream.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I've spent the last few years leaning more into the drunk part of my life, the escapism associated with a couple, three beers a night. Big daddy pours of Rye and a desire to just leave it all behind every day was evident to anyone and I knew it deeply. I had reached a point of no return and saw no way to stop this rollicking mine cart careening down the mountainside without something drastic happening. I couldn't step away, even when I stopped caring our putting much more than a minimal effort into what I was doing online. The first half of 2023 saw me push myself to the most destructive thoughts I had felt in almost a decade and there seemed like only one way I wouldn't have a drink in my hand at some point every day and it didn't involve being above ground.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> But...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Somehow, fate intervened again, and I was let go from a toxic, degenerate workplace that had helped me manifest the very worst of who I was each and every day, a path leading me to an early end and a decidedly tarnished one at that. I took a few weeks this summer to just be, to let go of a lot of the internal self hatred that often manifested itself in way too many drinks and seek perhaps a new path forward. I found a job that was exactly what I needed, a place where my most valuable asset was myself and slowly began to climb up and poke my head out of the hole I had created over the last half decade. I felt that it was time to find a way to change my own relationship with this character I had created and when Covid finally came calling on December 9th, 2023, I put down my phone, my glass and stopped the tap for the first time in 8 years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It was terrifying, not in a sense that I would lose any sort of online credibility or presence, it was a nagging voice in my head that was telling me if I stopped doing something every day, it would be bad luck and I would soon be gone from this earth, dead by lack of routine. I know it's a mental thing, but those 5 days late last year where I not only stepped away from drinking, but all social media, was a revelation. I hate it when people announce they are leaving or taking a break from posting, it seems designed to troll for some kind of sympathy and honestly, it gives me bad vibes. I promised myself that when the day comes, I'll just delete my accounts, take the apps off my phone and walk away into the non-digital sunset without looking back. And for 120 hours, I did almost that, with perhaps 2 or 3 people checking to see if I was okay because I hadn't posted a beer every day. I felt free from the self-imposed daily grind, I felt loose and found myself not needing to create something every day to make my life make sense. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> More non drinking days followed, not to say that I haven't had some grey moments in the last month and a half at all, but there was a severing of a very long cord to something from my past that I could not let go of and as 2024 dawned, I felt the path I was on had branched and I could now choose where I went next, empowered by my break, the next day could be whatever I made it, a fresh start with each morning. Don't get me wrong, I know I have a long way to go in terms with my mental health and my relationships, both with alcohol and with the people in my life. I know little of what I did for the last 8 years will have lasting impact on anyone but myself and the burden of proving I can change falls squarely on my beaten yet unbowed shoulders. I am not going to change in a short time, those Saturday night pints are still fun to me, but the possibility of change exists now like it hasn't since the beginning of all this.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There has been a shift in my life since last September, but I am not someone who changes direction quickly, a large ship takes time to turn and I am just such a large ship. There is a new calm I find, one I can maybe seek out in larger chunks of time, away from the screen and the beer that brings me here. I don't want to stop doing all this just yet, I've found my inspiration and motivation to write again and it too is making a difference in how I feel, my mood is better and my self worth creeps higher whenever I can take the words from my notes and in my head and put it all together in one long form piece. But there is an exit, I see the possibilities of what comes next and for now, that is what I am focusing on.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It was a helluva long ride, I'm not sure why it all happened, but the story is changing and I wanna be here to see where it goes, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks for coming along, I appreciate it more than I'll ever be able to say.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">January 22nd, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-8334288550422265372024-01-18T10:30:00.002-05:002024-01-18T10:47:35.485-05:00Beer Money 2023 - A Deeper Dive<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKl08mvuJLsL7NunZjbDTs5E5j8KEBF1FyKr3zQHiwAGnnEu3xfT_6rg6EivKNyqCGqEy10sHRI5el_6todwsQ1LwHEuURJqduyN2hj8x3dIojlyzMzRRPpNxR_t5njJbpL9vyZiPYN4AyM_9X7Bhk4cfCFGY4wF2SX2mZIugUNMzZLhPKHNgT0EVlfU/s2959/20190623_172245-01-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2959" data-original-width="2004" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKl08mvuJLsL7NunZjbDTs5E5j8KEBF1FyKr3zQHiwAGnnEu3xfT_6rg6EivKNyqCGqEy10sHRI5el_6todwsQ1LwHEuURJqduyN2hj8x3dIojlyzMzRRPpNxR_t5njJbpL9vyZiPYN4AyM_9X7Bhk4cfCFGY4wF2SX2mZIugUNMzZLhPKHNgT0EVlfU/s320/20190623_172245-01-01.jpeg" width="217" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Well now, after a 3 year hiatus, I have returned to the scene of the crime and taken out my trusty spending spreadsheets to break down all our alcohol dollars, because who doesn't like a little self flagellation now and again.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's no secret that we spend most of our recreational money on old Mr. Booze, but this last year was a little more than even my predictions could have imagined and as our 2023 financial postmortem took shape, it certainly hopefully guide what the coming 12 months will bring...probably.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Y'all know how much I like numbers, statistics, charts and breakdowns help me understand the world around me, even if I don't always put said info to good use. There is something clean and clear about raw data that can be processed and understood, but the truth don't lie and without any sugar coating, let's take a look at the State of Polk.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> We took far fewer trips out and about last year, only visiting or ordering from 35 different places, 36 if you include a plethora of LCBO stops and while that would seem to indicate a lower spending rate, it actually went up more than 28% from the last time I took this deep dive into the liquor money in 2020. A big part of that was my run of exploring bourbons and whiskeys the last two years, leading to a spike in LCBO visits, albeit it less than 3 years ago, but still spending increased to an average $51.33 a visit. That's a lot of wine, Irish cream, Amaretto and Rye. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oddly enough, after I changed jobs and my overall life satisfaction increased, the stops for higher octane booze decreased and that dive has continued into the new year. It's amazing what not feeling completely defeated and beat down from work can do for someone's desire to get a little ripped every damn day. It never occurred to me that I didn't have to hate my job, I just thought that was what life was supposed to be like. but that's an entirely different post all on it's own.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> On just beer spending alone, we went to old reliable Nickel Brook the most, not a surprise again as they are close by both my old job and new one and make my go-to Headstock West Coast IPA. 30 trips to NB accounted for 19% of all beer purchased in 2023, only surpassed by the new kids on the block, Milton's Third Moon Brewing. Masters of the juicy, tropical haze bombs and adjunct barrel aged Imperial stouts, TM made the list second at 20 orders/visits but accounted for 22% of actual dollars spent because a man has got to treat himself once in awhile.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Next on the list with 20 visits also is the closest brewery to us, Hamilton's Clifford Brewing. At 9% of all beer money, it may be less per visit but that's mostly because we would often just stop in for a pint and a 4 pack to take home, being close by meant we didn't have to load up to save on driving back. More visits in 2024 is likely, I wanna check out some of their events, comedy nights, live music and of course, Trivia.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> One brewery that has definitely taken a downward turn in turns of fridge space and purchases is the original Hometown Heroes Collective Arts Brewing. From a high of 30 plus visits/orders in 2020, this past year saw just 13 stops and 7% of all my beer money, of which the majority occurred before June when I was a member of their bi-monthly beer club. I found the value of my $89.95 membership was not there and after I cancelled it, we only went back 3 times in the last 6 months of 2023. In contrast to the two previous years when they had multiple new beers every week coming in from their Toronto operation, the shutting down of that production facility and a focus on more core offerings led to an overall decline in new stuff, the thing that had me stopping in weekly for years. The times, they are a changin'...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Rounding out the top 5 are two more Hamilton legends, both with 8 direct visits in the last 12 months. Fairweather (3.5%) and Merit (3%) continue to deliver high quality, excellent beers and should hope to make it out to visit them far more often in 2024. The lack of stops does not indicate any kind of drop in offerings or quality, but more a malaise on my part in leaving the house or doing much else on the way home from work than just going straight from A to B. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I think one of the reasons I like to talk about and explore what we spend is that it is often times a quiet thing in craft beer that no one really wants to discuss. It costs more to drink "better" beer, whiskey or wine, no doubt, but it seems a taboo subject for most people. Perhaps a holdover of the "talking about money is in bad taste" notion we were taught as kids or more likely, the incredible privilege we have to be able to afford to spend more than average on a luxury product when the economy is leaving so many struggling with the most basic of necessities. It isn't cheap to keep up with new releases and travel to visit breweries. It isn't just a matter of pure dollars either, time and energy, being able to have that personal hours away from working to do these things is becoming increasingly difficult for a lot of people as more and more have to juggle multiple jobs to just stay afloat.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I'm not saying we shouldn't enjoy our great beer, in fact, I wish more people could do the same. But I have come to recognize the luck I have in being able to do so and wish that could be part of the discussion. We see breweries closing and people losing their dreams and investments, more to come on that later this year as well, but we must also acknowledge that when so many people live less than paycheque to paycheque, beer is a luxury that may not be possible to indulge in. Affordable craft beer is something we will need to see more of, which may leave some smaller brewers in serious trouble unless we see more upturn in the coming months when it comes to real spending dollars in the pockets of consumers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> By diving deep into what we spent in the last year, it has given me a chance to reflect on the value of where we put our dollars. I am given pause to realize how fortunate I am to have the money to do what I do and understand that this isn't a guarantee, life is precarious and when I look around at the people who are not doing well, living so close to edge or even over it, it drives me to try and address my issues in a smarter way so I can be a better person and maybe try and help lift someone else up with me. It's okay to talk about the price of beer, it's okay to acknowledge what we spend and the sheer joy it brings us to have it in our glass. But it does also behoove us to look around at our communities and wonder if we truly understand just how lucky we are.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">January 18th, 2024</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-87083770225717206042024-01-14T15:50:00.001-05:002024-01-14T16:04:40.800-05:00The Ten : 2023<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2VVlw7EX_LijJM5XaZC7uULLMTFUpN13EiHkX_7PAfIXvy29DVPpMzQ9UgFSEUdGwZlGRgZKoUW8I2fKQZX8AkMB7zO2QxiFaMOO8EAhlOUGD72bBdhoFsYQ-14CjJW5mdHxO-O-K7cjmC9L4i80UNP4kdpkmq_T0qsbHhns-bGAJuW7Av0fFfdbajg/s4096/InCollage_20240114_133714957.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2VVlw7EX_LijJM5XaZC7uULLMTFUpN13EiHkX_7PAfIXvy29DVPpMzQ9UgFSEUdGwZlGRgZKoUW8I2fKQZX8AkMB7zO2QxiFaMOO8EAhlOUGD72bBdhoFsYQ-14CjJW5mdHxO-O-K7cjmC9L4i80UNP4kdpkmq_T0qsbHhns-bGAJuW7Av0fFfdbajg/s320/InCollage_20240114_133714957.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"> The Return of The Ten is all about the most memorable pints I've had from the last year...to put it in it's most simple terms. </span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's not just about the highest rated beers, that's more about style notes, composition and flavour. The Ten transcends just that simple construct and represents something more intangible and harder to define. It's about the experience the beer delivers, the time and space it occupies in your life when you find it, and the pure joy you feel when that first sip hit your lips. It is about how you can recall it, even months or years later, how you can sense it is deeper than a pint or two. Alone or with friends, beer can be so much more than just a way to relax or decompress. It is social lubricant for some, courage for others, a sense of quiet contemplation and joyous realization can be found at the most unexpected of times. The Ten is about so much more than what is in our glasses, it is about taking a snapshot of life at a point of happiness and finding that it lasts forever because it's impact goes beyond just the contents of a can or bottle.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> To me, The Ten represents the very best of everything beer can be. Far beyond what I will ever understand, writing and talking about the pints I have everyday has changed me as a person. It has seen me through perhaps the most difficult time in my life, a decade of struggle and triumph, where I am still trying to both understand what happened and make a path to a future where I can be better than I am today. It is about paying homage to things that bring me joy, cause me to pause and listen to the quiet part of my mind that wishes for nothing more than peace and love in a world bent on destroying that in us all. It is about tapping the core of who I am and letting the beer bring it out, to stand up and find something to cheer about and be thankful that I crossed paths with. Stepping away from it, taking the long look back and knowing that I have these 10 moments shining bright for me whenever I need them most.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">10. Great Lakes Brewery Premium Lager (August 12th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i5GrA8PYpcxcT63DG-UgHYtVg1C9GIFh_jQbgCqbDw6RU-pvKeXHQRKNnc8nNgG3ttXDOrn2NlGF-_yYyZV1uGl4_sBFIpMoYFO7VoL2tWHbrd0TaP0YmhX2ipnk5hfLRSQ_gN7W8jr2-6Xk-iYXhQhAFiF4NxViS-LTw2cOyJM61LSezWGrDuUflmM/s1080/1000028538-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8i5GrA8PYpcxcT63DG-UgHYtVg1C9GIFh_jQbgCqbDw6RU-pvKeXHQRKNnc8nNgG3ttXDOrn2NlGF-_yYyZV1uGl4_sBFIpMoYFO7VoL2tWHbrd0TaP0YmhX2ipnk5hfLRSQ_gN7W8jr2-6Xk-iYXhQhAFiF4NxViS-LTw2cOyJM61LSezWGrDuUflmM/s320/1000028538-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There is always a time when the only thing you want is a beer that tastes like a damn beer. A lager is, to me, one of the simplest yet most complex beers to both brew and talk about. It leaves no room for error, nowhere to hide and trying to describe such a delicate balance is always a tough one. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Great Lakes makes this all seem so easy....genius.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Their Premium Lager is not just an amazingly low priced option at $50 for a Two-four, it is a most excellent example of the patience, effort and dedication to the style, a refreshing and crisp lager that delivers all you need, when you need it and never relents in quality. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Highly recommend to have on hand always, not just because you may have someone visiting who doesn't like anything adventurous, but because it is truly one of the finest lagers in the land and there are days when that is exactly what you need in your life.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Good deal, great Lager!</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Great Lakes Brewery 5% Premium Lager brings a lovely beer that tastes like a damn beer to the party and at only $50 for a 24 of tall boys, it's a no-brainer to have this in your fridge all year round. It's just a solid pint, simple grainy malt back, light citrus and grass notes, bitter as it should be, refreshing and on point </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The tunes are loud, the beer is flowing, and Saturday night is just beginning! Cheers! 5/5 (Pure Lager Gold!)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/WX-H4czPNMQ?si=CH9fYObqNZZrh_pU" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/WX-H4czPNMQ?si=CH9fYObqNZZrh_pU</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">9. Bellwoods Brewery Quadruple Ratclops Quadruple IPA (January 27th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd88tXdmICX5RzdxCxCo1NXu-vhr9-ZKxADMRiS0KwNrSaDhyE0vZUjC86n8O6VbThxsqlUKxIE4OFUb6d_fyTdBBpNRAh4oFvAkbR6vhNnumJkbYjx5UUu7JAuTKQRRoWVyp5HWT4MUDuSetV2nzObPEaTSkWNfuiGNrUuHYgGEYdxJMv1zPS9mqyi40/s1080/1000028539-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd88tXdmICX5RzdxCxCo1NXu-vhr9-ZKxADMRiS0KwNrSaDhyE0vZUjC86n8O6VbThxsqlUKxIE4OFUb6d_fyTdBBpNRAh4oFvAkbR6vhNnumJkbYjx5UUu7JAuTKQRRoWVyp5HWT4MUDuSetV2nzObPEaTSkWNfuiGNrUuHYgGEYdxJMv1zPS9mqyi40/s320/1000028539-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There are some really big memories in my beer life that I will carry with me until they turn out the taproom lights. Things I've been able to do, places I've visited and of course, beers I've drank. For me, Bellwoods Brewery will always be a huge part of what drove me to do what I do to this day when it comes to talking about beer. They have been mythical almost since I started this weird trip around the hops and continue to deliver amazing things every time I get them back here. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> From my first trip to their flagship Ossington location and that very first sip of Roman Candle to the mixed fermentation experiments and ridiculously huge IPAs and barrel aged stouts, it has been a joy to experience it and never lose that initial awe at what they bring every time. This Quad IPA took me to new heights in early 2023 and despite that 11.5% ABV, it was just as smooth and fully integrated as any regular IPA. It was a tropical fruit salad medley that seemed more sublime with every sip and continued my love of all things Bellwoods. A beer for the ages and a reminder that boldness is always a good choice.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then :</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">\Because I could not resist....</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Bellwoods Brewery 11.5% Quadruple Ratclops Quadruple IPA dropped yesterday, and you knew I was gonna order it because of course I was. Big fan of Triple Ratclops from the summer, this behemoth one-upper has juiced up mango, pineapple, lemon, lime and a danky dank back with a little heat, but oh so damn smooth....it's gonna get me in trouble when I pop the top on number two....beauty! Cheers! 4.8/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/xIF5PeuHJKI?si=5yzdNz7E1hnI1HsM" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/xIF5PeuHJKI?si=5yzdNz7E1hnI1HsM</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">8. Clifford Brewing Nitro Porter (March 9th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYYeo32DdFtkbbndmjRyXEDYhhpsvF_wm7vcPgtKRPIOvP9NUb6IxNflgd9HUispPTCLm6LBNk30WT_eP6cJeXVd240Fz8wWGI8zUO9NFBqJ9g_kUcjt1ZIdZfceW7zhKsV6xGdkHaZjg-4BzlAhFUVWaefxNxb3gApsWysciUk05Viwx3iBGf4t2fcs/s4096/InCollage_20240114_133354129.jpg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYYeo32DdFtkbbndmjRyXEDYhhpsvF_wm7vcPgtKRPIOvP9NUb6IxNflgd9HUispPTCLm6LBNk30WT_eP6cJeXVd240Fz8wWGI8zUO9NFBqJ9g_kUcjt1ZIdZfceW7zhKsV6xGdkHaZjg-4BzlAhFUVWaefxNxb3gApsWysciUk05Viwx3iBGf4t2fcs/s320/InCollage_20240114_133354129.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> One of the best things to happen when it comes to local beer is when Brad Clifford decided to open his brewery about 10 minutes from my house. I had long been a fan of his no nonsense, to-style brewing process and having it available even closer to home was a blessing for this hometown supporting beer guy. The award winning Porter has been a staple in this house for years and when they released this Nitro version in early March, I fell in love all over again with this dark beauty. Bringing that silky smooth feel to an already rich pint, the pour hard part and watching the cascade flow brought fun to a day that needed it. It strikes me as odd that we don't have more fun beers like this, a little out of the ordinary and still maintaining that incredibly high standard all Clifford beers must meet. Having this made my day and I still love watching those bubbles slide up into a rich, silky smooth head. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Brilliant.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Got that smooth feeling on a sunny Thursday afternoon thanks to Clifford Brewing Nitro Porter! The classic, award winning 5.5% Porter is made even better, if that's possible, with the addition of the Nitro. Big chocolate notes, coffee, and roasty notes hut in a richer, fuller body. It's absolutely a brilliant idea to Jack up this already amazing pint. Get some now, it won't last long! Cheers! 4.8/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/ik9skbATIDQ?si=Omq1-cEu8inzCWXR" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ik9skbATIDQ?si=Omq1-cEu8inzCWXR</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">7. Anderson Craft Ales 3X IPA (April 18th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2L-Ek7GVMiwB5pJIKDOSpg09PrfLLh9HWWMGDSOgXu0J6q-sFwHEwoL09HBMofrib56VdAC58m_cL60-5l2Aue9XTV1V5RTNqK2APi6pDRQfgCuZVJ1a2CZaSHzxUlCZiqvCxB4D9dHLZYhnWVh7cxn12864nWIaH0RezsIZTBHysIwzd35x9oUIEiY/s1080/1000028564-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1080" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK2L-Ek7GVMiwB5pJIKDOSpg09PrfLLh9HWWMGDSOgXu0J6q-sFwHEwoL09HBMofrib56VdAC58m_cL60-5l2Aue9XTV1V5RTNqK2APi6pDRQfgCuZVJ1a2CZaSHzxUlCZiqvCxB4D9dHLZYhnWVh7cxn12864nWIaH0RezsIZTBHysIwzd35x9oUIEiY/s320/1000028564-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b>There are few breweries I trust more than Anderson Craft Ales. They label their beers exactly what they are in the most straightforward way possible and then deliver on that promise with grace and style. So when I saw this bold 3x Triple IPA hit their online offerings, I had to have it. I called it an intelligent beer, a big, bold and bitter pint that finds all the best things about West Coasts IPAs and jacks it all the way up. These beers are so easy to over do and tasting Anderson shows that it can be done right, but must be done with care and precision. Integrating all aspects of the flavour, malt and texture is as much science as magic and they did that here. A truly memorable moment in a year that was hurtling toward more change for me. I always have room for Anderson in my fridge, they have been nothing less than world class since the very beginning.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then :</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">For almost 7 years, I have been an unabashed fan of all things Anderson Craft Ales.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">While they may not pour often here in my glass, whenever I encounter them, I am blown away by the quality and attention to detail this London Brewery puts into every beer they release. When I saw they were dropping a Triple IPA... you know I wasn't missing this...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The 10.8% 3x IPA is one of the finest I've found in all my years. It is bold, hopped up, and boozy in all the right ways. The body is smooth and full, barely containing the bright citrus pith and resinous pine, a bitter finish that grabs your attention and never let's go, lingering warm, a work of art from first sip to last. It has the hallmarks of classic American West Coast IPAs, it is unafraid to be what it is, aggressive but balanced in all things, it is something to behold. It is not to be missed, tying past and present to a future of pure bliss...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers! 5/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/l-9-yNajcc0?si=ZOx6iEMClNKdLfcI" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/l-9-yNajcc0?si=ZOx6iEMClNKdLfcI</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">6. Barncat Artisan Ales Barrel-aged Rat Queen Imperial Stout (December 5th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpl_EraiNyRi8cM3IXBlycPLIwTn3CkZgXgEcLDOZGXMcAzVj2wCBfVe5oJkquB3vN3YC7fMIjM2_slbvdLhq7noZxYdVrLqFBTQJHYIiqgiKfFVf26VrI41LmykHUoO-Rc4WiZMtwAIcHOlEAEXJ0eU3UiOv5vVccScv_BRllCFo-7m0NsfCO1uX028/s1122/1000028566-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1064" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifpl_EraiNyRi8cM3IXBlycPLIwTn3CkZgXgEcLDOZGXMcAzVj2wCBfVe5oJkquB3vN3YC7fMIjM2_slbvdLhq7noZxYdVrLqFBTQJHYIiqgiKfFVf26VrI41LmykHUoO-Rc4WiZMtwAIcHOlEAEXJ0eU3UiOv5vVccScv_BRllCFo-7m0NsfCO1uX028/s320/1000028566-01.jpeg" width="303" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This one was a bittersweet moment and gave me pause as I said goodbye to one of the best breweries in Ontario in 2023. Having been self employed for many years myself, this beautifully crafted Bourbon Barrel aged Imperial stout let me simply contemplate part of that life journey I took and the years that have followed. Matt and Jeremy made some complex beers, from weird mixed fermentation to some of the juiciest IPAs you could imagine, but for me, this final Barncat pint also let me let go of some of the deep anger I was holding for myself for my perceived failure in life and business. Even as I have seemingly found the right job at the right time, past darkness always lurks and holds me back. I discovered some peace after deep diving and slow sipping this final Rat Queen, I let a little of that past go, finding solace in a rich experience with some folks who had found that same dream coming to an end. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Whatever the circumstance, the memory of this and many other great beers will carry their name long past their end.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Tonight was a bittersweet one as Beer Advent Day 5 finds the 11.5% 2021 Barncat Artisan Ales Barrel-aged Rat Queen Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout hit my glass and with it I say goodbye to them and ponder my own days of self employment and that loss a decade ago. While the story of Barncat ending this year is a sad moment for great beer, being able to say goodbye properly with this behemoth is a fitting send off to a year that continues to see dreams come to an end across the province and beyond. Being a small business owner is never easy, I did it for 14 years and let me tell you, when it came to an end after years of struggle, it was almost a relief, but the bills still had to get paid and onward I went, deep into the darkness that surrounded me for years until I started resurfacing and now find a happy moment where I feel finally free...it's been a trip.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The beer proves worthy of the Barncat legacy, rich and heavy with huge chocolate vanilla and oak, warming boozy Bourbon, and lingering roasted malt notes that never leave you. It's huge, I'm slow sipping as much as I can, savouring the final drop and being thankful for all that was from this amazing brewery. Cheers! 5/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/J0u8kPQe9Mc?si=7JU19yDnFrmxuXDq" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/J0u8kPQe9Mc?si=7JU19yDnFrmxuXDq</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Meuse Brewing 2022 Tripel (March 3rd)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp23qcgdnFqgtzvBVP6sSRiSgAv_QuvIcTxcorYmxUje9Nb8NfY_r2FdrPH76VOimAzPsuwNmCZw5XXH5jBypIsyyQGuPXFT9JkaWSGE9iPIDSk-GD5IgMODfUA_z04H3Z7olDevASejw19lAqRgWnWBikKoRwVuAb1Njcw151S3s3fTZD1mE_AeLfoTI/s1071/1000028567-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="1071" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp23qcgdnFqgtzvBVP6sSRiSgAv_QuvIcTxcorYmxUje9Nb8NfY_r2FdrPH76VOimAzPsuwNmCZw5XXH5jBypIsyyQGuPXFT9JkaWSGE9iPIDSk-GD5IgMODfUA_z04H3Z7olDevASejw19lAqRgWnWBikKoRwVuAb1Njcw151S3s3fTZD1mE_AeLfoTI/s320/1000028567-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> I've always said that we should let beer make the day special and when Instagram pal Craft Beer Days reached out about helping him promote Tripel Day (March 3rd), I said absolutely, sign me up. He sent along a 4 pack of Ontario Tripels and one took my breath away and deserves all the praise I can give.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Meuse is one of the most underrated breweries in the province, cranking out some incredible Belgian style beers every year with an eye to making these complex beers more accessible to the world. It is local beer made by a couple who cares about quality, using local ingredients whenever possible and chasing a dream that results in great things finding our glass every time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This Tripel was the shining moment on this day, it still resonates almost a year later as the standout in a very well made up crowd. To be able to deliver such a high level ode to this style is no small feat and it reminds me of all those Belgian beers that forever changed my view on what beer could be. Meuse has been on The Ten before and I have no doubt that you will see them here again and again as the years pass, their work speaks for itself and I shall sing their praises as long as I have the voice to do so. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Every day may be a good day for a Tripel, but today, we get to celebrate this Belgian Style, and I'm all in!</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Shout out to Craft Beer Days for the beer and the new shirt, #TripelDay hits its stride with the 9.0% Meuse Brewing Tripel, an effervescent addition to a wonderful day! Balanced through and through, clove and banana, bubblegum and citrus, peppery Coriander on the finish. Brilliance! #InternationalTripelDay is a beautiful thing! Cheers! 4.8/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video Review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/ks6iuyE8vYA?si=TpR4o_Nr16TofEhW" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/ks6iuyE8vYA?si=TpR4o_Nr16TofEhW</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Third Moon Brewing Time Lords Doppelbock (February 2nd)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aqP7JKfAsmVX5SCPnCIZk9MuI5xcJVpKq845koIcLxaizjl6EC-fU3PpkeY29nTNEv3c2zVVKBxDMq10awRGm41N5Z4f7oOizi4ExWVi3CsQ0LY_oY0HG3KYj8SYzJ2ZF4pJIPFJ8W03PZFjNHTtt8qGG__mGL0eHExQIumKrrb5QDfy4OAjMq5xOeA/s1080/1000028568-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aqP7JKfAsmVX5SCPnCIZk9MuI5xcJVpKq845koIcLxaizjl6EC-fU3PpkeY29nTNEv3c2zVVKBxDMq10awRGm41N5Z4f7oOizi4ExWVi3CsQ0LY_oY0HG3KYj8SYzJ2ZF4pJIPFJ8W03PZFjNHTtt8qGG__mGL0eHExQIumKrrb5QDfy4OAjMq5xOeA/s320/1000028568-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> To be completely truthful, this list could have been The Third Moon Ten and it still would have been near impossible to just pick 10. Out of the 133 beers they released in 2023, I was lucky enough to try 68 of them and there wasn't a single miss to be had. From Quintuiple IPAs to Pilsners, NEIPAs to huge Barrel Aged Imperial Stouts and everything in-between, Third Moon continued to shine brightly in everything they touched, a truly remarkable run from anyone in Ontario. It's only called hype if you can't deliver and they just kept amping up the level of their commitment to their loyal fans with each passing week. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> But, having said that, it is this lager, from February, that I kept coming back to every time. The richness, the overwhelming sense of time that I felt from the very beginning of this one set up the rest of the year and all that came out of this Milton brewery. It showcased the depth of what Third Moon was and is capable of and forever etched into my mind this wonderful day.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">It's the Doppelbockiest!</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Third Moon Beer Past Lords 9.2% Doppelbock is yet another example of how this Milton Brewery is beyond gold when it comes to any style you can throw at them...seriously...sweet baby jebus...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Big and rich, a thick rye breadiness, caramel and toffee, dark fruit, bitter but smooth, bold but balanced, it's a helluva pint of awesome! </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers! 4.8/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/hfKKl9If3_4?si=YzKlbKwU2kBjzN3Y" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/hfKKl9If3_4?si=YzKlbKwU2kBjzN3Y</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Barrel Heart Brewing Oubliette of Staves Aged Saison (March 27th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg5p00IzpmoraXejQJmioH6q0TpWBV3Y_00tpQTrIOzryE_A-PjQV0IkHkJfqEVH2frLzyk3PaCdnwjV6vPdkvxPIg7cgTBwA7e8VW7CqK5UbgIXJ0pZ01lRjklrfjd_AoJrSOBrWJGaPXg-xxEYHnHmQSz5KsgBP98PUykNDa1WJOZGieC8L_-H4Z9E/s1080/1000028569-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg5p00IzpmoraXejQJmioH6q0TpWBV3Y_00tpQTrIOzryE_A-PjQV0IkHkJfqEVH2frLzyk3PaCdnwjV6vPdkvxPIg7cgTBwA7e8VW7CqK5UbgIXJ0pZ01lRjklrfjd_AoJrSOBrWJGaPXg-xxEYHnHmQSz5KsgBP98PUykNDa1WJOZGieC8L_-H4Z9E/s320/1000028569-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> A lot of times, a new brewery needs some time to get their legs under them, work out all the kinks in the system and establish their identity and cement the quality of their offerings.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Barrel Heart Brewing in Ancaster needed none of that, instead rocketing out of the gate with their initial offerings and taking my day to new heights. This Aged Saison was like something out of a dream, a funky, beautiful dream. Complex Brett yeast brings nuance and adding the barrel aging lends some depth of character to an intense and emotional beer. It impacted me, the subtleness of each note coming together in a work of art writ bottled beer. It almost feels like each bottle would be it's own event and it gave me such deep experience that took me to another realm with ever sip. Spectacular stuff, I can still taste it like it was the first time. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">This is transcendent....there is something real sublime, yet enticing is happening here...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Barrel Heart Brewing Oubliette of Staves is a 6.6% Aged Saison that serves as my introduction to the latest Brewery to open up here in the Hammer. Located in Ancaster, they focus solely on Barrel Aged beers, saisons to be more clear, and this is spectacular. It has that funk, but in a balanced, nuanced piece of pure art. Citrus, hay, spice, and oak come out, but I feel I do not do justice to what I'm experiencing. I'll take Ontario beer toe to toe with the world, and Barrel Heart is definitely another notch in that growing list of next level experience beers we have around us. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers! 5/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/oXVAIb152Dw?si=vsET7UnxiMjxZZNV" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/oXVAIb152Dw?si=vsET7UnxiMjxZZNV</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Third Moon Brewing, Sawdust City Brewing & Beertown Lone Tree West Coast IPA (March 30th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBI3oJzVxBYH_8v1R_EnlNFytgMErzFT-vx_n2bib1NPHDuCEkyIehvLOPsrvvFpYzHxhU1rDFw0t7KZo7D3MPCP2fBsbbI9hPUaU8LAWmLtlzTxNVquXiK1efApGWZk5PVJeoZKKxKW_PqjsTuLF8rQtazgxta4RnroTpCIRGZW60TjScPko8pKLUqU/s1063/1000028570-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBI3oJzVxBYH_8v1R_EnlNFytgMErzFT-vx_n2bib1NPHDuCEkyIehvLOPsrvvFpYzHxhU1rDFw0t7KZo7D3MPCP2fBsbbI9hPUaU8LAWmLtlzTxNVquXiK1efApGWZk5PVJeoZKKxKW_PqjsTuLF8rQtazgxta4RnroTpCIRGZW60TjScPko8pKLUqU/s320/1000028570-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The anticipation of this 2nd collaboration between two of my favourite breweries and the Beertown restaurant chain was pretty high after their first one, Bone Pine, came out in late 2022. This collaboration and mash up of Third Moon's Bone Tree and Sawdust City's Lone Pine was a most auspicious idea that deserved all the love and more. The first iteration was excellent, the second, Lone Tree, was a slice of heaven, sublimely supreme all through the summer. It stuck around a lot longer than anticipated and I found myself grabbing another 4 or 8 pack every time I went to Third Moon, where it was brewed. It was such a wonderfully assertive beer, leaving no note unturned in search of perfection. It got better every time I tried it and the surprise of finding it so many times continued to take every day up another level.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then :</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">The long wait is over, and the second collab between Third Moon Brewing, Sawdust City , and Beertown Public House is here, and it is glorious! Lone Tree is the 6.5% West Coast IPA that completes the mash up of Lone Pine and Bone Tree. This one drives that big, pithy citrus of Third Moon's flagship with the solid malt bill of Sawdust's legendary pint. Orange, melon, peach, and pine, bitter and hitting all the best spots in my brain. This is something you don't want to miss, you can find it on tap at Beertown as well, and you can get a flight with both collabs and the 2 core beers if you want a real treat. Cheers! 4.8/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/j1AyxhDKyqs?si=_itUVFiQS0ZfCQb6" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/j1AyxhDKyqs?si=_itUVFiQS0ZfCQb6</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Sawdust City Brewing Two Pad Stack Double West Coast IPA (November 12th)</span></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqNMHr4DE1xNUK6Ieu801a9-RT0RDwDH-fYKDRIbtNtLBoEt2y7npNSBwDuSUyGecars3476z7-2pamEA14IE6ui6eHbHA83vSLvSfFMBhMoy3GmFmh4XkVMAhB24FR1eqOxCCCeLuhKECt5CYKpQVWsK2ICZHW7oxsC5HOv1o0GI3wImw0SU2WeWhU0/s1080/1000028571-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqNMHr4DE1xNUK6Ieu801a9-RT0RDwDH-fYKDRIbtNtLBoEt2y7npNSBwDuSUyGecars3476z7-2pamEA14IE6ui6eHbHA83vSLvSfFMBhMoy3GmFmh4XkVMAhB24FR1eqOxCCCeLuhKECt5CYKpQVWsK2ICZHW7oxsC5HOv1o0GI3wImw0SU2WeWhU0/s320/1000028571-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Was there any doubt?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> One of the best experiences in beer I've ever had was when Sawdust City Brewing came down to visit the Grotto oh so many years ago, cementing a friendship that continues to grow every time we head north and visit our pals in Gravenhurst. They make some of the best beers in the country and no style is too much for them to tackle and release with great anticipation and reception. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> In 2022, we did a virtual collab of the first version of Two Pad Stack, as the lockdowns kept us home when it needed to be brewed. We did get to go up for canning day and enjoyed many pints when the beer finally hit the fridges at Sawdust City, but the 2023 version was on a whole other level and this memory will carry me to my final days.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Sam Corbeil, Brewmaster, contacted me in late summer with the outrageous surprise that not only did they want o have us up for brew day on Two Pad 2.0, but that this time, our beer would be available across the province at the LCBO. My name on the back of the label and all, this old goalie was realizing a dream come true, double large. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The actual brew day was a whirlwind of activity and conversation. After finishing adding copious amounts of hops to the kettle, we were treated to an amazing meal from the Sawdust City kitchens and several staller cellar pulls as Sam regaled us with tales and the discussions flowed into the afternoon. It was a bucket list moment and when the beer was finally ready for release in early November, it became something I'll never forget. Seeing my name on a beer in the wilds of the Ontario liquor store...priceless. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">\So, for all that and a 9% Double West Coast IPA that just makes you feel like you won the Stanley Cup, Sawdust City Two Pad Stack tops The Ten for 2023.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Dreams can come true.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether you're a 14 year old house league goalie winning his only championship or a 50 year old beer drinking fan getting his name on a beer in the LCBO... big league stuff...haha.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Two Pad Stack West Coast IIPA returns and this 9% collab between @sawdustcitybeer and this guy is even better than last year. </span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Hopped with Simcoe, Citra, Chinook, and Nectaron, this is a throwback to the big old hopped up IPAs we all fell in love with. Orange and grapefruit citrus pith, passionfruit, dank, resinous earthy pine with that Simcoe spice coming through the big malt back that brings a honey like feel to this slow sipping dream come true. It's gonna be in the fridge at the LC soon. If you can't wait, you can get it at The Sawdust City Saloon in Gravenhurst or delivered to your home now. My eternal thanks to my Sawdust family, this is beyond everything I ever thought possible. Forever a member of that northern fam...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cheers! 5/5 (It feels like perfection every damn sip!)</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Video review on YouTube : <a href="https://youtu.be/8F_RQwCx7Ys?si=NWPCWv3TJ7B5ZN95" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/8F_RQwCx7Ys?si=NWPCWv3TJ7B5ZN95</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There you have it, The Ten of 2023. It wasn't easy whittling over 550 beers down to just this list, there were more than 50 that could have been inserted here and not been out of place. For me, it was great to return to writing and examining all that the previous year had to offer, hopefully inspiring me to bring more stories and commentary this year after a long time spent in the wilderness.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Thank you for all your support, Polk loves ya!</span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">January 14th, 2024</span></p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-40337739242930366222024-01-08T12:26:00.003-05:002024-01-08T13:29:52.785-05:00The Disappointments - The 5 Worst Beers of 2023<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlviv313DISLFpK-8QS-h9ShcTRDU2c65l8dhyFKXc3ERhMTBBUbvljqBBQKUPAjmVEo_oBLc_3MeF4_klogGSpt6EOoIP3UpHFqtnz_bMwho8YxoQA3MtMoz4b7FLrJ-uVxwVCu9F1l_dTowbs8CYLxlD8s7db_Q1hyEreSd4U6AJBUMMY6alFiORmIo/s4096/InCollage_20240108_123655009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="4096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlviv313DISLFpK-8QS-h9ShcTRDU2c65l8dhyFKXc3ERhMTBBUbvljqBBQKUPAjmVEo_oBLc_3MeF4_klogGSpt6EOoIP3UpHFqtnz_bMwho8YxoQA3MtMoz4b7FLrJ-uVxwVCu9F1l_dTowbs8CYLxlD8s7db_Q1hyEreSd4U6AJBUMMY6alFiORmIo/s320/InCollage_20240108_123655009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is with a sense of responsibility that I return to write this list. These beers represent a failure of execution, desire and hope. A lack of sensibility and honesty, offensive to anyone who understands what it means to enjoy life...</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh, but when it comes to bad beer, it just gets me riled up. Folks spend their hard earned money to purchase a product that promises one thing and the absolute drop off of quality and taste is stunning to witness, even more so in a world where dollars are being squeezed from all sides. People talk about breweries closing down and after some of these pints in 2023, I think a few more could follow the ones already mashed out and gone away.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> But what makes a bad beer? Of course, taste is subjective and all that jazz, I know folks who hate IPAs and would say any one of them is terrible. I don't mean personal preference, it's all about being true to style. Being what you say you are and not misleading consumers. There are poorly executed beers that just don't hit the mark and then we will see terrible beers that should have been drained from the tank and never sold to the public in the first place. I understand that businesses need to make money to stay open, but if you are going to sell sub standard and obviously off-flavoured and poor quality beer, then maybe you should rethink that business model, because eventually it will come back to you. Beer Karma can be a real thing...I hope.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Onward we go now, the 5 Worst Beers that crossed my path in 2023.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Black Rapids Brewing Navigator Brut IPA</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7DJx53ETprOxVdE-0SsoI77kWJn9Zm9-PIyVwJwsBDFGRiVnnP3eFIHr3i41xwZF14ZSa5AINWXXdzlTkrjv_zGLx5KAgUkfOOXLFZNdY3gvbtvLDWBtM48AztpA_eqp5cgWcrJYsUl5L-M1Trqi4zrDUB6lEJqbGar5I17LNcQ1M-3o-0QBzKU7tBE/s940/1000028429-01.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7DJx53ETprOxVdE-0SsoI77kWJn9Zm9-PIyVwJwsBDFGRiVnnP3eFIHr3i41xwZF14ZSa5AINWXXdzlTkrjv_zGLx5KAgUkfOOXLFZNdY3gvbtvLDWBtM48AztpA_eqp5cgWcrJYsUl5L-M1Trqi4zrDUB6lEJqbGar5I17LNcQ1M-3o-0QBzKU7tBE/s320/1000028429-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why anyone in 2023 was brewing Brut IPA, let alone contract brewing one for LCBO release, is beyond me. The style never really took off and with very few exceptions, missed the desired profile qualifications every time. Maybe someone thought they were onto the next big thing or perhaps that they knew more than the beer drinking public, but this was not that.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then (January 26th, 2023) :</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> There was a reason Brut IPAs never really took off, and while I did find a couple of that style that were interesting enough to make me intrigued...it isn't the place to put your flagship pint....people just don't want 'em.</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> Black Rapids Beer 4.9% Navigator IPA popped up in my local LC, and while it has notes of white grape, light citrus, berry, and that dry finish so desired by the style guide, it's not very effervescent, those flavours seem muted, and I'm left wondering what was happening here. It's a miss. Something about Brut IPAs makes them really tough to do well, and I'd rather they get a pass unless someone really gets deep into what makes them tick...Cheers! 2.5/5</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pints with Polk YouTube review : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHmWnfxnjCo&t=10s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHmWnfxnjCo&t=10s</a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Mudtown Station Lilly Dipper Lagered Ale</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQzxg2Xwzd6l02cPCLSIPlsDGhhexvH18DZkDzdHnikTdjflK4S8GYxvXeGe1Sd0wOlsl5bzyKdAuLqMSZV7wFN_Uqy4K_aPupxhftyxBCaaVbp-OAcPHjPXhjbQ23kTHjW6hgNJdvObIyeaz9fT1DdnXagKjPI2zcIh9BQKaW_ZMH2fXiRrDBDxQ3a0/s1019/1000028430-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1019" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQzxg2Xwzd6l02cPCLSIPlsDGhhexvH18DZkDzdHnikTdjflK4S8GYxvXeGe1Sd0wOlsl5bzyKdAuLqMSZV7wFN_Uqy4K_aPupxhftyxBCaaVbp-OAcPHjPXhjbQ23kTHjW6hgNJdvObIyeaz9fT1DdnXagKjPI2zcIh9BQKaW_ZMH2fXiRrDBDxQ3a0/s320/1000028430-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> There are few styles more abused than the Lagered Ale or Kolsch style. I shudder when I see a brewery lead with this because for the most part, they tend to lean into a thinly disguised, poorly executed blonde ale or lazy lagering that doesn't give the beer time to mature before hitting the canning line or taproom. It is one of my most adamantly held beliefs that most lagered ales are trash, but can be serviceable, with the odd one shining like a bright beacon on the hill, showing what it possible when time and commitment to quality are first and foremost in a brewers mind.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This Owen Sound brew pub, more likely a restaurant with some brewing equipment trying cash in on the whole drink local thing, has delivered quite a few disappointing offerings that my wife so lovingly brought home for me when she visits her family in the area and while I do appreciate the gifts, I think she should just stop in Guelph on her way home and grab some quality pints from the amazing breweries there. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then (July 15th, 2023) :</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Muggy out here...#BeerMe</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Mudtown Station 5% Lilly Dipper Lagered Ale brings not a lot to the table with a fast disappearing head to a sweetness that was off-putting. Neither smooth nor bubbly. It kind of just exists as a beer that maybe needs a little more time in the tank...cloying with no real bitterness or crispness, it feels more like a carling than anything else...meh...Onward we go.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Cheers! 1.5/5</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pints with Polk YouTube Review : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thPQWhXPvyU" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thPQWhXPvyU</a></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Magnotta True North Light IPA</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR3S9YgK9z7GwCjudq1HxWjN4gqv9d5KP34NgO1bQLBdfVkup6HAk3GpQ6NT2AgTU8ULeCFGmsq7jrXG1MHPM862ZVVlinSl5OdsUdI0LJEWc1e_jaBl0D7WP28XFJ49rPyGHjVF_adF5e2kHj2sj2o6C2hR-R8xv-KDEZ7_TiBkLZb8ZgS2rGvDAXBg/s937/1000028431-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="937" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijR3S9YgK9z7GwCjudq1HxWjN4gqv9d5KP34NgO1bQLBdfVkup6HAk3GpQ6NT2AgTU8ULeCFGmsq7jrXG1MHPM862ZVVlinSl5OdsUdI0LJEWc1e_jaBl0D7WP28XFJ49rPyGHjVF_adF5e2kHj2sj2o6C2hR-R8xv-KDEZ7_TiBkLZb8ZgS2rGvDAXBg/s320/1000028431-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> There are not a lot of breweries that I avoid, I'm always about giving people a second chances in life and in beer. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Magnotta is a winery that bought my beloved Grand River Brewing a few years back and turned what was some really good, to style pints into another poorly made SKU at the LCBO. They have delivered many Top 5 Worst beer moment over the last few years and this soapy, weak session IPA was just another example of how out of their depth they really are when it comes to malted barley and hops. It somehow got worse the longer I drank it, in my video I actually didn't find it terrible at first, but by the time I got to writing about it a few minutes later, it had dissipated into another disaster of a pint from a wine maker who should maybe stick to the grapes.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then (May 7th, 2023) :</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Meh...I had low expectations and this met them...</i></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Magnotta Winery also brews beer for some reason and the results over the years have been less than stellar...like this one...True North 4% Light IPA was brewed with Mosaic & Strata Hops and while the promised tropical bouquet never really materializes, it's inoffensive and muted. Light citrus pith, some lemon and grapefruit, rumoured bitterness and a trip to the sink...Cheers? 1.5/5</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pints with Polk YouTube Review : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_QXdLMK8eA" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_QXdLMK8eA</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Beau's All Natural Brewing (Steamwhistle) Lug Light </span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkz5cU6gGX0K70OM8c2rB61ykAvrp7fNuuhZNUXuEQI6yJALrdLqJnWFzpsaPG6froTbvZRS9CtQH8cwf22cM2yDygr3_IYukpgG-C8tdhF-o1_TCp6_J6Q0dmxKW0HB2ERu9SSp50H6QeDdcXopq1J1zD1vzoBZdfGnoYwWMJjStqktNk3Wn1Lua21U/s1013/1000028432-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1013" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkz5cU6gGX0K70OM8c2rB61ykAvrp7fNuuhZNUXuEQI6yJALrdLqJnWFzpsaPG6froTbvZRS9CtQH8cwf22cM2yDygr3_IYukpgG-C8tdhF-o1_TCp6_J6Q0dmxKW0HB2ERu9SSp50H6QeDdcXopq1J1zD1vzoBZdfGnoYwWMJjStqktNk3Wn1Lua21U/s320/1000028432-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> This one broke my heart. I don't have much to add, I said it all on that April afternoon...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then (April 27th, 2023) : </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I miss Beau's.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">And by that, I mean I remember when it seemed every week brought something new to the LCBO from them, interesting ingredients, those seasonal Mix packs, and of course Gruits! Beau's All Natural Brewing formed part of the core of what changed how I saw beer and when I finally got to visit VanKleek Hills in 2016 and take a tour of the Brewery, it felt like a pilgrimage to one of the high holy places of beer. Beau's introduced me to styles of beer I didn't know existed and took crazy chances on things nobody else was doing at the time. I have a weird sort of barley-nostalgia that dates back to the mid 2010's that pulls strong on my crafty beer man soul and while I know all good things change and come to an end eventually, I'm still struggling with what has become of this once gloriously adventurous Brewery. I understand economics and the changing landscape of the craft beer world and honestly was glad to see that Steamwhistle bought Beau's last year rather than have them close or go to a macro Brewer, but this 4% Lug Lite they sent my way is just not the Beau's we know. It's a beer but displays little depth, feeling rushed and just less than. I get light lagers, I have had some real good ones, and this just doesn't get up there. It breaks my damn heart, honestly, I don't wanna be a downer, but I really do miss Beau's...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Taste is subjective, I know, but honesty isn't, and that's all I got.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pints with Polk YouTube Review : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r-pdWc4a2w" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r-pdWc4a2w</a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Burlington Brewery Grind Stone Indian Pale Ale</span></b></p><p><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs0XIJn0alL6axj5LNLP-5eqh6YJ0L22WfzL0KdqM47AMTw4cNNSZGlrCfXsky4ZCMbtOyeDbXPUVkuekoXRZt90bZ1ztLPvHy5FGfTbvmW1WlJQPBSdvwOlasHB4RPb3IuMa9MwX-rKw6HUvhmz_J5s2BD5p0SHIOi47_uI98sF9bLBX6XOHxnLkz-k/s1063/1000028433-01.jpeg" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs0XIJn0alL6axj5LNLP-5eqh6YJ0L22WfzL0KdqM47AMTw4cNNSZGlrCfXsky4ZCMbtOyeDbXPUVkuekoXRZt90bZ1ztLPvHy5FGfTbvmW1WlJQPBSdvwOlasHB4RPb3IuMa9MwX-rKw6HUvhmz_J5s2BD5p0SHIOi47_uI98sF9bLBX6XOHxnLkz-k/s320/1000028433-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Is this the worst beer I've ever reviewed?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Yes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> But is it the worst beer I've ever had?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Also yes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Despite a decent first pint from the newest brewery in Burlington, Ontario, the second offering I picked up was beyond the pale in terms of flaws. It should have never been allowed to leave the bright tank, let alone be canned and sold to the public. It was so offensive in every aspect that the memory of its astringent, vomit like taste still lingers in the back of my mind like a bad memory. People paid good money for this beer and </span><span style="font-size: medium;">to be honest, I don't think the brewery cares...hell, they blocked me on social media after I called them out and this one response to a Google review about their beer speaks volumes about delusions of grandeur and self importance...</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5qD39X_CEzWZfnRJDNDbLFV8E6gy6xfRxxN6q-zuGGHFFcvOOVfmQFz6hkphmmdlSpifK1XwjSG4UPuOxKr696aPxgZr2trJGVtHD8yaapJCVbF6vX0f1synEItFhBVFfN6a-NmDutgDpk8_g1N4kgyFvXsjE1a5cd4uGcZtJYPO_UxsD6ZKEdSLiWg/s1494/1000028435-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1016" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR5qD39X_CEzWZfnRJDNDbLFV8E6gy6xfRxxN6q-zuGGHFFcvOOVfmQFz6hkphmmdlSpifK1XwjSG4UPuOxKr696aPxgZr2trJGVtHD8yaapJCVbF6vX0f1synEItFhBVFfN6a-NmDutgDpk8_g1N4kgyFvXsjE1a5cd4uGcZtJYPO_UxsD6ZKEdSLiWg/w301-h442/1000028435-01.jpeg" width="301" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">30,000 cans a week? I call bullshit. That location moving that kind of volume would be overrun from open to close. If that was true, they'd be rolling in so much cash, they wouldn't know where to spend it. Imagine, that many cans times even $3...$90,000 a week...$4.68 million dollars in sales, of beer alone, in a year? They'd have to be moving more than 50+ cans a hour for any of this to be true. Where are they storing all this beer? They don't have an LCBO listing...For fuck sakes.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway...on with the shitshow...<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What I said then (October 27th, 2023) :</span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I was always told if I had nothing nice to say, I shouldn't say anything...</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Fuck that.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">This is not a good beer...astringent, buttery, perfume like, utterly devoid of hop character. Lingers like vomit...I had to go buy whiskey to burn the taste out of my mouth. I'm usually a pretty positive guy, but nobody should drink this beer, nor should it be sold. Not a double IPA, not a discernible style at all. This is not a good second pint from Burlington Brewery, I actually enjoyed their regular IPA, but I am supremely disappointed with whatever this is. Nope. 0/5</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Pints with Polk YouTube Review : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm98gdBsW7Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm98gdBsW7Y</a></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> There you have it, my friends, the return of The Disappointments. I am hard at work on the other end of the spectrum to this, The Ten, and hope to have it to you to cleanse your palate of all this nonsense early next week. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Until then, remember that life is too short to drink bad beer. There is nothing wrong with a drain pour and you don't have to only say nice things because sometimes there is nothing nice to say at all. Honesty is the only policy that matters. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Its's Show Business, not Show Friends.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">January 8th, 2024</span></p><p><br /></p></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-50334527144391624382023-05-03T14:16:00.001-04:002023-05-03T14:16:57.688-04:00Another Taproom (Part 9)<p> </p><p>It wasn't a taproom he had been in before, but he still felt familiar inside the industrial open concept warehouse that this much hyped Brewery was to be found. Those ridiculous steel stools that gave no comfort were to be avoided at all costs, he wasn't here for a quick pint and a talk at the bar, he wanted to go deep into whatever nonsense passed for a tap list and pretend it mattered on any scale. </p><p> Finding a small table near the back, he set down his coat and wandered to the bar to get a starter, something low ABV, maybe a Pale Ale or a Lager, and although the latter was becoming increasingly more popular, the quality often lagged behind. Leaning in, he could see the guy behind the taps was beyond his years after too many flights, questions of slight intelligence and the general malaise at an industry he got into with great enthusiasm, that now graded his work on an app he'd rather fell into the mash tun than exist another minute. A Dream of purpose and driven to bring his creations to market had been replaced by a need to pay the bills and brew the thing that was for the moment, that he may brew what he loved in the future. </p><p>Seeing this face, our traveller ordered a pint of the Vienna Lager, surely an easy choice and a smart one, to begin his descent, slow and steady he always told himself. The man pouring was efficient, engaged in a patter he knew well and opened a tab so our weary drinker could find other things to fill his glass. </p><p> Settling in with a look of solace in rest, he took a small sip and pondered it's life. A balanced pint, it lacked nothing, simple malt bill, soft noted with a bitter finish that welcomed another quick tip back. It was satisfying, this overlooked, unhyped style, he knew the menu was geared towards what sold best, although they hadn't yet put a seltzer out, so at least that tiny fragment of the dream remained. He finished his first quickly and moved up the ABV scale in quick succession, becoming more relaxed as the third iteration of what seemed to be the same Hazy IPA rested in his hand. He had reached that 5th pint moment of clarity when the day that was began to fade into the night and the troubles of tomorrow dimmed into the remaining final sip of beer. This was when he felt real, felt whole, even though he knew it was what was also slowly destroying him, he could not look away, a train wreck at minute speeds proved no less damning than one hurtling down the tracks full speed. Gathering his things, he paid his tab, left a decent tip and stepped out front to wait for his ride, he was a practiced drunk, not a stupid one and never took a chance on something that would interfere in getting his next drink. He was outwardly happy and polite in public, never letting too many loosen his grip on a persona honed over decades of drinking. He knew he wasn't done with this day, but whatever he poured in his glass next would be done alone, away from a world he increasingly found difficult to navigate without the promise of oblivion when he navigated his way home again.</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-76622803626948716952023-04-30T21:35:00.002-04:002023-04-30T21:35:38.190-04:00Polklore : Foundational Breweries<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlscyTqzCNGPv_kA32x5PpQwAz5rZ0UBldKiKrKdV2bWNkKo10ABCQT3fEtQJK7Qp02AkExuAbPBOIUyw7lSAbXLlbsHOjiZ5F8U90Sa2jmPJIWTwxkddeZb0doTz19l1M6t13SBnZsoCd4slQzA5Btt1g6EoLUld6yOm1EXknkXQKxmTJYo5FDBhT/s1000/1426633674120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="562" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlscyTqzCNGPv_kA32x5PpQwAz5rZ0UBldKiKrKdV2bWNkKo10ABCQT3fEtQJK7Qp02AkExuAbPBOIUyw7lSAbXLlbsHOjiZ5F8U90Sa2jmPJIWTwxkddeZb0doTz19l1M6t13SBnZsoCd4slQzA5Btt1g6EoLUld6yOm1EXknkXQKxmTJYo5FDBhT/w180-h259/1426633674120.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />A wise woman once told me that a relationship needed to built on a solid foundation to be able to survive the bumps and rough roads life will throw at you and that without that solid base, things will never be stable. As I look back on my life in beer, I can see the building blocks, the foundational breweries that helped make everything I know and love about craft beer possible today. This is about the places and pints from 2014 and 2015 that shaped my mind and palate as I stepped away from macro lagers and into the light of a new, tastier day.<p></p><p>In no particular order...</p><p>1. Grand River Brewing</p><p> There are two beers that form the basis for almost everything that comes after and one of them was the Curmudgeon English IPA, a bready toasted malt pint that brought a new, but not overwhelmingly different feel to my glass. It was a fuller, more nuanced beer than I was used to and it was the first time I went back and bought more of a beer after we had tried it at our weekly get-togethers to split beers and chase badges on UnTappd. They had a few more offerings at the LCBO that caught my eye and for a time were my favourite brewery. Sadly, their quality began to decline precipitously and they were finally sold to Magnotta and no longer produce anything of significance. But for a time...</p><p>2. Beau's All Natural Brewing Company </p><p> I remember when I finally made the trip to Beau's brewery in the summer of 2016 and how it felt like I was visiting a high holy place of beer. So many of my introductions to various beer styles and adventurous ingredient choices in said styles came from Beau's, their seasonal 4 packs and seemingly endless releases at the LCBO made them an easy choice to be one of my most sought after UnTappd check-ins, you never knew what crazy idea they'd come up with next. They were quite ahead of the game and while they have since been sold to Steamwhistle and been reduced to a far smaller footprint, the memories of what was will always be special to me.</p><p>3. Great Lakes Brewery</p><p> When it comes to building the foundation of beers in my life that changed everything for me, we find our other pillar in GLB's Pompous Ass English Ale. This one combined with the previously mentioned Curmidgeon to slowly pull my palate out of the macro Lager drudgery and elevate it for what was to come. The seasonal rotation of Tank Ten beers, mostly the delightful IPAs, taught me that beers come and go, but the good ones were something to be looked forward too and sought out when they returned. They always had something interesting and the core one two punch of Canuck and Pompous always found its way into my glass. It's been a long, great trip with my friends from GLB and as they continue to grow, they remain committed to the high quality and outstanding consumer experience that brought me in so many years ago.</p><p>4. Cameron's Brewing Company </p><p> There was always something special about going to Cameron's brewery, something new to put into my growler, a dry hopped Tripel that remains one of my all time favourite beers, to the Deviator Doppelbock and oh, so many Barrel Aged beauties. Cask nights were another new thing for me at this Oakville Brewery and they were the first place I made a friend inside the industry, my buddy Mike who helped me navigate a lot of what I was learning about craft beer in the mid 2010's. They have continued to grow and change with the times, even adding an IPA (or 3) to their lineup, but remaining true to their mission of bringing only the best they make to the world. Forever a fan.</p><p>5. Nickel Brook Brewing </p><p> From a small U-Brew shop on Drury Lane that became a beacon of Craft beer to a shiny new taproom and another location in Etobicoke, Nickel Brook had been with us since the beginning and so many of the things I love to drink continue to come from. It might surprise you to hear that I was not a fan of most of their offerings in the beginning, I couldn't handle IPAs at all and would wonder why Nickel Brook was all piney and bitter until the world of my palate finally caught up and I discovered my intense, burning love for Headstock West Coast IPA. Bourbon Barrel slow sippers, sour and mixed fermentation pints all came to my glass from NB and the continuous innovation and creativity as the market changed has kept me coming back. But more than that, it has become like the old neighborhood bar I used to frequent, I feel at home when I make my way to Nickel Brook.</p><p>There you have it, 5 foundational breweries in my life, although I will say there are a few more that deserve honorable mention to be certain. Mill Street, Lake of Bays and Wellington played smaller roles in what became the nonsense I do now, the fun I had in those days built everything worth anything. </p><p>Perhaps next we will get into 5 Foundational beers and dive a little deeper into Polklore...</p><p><br /></p><p>Polk</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-35769294700291214432023-03-16T16:05:00.002-04:002023-03-16T16:05:13.116-04:00On 50<p> I'm 50.</p><p>Half a century.</p><p>Time for a 2/3rd life crisis? Why 2/3rd's? Well, I really don't think I'm gonna see 100, but I got a shot at 75...maybe...I wanna at least make it to retirement age.</p><p>But today is an oddly quiet day. There is no party, my 40th had dozens of friends and family over to the house for a Roast of Rob, and I know that my solitary celebration is entirely my own doing. When I move through life, I have shed jobs and friends with some astonishing speed. My persona and interests have careened from devoted Freemason, party planner and sports organizer to depressed and reclusive hermit who only communicates through an online exaggeration of myself to cover his very real mental health struggles. Even in the 6 or 7 years I've been this beer guy, I have made and lost friends, some explosively and some because I became too much of a disaster waiting to happen for them to hang around. Regardless of the reason, I have watched it happen without much control because there is something inside of me that feels I am unworthy of any friendship and waits for the other shoe to drop and everyone to leave...even as I myself force them away. I don't know why this happened, I used to love having people over, parties for the smallest of reasons, hell I threw an Irish Wake for one of my fish when he died, going so far as to write a eulogy, build a coffin and have a service for Seamus "Pinky" O'Brien....that was his name...great party. </p><p> In 2012, when everything came crashing down, we struggled to keep the lights and heat on...literally. Having your heat cut off in late October or your phone's cut off the next month as you leap from one disaster to the other strains you. But I seemed to still be able to be somewhat like myself but I didn't see the edge of the spiral that was swallowing me every day. It was such a gradual devolution of who I thought I was that by the time I felt so low I contemplated what I was even doing being alive, let alone having friends, it was so far gone that I didn't know if I would make it to this very day. 50 seemed like an impossibility and there were more than enough days where I thought about the end that I wanted to make sure I had as few people around me as possible. It was somewhere in this darkness that that sort of logic grew and fed my anger at myself and the world I had built just to watch it crumble around me. I hated who I was and as I worked 70 or 80 hours a week in a job where I was clinging to the last of what was, I felt humiliated by my public failure that I had no answers for and spiraled deeper into that hell I knew I deserved.</p><p> A year later, mid 2013, I found a new job that led to a return to a somewhat normal life, still burdened by debt and doubt, but now with health benefits and a normal 44 hour work week. This seemed to slow my slide towards the darkness and when I started really getting into writing and talking about craft beer in late 2015, it really did feel like I had made it through some of the worst storms of my life and was doing more than treading water or worse. Life felt better and I embraced it.</p><p> That rolled on quite well into 2020 and as the pandemic came to dominate my every day, I began again to lose touch with the people I had gathered into another new circle of friends and began collapsing into the darkness once again. Three years on and I reach this magical number of years gone by and I look back to a life that looks like the rings on a tree stump, some fat and full of growth and life and others thin and short, filled with anger, depression and hate. It has not been at all what I imagined even at 30 years old, I couldn't have foreseen the massive changes coming to the world itself and my own small part of it.</p><p> I wish I could say I know where I'm going. I wish I could feel like it is all getting better every day. I can say that we did find our way to a better financial way of life, debt free and not living paycheque to 4 days before paycheque. It took a lot of lean years living close to the bone and keeping the house to reach the ability to utilize that equity to clean the sheets and give us a fresh start I never really had since my early 20's. With money not being a crushing weight, I wonder where the fear, the deep pit of self loathing and lie awake at night worries will come from next.</p><p> I want to be a better person, but I don't know if that is really who I am. I wonder who I will be in 5 years because when I look back at the me of 5 years ago, I don't really remember how it felt to be that guy, never mind 10 or 20 years ago. I'm trying to not just recapture what I feel are my glory days, that's not something any of can do, time passed is time gone forever, but I want to find who I am supposed to be as I enter this next phase of my life. It's not quite the endgame, but I do feel that pull of legacy and memory tugging at my not so swift feet. I always say you never really die until you are forgotten by the the last person who remembered you and I know that circle is pretty small for me now. My words and videos will outlive me by whatever time those platforms exist and perhaps my need to post something every day or share the minutiae of the nonsense in my head because I find it calming to create something, anything to leave behind a little stamp of "I was here". </p><p>Existence has been weird, but I wanna stick around and see how more of it turns out.</p><p><br /></p><p>Polk</p><p>03/16/2023</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-48363593236598650972023-02-09T20:09:00.004-05:002023-02-09T20:25:05.623-05:00Thinking...<span style="font-family: arial;"> It seems we are in a serious period of change in Ontario when it comes to craft beer and with change comes a particular brand of nostalgia I didn't know I could experience.</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> I think what I miss is the thrill of it all, the experience of seeing that big bottle of Beau's latest release sitting on the shelf and wondering what new and potentially wonderful thing was inside. They were, for a lot of us, the introduction to so many styles and ideas we didn't know beer had. For me, Beau's was a pinnacle in those early years and while I didn't always understand what I was drinking, I appreciated the opportunity to drink it and explore. Insert Lake of Bays, Great Lakes or Amsterdam in here and the feeling is the same. Hell, I was a huge fan of the now forgotten Grand River Brewing Company, now a shell of itself run by a winemaker with little regard to quality or reputation...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> But this isn't a post about Beau's after their sale to Steamwhistle or the Amsterdam one or anything in particular about the business of beer. It's about this feeling I used to have that I seem to have lost along the way.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we have even more options at the LC, we have more breweries open to visit and even mail order which often hits your porch the next day. It's mind boggling how much has changed in just the last few years and it is that sheer number of choices that drives this feeling of loss and a reminiscing for something that by all standards was less than we have now. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> I can find any style of beer I desire, made here in Ontario or from somewhere else, close by and available year round. There truly is something out there for anyone who seeks it, a veritable cornucopia of blessings in can or bottle to whet your desires and this may be the golden age at its apex, cresting a wave just peering at the inevitable ride down the other side. Whether that is a rapid descent or smooth trip to equilibrium is truly unknown at this point. But the roller coaster ups only work if you go down too and the appearance of abundance is a mask of serious issues at some of our favourite places. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> I honestly think part of what drives this feeling in me is the volume of experience behind me in the last 7 or 8 years. Knowledge is power, but it is also a curse that brings clarity to all that occurs besides what new beer is coming to the fridge and taprooms we visit and enjoy. When every style was an exploration of my own making, a true window into a new world, I was bright and wide open to everything. As the years and beers passed by, it became harder to find that thrill and even with some of the world class things I've had in just the last few weeks, I still can't capture that particular vibe as often these days. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> Beer had become an avenue of self expression for a lot of folks, an extension of themselves and with the rise of social media platforms, a way to say "Hey, here I am. I exist and I'm enjoying life!" while supporting local businesses and connecting with like-minded folks from around the world. It really felt so good to write about everything connected to beer and the community, with special attention paid to being positive and working towards helping make it more accessible and diverse to grow our world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> But.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"> It doesn't feel quite right anymore, a sort of ennui has settled into the world around me, a longing for a time just not so long ago that it seems possible it existed. I mean, I get excited about new beers and returning favourites, but it does feel somewhat muted when I know there is a bigger story of struggle and the fight for survival happening all around me. Not just in craft beer, but in the general sense of folks just trying to get by and enjoying a pint when they can because it brings them happiness when they need it. I want to reset to that feeling of joy and exploration I once had that inspired me to drive deep into this community and immerse myself in the experiences held within.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Time will tell, but the road ahead is most assuredly going to see us lose some places we hold dear, so be ready for a bumpy ride.</span></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-31034172495299553842023-01-01T17:15:00.000-05:002023-01-01T17:15:03.827-05:00Back again...2023<p> </p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddSVmQZkbaa1gC9RN_wvamTwcZHlmBeBzNwRqZDZ2wt71-ecZFz0lRMlBeCgYPuCTRUqdLnfWWTCxqpjNj7gzIGSOUyZ_N5ioahASAQYv1au0vzPx4yJPzSqwnv0Z0E9pyo2EzGZWVvfsAnX0Z323EXABNa4mCm3yHj-7AjbB-08sxZI2Mq2-K2-x/s2944/20230101_165630.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="2944" data-original-width="2208" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddSVmQZkbaa1gC9RN_wvamTwcZHlmBeBzNwRqZDZ2wt71-ecZFz0lRMlBeCgYPuCTRUqdLnfWWTCxqpjNj7gzIGSOUyZ_N5ioahASAQYv1au0vzPx4yJPzSqwnv0Z0E9pyo2EzGZWVvfsAnX0Z323EXABNa4mCm3yHj-7AjbB-08sxZI2Mq2-K2-x/s320/20230101_165630.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />Hey.<br /><p></p><p>So it's been a while since I've been able to sit down and write beyond some nonsense beer stuff on Instagram or Twitter and as this new year dawns and that big 5-0 is just around the corner in March, I wanted to try and get back to this long form expression of whatever happens to be in my head on any given day. I want to set a goal of spending at least an hour a day writing, subject doesn't matter, just the words, and while I have no doubt there will be days when not much will come out, I feel like my abandonment of taking the time to coalesce my thoughts in one place has left me in a far worse space than before. It always made me happy to spend time sharing things about beer and life in general for anyone who wanted to peek in at one old man's world.</p><p> Having said that, 2022 was not the best of times scenario in a lot of ways, but it came to be crystal clear as Christmas rolled around and I had absolutely zero spirit for a season I used to love with reckless abandon. I have little doubt that without the presence of social media there would have been no decorations in our house at all and as I took down what I dubbed "Christmas Corner" in the basement, I reflected on why I had fallen so out of sync with my family and friends as this year went on. I feel a disconnect with the world around me, beer and real, time feels faster and as I feel the decades weigh in, I wonder what the purpose of everything has been. Traditions, legends and tales of those who came before me still resonate in my mind, I revere the people who helped shape me and wonder how I can honour them when I feel like my mark on this world ends with my own demise. I've written before about not having kids, but as 50 approaches and my peers raise their kids and some even have become grandparents, I feel left out, but only because I have made myself feel that way. It is a most disconcerting way to live.</p><p>But...</p><p>I am still standing. I have a will to see what comes next for me and those I love. I want to watch the kids I know grow up and experience all life has to offer and I want to be better at being there and present for everyone who is important to me. I feel isolated, but only because I have become really good at doing it, but I am lifted up by the people who continue to push aside my defiance and love me in spite of myself. They persist where so many got tired and moved on, good people pushed too far and lost to me forever. My memories of who I was haunt me in my weakest moments and I miss that guy with all my heart. </p><p> My question to myself is can I find me again? Can I shake off a decade of dwindling confidence and depression to shape what I hope is at least the final third of my life? Let's face it, there's no way this drunk is seeing 100...but I'm still hoping to at least getting to retire for a few years before hitting that Dive Bar in Hell...</p><p>I know this post is disjointed, meandering and weird...but I am all of those things every damn day and I hope I can come back and give a little hope and happiness, some deep looks and light and dark moments to bring truth and real life to you all in the coming 12 months. </p><p> If you're still here, Thank You.</p><p>I have some adventures planned this year, some heavy opinions to give and so many great beers to share with you all. I'm not done yet, I've been on pause and I'm ready to hit the play button again...</p><p>Thank you for believing in me, for keeping me going and for never letting me go...</p><p>This life is not over yet...</p><p><br /></p><p>Polk, 01/01/23</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-67038746133299789302022-01-20T12:55:00.002-05:002022-01-20T16:46:56.717-05:00The Lonely End of the Bar He wasn't an unpleasant man by any standards. Polite almost to a fault, quietly sipping a whisky and a pint at the end of the bar most nights, he almost blended into the ambiance of this local pub. He greeted a the regulars he knew by sight, sometimes sending a pint or a shot down the bar if he felt someone needed it, he had a sense for it. He could carry conversations long into the night, no matter the state of inebriation, he was good at prodding others to talk about themselves so he could concentrate on filling the quiet in his head with their lives. He didn't think much of his own anymore, not that he was depressed or anything like it, he just sort of felt his existence had been set into a routine for so long that it wasn't a matter of choice anymore, but a deep rooted part of who he was.<div> The thing about where he sat at the bar was that there could only ever be one person sitting next to him, it was a conscious decision he had made a long time ago when he found this place that was stumbling distance to his home. He didn't mind a one on one chat but eschewed anything too loud or too deep into his own circumstances. Nestled up against the wall, he held onto that bar rail with a light grip, tethered to reality even as the liquid dreams filled his nights. It was a long, slow roll to his own personal closing time, he never lingered long past 10, still aware enough of his single responsibility to make it to work on time the next day. He took the functional part of his life as the price he had to pay to get to his first shot of whisky every night, a necessary evil that would one day come to an end and then he could find another thing to occupy the time between his last drink from the night before to his first one the next day. </div><div> He had rules for himself, not written down in stone, but so honed and cultivated from years of practice that they were unspoken and all but unbreakable. He never drank before work, nor immediately after it, for whatever it was worth, he felt this was some kind of compromise. He never pounded a beer or a shot, always taking measured sips, almost savouring it as time slowed and the weight of everyday living slid off his shoulders and into another round. He never turned down a pint and always was there for the people who thought of him as a friend when they needed a kind word or a sympathetic ear. While he was neither of those things, he had carefully crafted a narrative and appearance of both to the lengths of which civil society demanded. He wasn't loud and always tipped, he knew that these two things weren't important to anyone but the folks behind the bar and they were the closest thing to family he'd had in a long time. </div><div> He had become a practiced drunk, one who's funeral would be well attended by the people who thought they knew him, playing his favourite songs at the wake and tossing back shots and pints in his honour even as the memory of who he really was faded into tales told less frequently as their lives carried on. Someone else would now sit at the loneliest end of the bar...never knowing the man who called it his existed, the spot just another chair now. </div><div><br /></div><div>fin.</div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-29541511693059117312022-01-20T12:06:00.000-05:002022-01-20T12:06:28.727-05:002021 - A Year in Beer<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDcc-4C-f1K3AN3py6Z0v5VkxLNj0W_jLWOVS-hMSmr3EljWYVDZitpyNif2OYLC4cS-qdDY6Z8wTWIFvgwDbj4m5m1H3N4AepOyi38iAKRF4YMFGT0r7klHxzYiE12XC7QoMke90nFqf0zItjQ0Kr8A2jz1opcFOGIcP6gTi3l3O6iDrcfltHAPwI=s3492" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="3492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDcc-4C-f1K3AN3py6Z0v5VkxLNj0W_jLWOVS-hMSmr3EljWYVDZitpyNif2OYLC4cS-qdDY6Z8wTWIFvgwDbj4m5m1H3N4AepOyi38iAKRF4YMFGT0r7klHxzYiE12XC7QoMke90nFqf0zItjQ0Kr8A2jz1opcFOGIcP6gTi3l3O6iDrcfltHAPwI=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 746 beers reviewed.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 128 Breweries.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 1 long year in the books.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 2021 was another pandemically challenged year, providing some respite as the summer and fall almost felt like we were heading somewhere good before the current state of affairs occurred and Omicron wiped out any progress made in the last two years. While I'm not here to discuss public policy and government failures to protect and curb the worst of this time, I have to acknowledge that the experience of drinking a beer in a bar or taproom has certainly been curtailed and altered enough to be impactful on our perceptions of some things. So with that out of the way, lets take a look back at my favourite beers by style with some caveats...</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1) No repeat winners, let's face it, I drink enough Headstock that it would always top my West Coast IPA chart and that's not really why we drink all these different beers, we want the variety and I want to be able to recognize that effort. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2) If I do happen to repeat a winner from 3 or 4 years ago or even last year, I'mma let it go because who can remember that far back and I'm not wading through 5 years of posts for that info.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3) If I wasn't able to try more than 5 different options from any one style, I left it out for the most part unless I felt the beer in question was especially noteworthy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4) Categories are fluid when it comes to IPAs, some labelled as NEIPAs were clearly not and some that were just slapped with an IPA sticker were sometimes NEIPAs...I'll not get into semantics, it is what it is and I'm okay with where it all fell out.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5) Everything I do is done with the knowledge that I don't really know much, but I know what I like and that's what this whole dang thing is about.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before we get into it all, here's a breakdown of the top 20 Most Reviewed in 2021 by Brewery. They alone account for almost 65% of what I was talking about, being local matters, being loyal to Trusted Breweries matters even more,...</span></div><div><div ccp_infra_copy_id="f72d9c4e-878b-4295-a130-efaab25b410c" ccp_infra_timestamp="1642695915900" ccp_infra_user_hash="241362997" ccp_infra_version="3" data-ccp-timestamp="1642695915900"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 291px;"><colgroup><col style="width: 48pt;" width="64"></col><col style="width: 99pt;" width="132"></col><col style="width: 31pt;" width="41"></col><col style="width: 41pt;" width="54"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; width: 48pt;" width="64"><br /><br />1</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; width: 99pt;" width="132"> Collective Arts (Toronto)</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; width: 31pt;" width="41">59</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap; width: 41pt;" width="54">7.91%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Great Lakes</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">45</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">6.03%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">3</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Nickel Brook</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">44</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">5.90%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">4</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Collective Arts<br /></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">38</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">5.09%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">5-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Clifford</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">30</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">4.02%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">5-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Merit</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">30</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">4.02%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">7-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Fairweather</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">29</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">3.89%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">7-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Sawdust City</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">29</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">3.89%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">9</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Muskoka</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">19</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.55%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">10-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Wellington</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">18</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.41%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">10-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Gateway City</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">18</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.41%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">12-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Bellwoods</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">17</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.28%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">12-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Third Moon</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">17</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.28%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">14</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Grain & Grit</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">15</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">2.01%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">15</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Henderson</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">13</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.74%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">16-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Badlands</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">12</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.61%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">16-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Left Field</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">12</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.61%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">18-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">People's Pint</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">11</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.47%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">18-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Spearhead</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">11</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.47%</td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td align="right" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">18-t</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Dominion City</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">11</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">1.47%</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">So, now lets get on with the gettin' on and showcase my favourite pints from 2021, listed by beer name, brewery and finally alphabetically by style. Also noted is the amount of times a particular brewery appears on this year's Polkies...</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here we go... </span></div><div><div ccp_infra_copy_id="de953136-459b-4ede-ae22-4e19eefe94f1" ccp_infra_timestamp="1642694221340" ccp_infra_user_hash="241362997" ccp_infra_version="3" data-ccp-timestamp="1642694221340"></div></div><div><br /></div><div><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 618px;"><tbody><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ol' Woody Alt</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;">Sawdust City</td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Altbier</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lone Wine</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sawdust City (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Barleywine</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Tennesse Imperial Porter</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Clifford</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Barrel Aged Porter</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">2021 Titania</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sawdust City (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Barrel Aged Stout</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Duvel 666</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Duvel</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Belgian Blonde Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Chimay Grande Barrel Reserve</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Chimay</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Belgian Dark Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Heavy Draft</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Red Barn </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Belgian Golden Strong Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">South Valley</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Gateway City </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Belgian IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Limnerlost Bruin</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sawdust City (4)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Biere de Garde</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Reunion Tour</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sawdust City (5)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Black IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Black Jack</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Great Lakes</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Black Lager</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Matter of Fact</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Blonde Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Beste Bock</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Cameron's</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bock</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Avian Prinicpality</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dominion City</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Brown Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Brutalism</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Great Lakes (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Brut IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Saturday Night</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Stack</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Cream Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mountain King</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Royal City</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dark Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Double High Grade</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Fairweather</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Double IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Double Sunsplit</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dominion City (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Double NEIPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Zwei Zeugan</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Great Lakes (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dopplebock</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dead Now</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Block Three</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Dubbel</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">English IPA</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">English IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">SPA</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Wellington</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">English Pale Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Flapdoodle</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sawdust City (6)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">ESB</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lief</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Farm League</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Farmhouse Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Rouge Cuvee</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Meuse</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Flanders Red</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Grandma's Strawberry Rhubarb</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Oast House</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Fruited Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Roses are Red</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Merit</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Gose</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Helles Island</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">People's Pint</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Helles Lager</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Uberhopfig</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Great Lakes (4)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Hopfenweisse</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Nanaimo Bar</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Muskoka</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Imperial Porter</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Burn Barrel</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Clifford (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Imperial Stout</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Roman Candle</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bellwoods </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Ever Nice</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Merit (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lager</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Skipping Stones</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (TO)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lager - Mexican</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Lighter</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Spearhead </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Light Lager</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Autumn</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Anderson Craft Ales</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Marzen</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Diamond Park</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">People's Pint (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mild</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Milskshark Banana</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bellwoods (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Milkshake IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Gordie Mortis</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Third Moon/Great Lakes (5)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">NEIPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pinion</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Little Beasts </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pale Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Kils</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Third Moon (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pilsner - Czech</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Time Traveller</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (TO) (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pilsner - German</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Hey You Guys</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">People's Pint (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Porter</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">ST. Arnoldus</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">New Limburg</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Quad</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Amber of the North</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Spearhead (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Red Ale</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Saison de la Meuse</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Meuse (2)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Saison</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Bells & Whistles</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Clifford (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Session IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Mimosa Sour</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Sour</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">O'Neill</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Left Field</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Stout</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Team Tett</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (TO) (3)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Table Beer</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Rube Goldbeer</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Henderson Beer Co.</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Tripel</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Succession</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">WIllibald Farm </div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Triple IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Abzug</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (TO) (4)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Vienna Lager</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Old Times</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Collective Arts (TO) (5)/Great Lakes (6)</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">West Coast IPA</div></td></tr><tr height="20" style="height: 15pt;"><td class="xl16" height="20" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; height: 15pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Obscured by Clouds</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Clifford (4)/Muddy York</div></td><td class="xl16" style="border: none; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; padding-left: 1px; padding-right: 1px; padding-top: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: bottom; white-space: nowrap;"><div style="text-align: left;">Wheat</div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> I used to write a thing about every beer on these lists, but that's a lot, even for me. Suffice it to say I had a lot of fun going over each post from last year, I actually read what I wrote about every beer to try and get a sense of it's impact on my memory and at the time I was drinking it. That's why I only post beers when I have them, I am trying to capture life as it happens, a snapshot of where I am when that first sip hits my lips every day. I take my own thoughts with a grain of salt too, taste is very personal and while I certainly have consumed enough beer to know a thing or two, I am just a drunk with a lot of words who enjoys a good beer or three. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Looking forward to 2022 and a whole lot of talking about beer, life and so much more that I cannot even imagine as this year unfolds. It's been a little more than 6 years since I started writing and while I may struggle to get it all out there at times, I'm gonna keep trying because when I do finally hit that "Publish" button, I feel better about myself and more comfortable in my own skin. See y'all around the internet for now and at a taproom near you....hopefully sooner and safer than we know it is now.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">\Stay strong and thanks for following along all these years.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Polk</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwXDF1A6AP8bzg3qMz07A-8MipB6GTzsEjHkw_lnBPDLKJFPLidwdUhPDXNsjXZxYt2yTtAe3plWZFqUy1XIiVmD-ueT5tvw8ggwKvrM4nebRaqGaANy7TCngFRmkw4XvTgtMbs0PREE5i6ogdZuWjX8fj8802FX1ldrlSwmXnd74xO7oc0xfjCLbO=s1659" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="1659" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwXDF1A6AP8bzg3qMz07A-8MipB6GTzsEjHkw_lnBPDLKJFPLidwdUhPDXNsjXZxYt2yTtAe3plWZFqUy1XIiVmD-ueT5tvw8ggwKvrM4nebRaqGaANy7TCngFRmkw4XvTgtMbs0PREE5i6ogdZuWjX8fj8802FX1ldrlSwmXnd74xO7oc0xfjCLbO=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-9454116367195234982022-01-09T14:37:00.000-05:002022-01-09T14:37:12.802-05:00The Ten - 2021 in Ten Memorable Beers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8ZxTNhDSEft5bhJlTZDNMaugdUZCXzmbclnjzPjfxJviiA8mlaVeFtEYikn1dINX43JoRJcuheGUyWPQhIP5iBCrMuyNjRY5MhyVvvfMnAFUy9DgKnBqW2cntbMnQKfDEn5xfSy_-NR82God2vL0vxR5EdGZGzNK-uqXOtZ4flK0hxpOKUGVNdnt=s956" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs8ZxTNhDSEft5bhJlTZDNMaugdUZCXzmbclnjzPjfxJviiA8mlaVeFtEYikn1dINX43JoRJcuheGUyWPQhIP5iBCrMuyNjRY5MhyVvvfMnAFUy9DgKnBqW2cntbMnQKfDEn5xfSy_-NR82God2vL0vxR5EdGZGzNK-uqXOtZ4flK0hxpOKUGVNdnt=s320" width="319" /></a></div><br /><div>Every year I sit down and go back through every post I made on Instagram and look for the spark of a joyful memory to help me find the 10 most memorable pints of the last 12 months. It took a little more time this year, I find my ability to decompress after work has been curtailed and my inspiration to write disappeared along with it. But this morning finds me suitably fired up and after sorting the data, checking my lists twice, I have arrived at the conclusion of this very strange year in beer. <div> This is not a best of list, taste and perception is subjective to the individual palate and while I will push out a post about my favourites in each style category later this week, today is <br />much more special and important. It is about beers that stick out in my mind, I can still feel that anticipation and appreciation for what was to come and did transpire. The following ten beers are what made a difference to me when I had them and resonate even months later or perhaps they have become part of my regular life and give me a moment of zen on a regular basis. </div><div>I don't have a lot of rules other than I don't repeat any beer from year to year and to be honest, cutting down from the 748 reviews to 100 to 25 to just 10 took longer than I had anticipated, there were a lot of really great moments this year and for that I am grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's go!</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>10. Clifford Brewing - Pinball Wizard American Pale Ale</b></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG27rfC27D3EPHB1LyrsaN_mR0GRESqjD0j_j1rHnSFaqun8wQD10rK0iyNHMYwvnVOJAPj7zk1Uf2TxLw33q_2IG1tdarvXRtg_nGliNUtGar8NQq1mf3w0LooMsqb_LUy1FzXHrbjFZciI_dvEEW5QwdamOG9HNgQqUc_2o8i-b9qa_tGTml275n=s1060" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1060" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjG27rfC27D3EPHB1LyrsaN_mR0GRESqjD0j_j1rHnSFaqun8wQD10rK0iyNHMYwvnVOJAPj7zk1Uf2TxLw33q_2IG1tdarvXRtg_nGliNUtGar8NQq1mf3w0LooMsqb_LUy1FzXHrbjFZciI_dvEEW5QwdamOG9HNgQqUc_2o8i-b9qa_tGTml275n=s320" width="320" /></a></div> It seems each year I find a go-to pint and latch on for dear life, a port in the storm that is pandemic drinking. 2021 saw me stopping at Clifford Brewing more often than not and grabbing a pint at the bar or the patio on the way home from work. And that usually was Pinball Wizard, the classic American Pale Ale that is part of the early 1-2 punch of Clifford beers (along with the award winning Porter) from the very beginning. What struck me about Pinball this year was the ease of which it just rolled into my day when anyone asked if I'd had time for a pint at the bar. It wasn't a thought, it was a reflex, usually after I had tried the newest release, I'd have another beer and it was almost always Pinball. The bite of citrus pith and pine in a biscuity toasted malt body and a consistent flavour profile that always delivers makes it an easy choice and in another year of lockdowns, waves of uncertainty and a world on edge, it became a touchstone for normalcy and comfort. While it may not have the flash and dash of a hazy IPA or big bourbon barrel aged bastard, it is a beer that brings me joy just by being exactly what it is. </div><div><br /></div><div> I wrote about Pinball 5 times last year, but I'll share the one that I remember best, a post work pint on the patio in front of Clifford's...can't wait to get back again...</div><div><br /></div><div>"<i><b>After work patio pint...midweek feels pretty good out here at the Clifford Brewing Company patio.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Pinball Wizard American Pale Ale is always an easy choice, on tap it shines even brighter. West coast vibes with pithy citrus and resinous pine. Beyond the ordinary day, a stop at my local makes it extraordinary. Cheers! 4.6/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review on Pints with Polk can be found <a href="https://youtu.be/K3IbVnIK3Bs" target="_blank">over on the YouTubes...</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://cliffordbrewing.com/">Clifford Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Gateway City Brewing 503 Dark Rye Lager</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1WGgPWf3HbtdSrS4A7HES2gmdBS-fMXtpcoBuqcHErFX1v0D3pmNin4SmpGFkp8Tih3QpGtfHSuL2Pw5hJOdwp0eh6WPb9gfozmnXYAj0FX6t8Gd7gGG4mJZoTGNtLHurbP4J10PqZf10ROv5cxaVt-cD4GvazHYfXFBtxsh7zJ7_gzfsLqOnmxCp=s956" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1WGgPWf3HbtdSrS4A7HES2gmdBS-fMXtpcoBuqcHErFX1v0D3pmNin4SmpGFkp8Tih3QpGtfHSuL2Pw5hJOdwp0eh6WPb9gfozmnXYAj0FX6t8Gd7gGG4mJZoTGNtLHurbP4J10PqZf10ROv5cxaVt-cD4GvazHYfXFBtxsh7zJ7_gzfsLqOnmxCp=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> 2021 was a lot to take in and with the constant swings in the world around me, I found myself gravitating to certain breweries and styles to steady the ship in the turbulent sea. My friend Paul delivered many a Gateway City Brewing beer to my glass and it is because of him that I found myself falling in love with this North Bay based brewery all through the year. I was so enamoured with what he brought me that when Kat and I decided on a late fall road trip, we knew it would have to be included on our itinerary. The visit cemented what we felt through osmosis, a working class brewery that delivered fantastic and innovative beer, making use of Rye as an ingredient better than anyone else...and more often too. But the standout was this dark and bready Lager, a smooth bodied pint that had me slowing down and relaxing to stretch out every sip. It had something special going on and I can still feel that moment after my first taste while sitting on the deck, the sun shining and the world fading away. </div><div> </div><div>What I said in October of 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>This is a helluva beer.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Seriously.</b></i></div><div><i><b> Gateway City Brewing 503 is a 5.1% Dark Rye Lager that delivers a big time flavour punch in a crushable ABV. Smooth and bready malted body with caramel and a solid bitterness that finishes with a rye spice that enhances the sweetness with aplomb. It's so easy easy going, if I lived in North Bay, this would be my go-to, everyday beer...absolutely no doubt. it enhances every moment it touches, bringing joy to a day that needs it or a way to slow sip and contemplate the bigger things. It's a damn good pint.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Period.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Cheers! </b></i></div><div><i><b>4.8/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video Review can be found <a href="https://youtu.be/11Olfy1vOQ4">over on the YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://www.gatewaycity.ca/" target="_blank">Gateway City Brewing</a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>8. People's Pint Brewing Hey You Guys India Porter</b></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb7VmnJaNHmkA8FsEteaksHTsvpsnoswYVq4s1ESZc17A9LY1N6imzSNu83YSzZgKBjA_zL7Z53FmVABSRbOnsH4kN68Gbn-lXRvNbb1xjIHlokVZ-DpvbZdlCflTysgSNdTbMgYDICwhwEdghp4kxC6IZ1mYJTwuEB8QXxhriiicfjFByZm_NQ2qr=s1012" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1012" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb7VmnJaNHmkA8FsEteaksHTsvpsnoswYVq4s1ESZc17A9LY1N6imzSNu83YSzZgKBjA_zL7Z53FmVABSRbOnsH4kN68Gbn-lXRvNbb1xjIHlokVZ-DpvbZdlCflTysgSNdTbMgYDICwhwEdghp4kxC6IZ1mYJTwuEB8QXxhriiicfjFByZm_NQ2qr=s320" width="320" /></a></div></h3><div> It was late March and we had just crossed over a year into the current pandemic with another semi-lockdown birthday and a world seemingly getting better with the vaccines arriving and a spark of warmth for the coming warmer months. The long, slow days of winter were fading and we thought a corner was being turned...good times. </div><div> Looking back through the year in beer means reflecting on the events around every pint and word and knowing that a lot of days were just one beer and done but that sometimes that one beer sticks in your head with an iron lock and it's memory is a joyful one to have in there. Such is Hey You Guys, a bold India Porter from Toronto brewery People's Pint. I'm a big fan of both their beer and their community minded work, plus they have Maris, a brewery cat with a heart of gold. Good folks making great beer is something to be celebrated and this slow sipping dark beauty was indeed just that, a celebration of hope over despair and love over hate. I invest a lot of emotion in beer that speaks to my soul and this one is that kind of beer...</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in March of 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>One and done tonight and what a one it is! People's Pint 5.9% Hey You Guys! India Porter is a rich and hopped up beauty to soothe the working the weekend beast. Smooth but bold roasted malt backbone with dark chocolate, bitter black coffee, tobacco, molasses and a noble hop bitterness that ties it all together quite beautifully. It's got a bite and some legs and delivers a great single pint night experience to tide me over till tomorrow night when we will do it all over again. Cheers! 4.4/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video Review can be found <a href="Video Review can be found" target="_blank">over on the YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="Video Review can be found" target="_blank">People's Pint Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Sawdust City Brewing Flapdoodle English Best Bitter</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-E6vM-BXFeNnsUAmKBvYcbmK_uiynEcJLDtq5jylLvtLWgyA_MfZ4bVWDvMGz-gWgGRuSU0jsa-oPf3brW_gx86DXjRLqNONizKoGTfMfBfc4Gc6WeOytBCG45O-lPp0LBi5MvMYtO6ssB1kv8DmMQplAKEl_WPW0U3dkRAawLnE1SoK-vs1HC6fJ=s870" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="870" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-E6vM-BXFeNnsUAmKBvYcbmK_uiynEcJLDtq5jylLvtLWgyA_MfZ4bVWDvMGz-gWgGRuSU0jsa-oPf3brW_gx86DXjRLqNONizKoGTfMfBfc4Gc6WeOytBCG45O-lPp0LBi5MvMYtO6ssB1kv8DmMQplAKEl_WPW0U3dkRAawLnE1SoK-vs1HC6fJ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div> I have all the time in the world for Sawdust City beers. They make some of my favourite seasonal and core beers, from Titania Bourbon Barrel aged Imperial Stout to Lone Pine West Coast IPA to Little Norway Pilsner and all points in between, Sam and the team in Gravenhurst are consistently hitting the high water marks with each release. I could have easily chosen any one of a dozen pints at least, but this one really stood out from mid-October and I think it set the benchmark on what I call "<a href="https://drunkpolkaroo.blogspot.com/2021/02/sunday-beers-in-praise-of-milds-bitters.html" target="_blank">Sunday Beers</a>". Flapdoodle was an ESB, a toasted malt, bready beauty that felt like it could be re-upped all day long on a patio or in a pub as we drank the afternoon away with some friends. From first sip to last, it gave rise to a feeling of happiness and would be the kind of pint that becomes part of the day, not the focal point, but an enhancement and a true companion.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in October of 2021 : </div><div>"<b><i>Oh...my...</i></b></div><div><b><i>This is the epitome of what I call 'Sunday beer', the easy going Best Bitters and Milds that are made for hanging out with friends on a Sunday and just wasting the day doing nothing but drinking and eating together, swapping tales and chilling. It's my Sunday today so it fits real well...now to find some friends...</i></b></div><div><b><i>Sawdust City Brewing Flapdoodle is a 4.4% English Best Bitter that brings that bready toasted malt body to play with notes of toffee, light bitterness and easy going crushability. It's a delightfully put together beer that is absolutely what I seek when I turn to this style. Cheers! 4.8/5</i></b>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://sawdustcitybrewing.com/" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://sawdustcitybrewing.com/" target="_blank">Sawdust City Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Willibald Farm Brewery Succession Triple IPA with Citra, Galaxy & Simcoe</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB47XHD2dH3zKr_cZqTLzgmUqpMm_sFMsLvKg1mx92C-f67oFn2s6VI2N28fpvEIexawitJIOpG22rW9L2iQTcXCmOldCPy1aobKj8oxWox8pNOBx9SzHVECiC9ZengqUWDWD8tXyPWaY9MM76sTIzX-NpThy8gkjljpj8v1ZcVOdCUE00dBHPIfkF=s1078" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1078" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB47XHD2dH3zKr_cZqTLzgmUqpMm_sFMsLvKg1mx92C-f67oFn2s6VI2N28fpvEIexawitJIOpG22rW9L2iQTcXCmOldCPy1aobKj8oxWox8pNOBx9SzHVECiC9ZengqUWDWD8tXyPWaY9MM76sTIzX-NpThy8gkjljpj8v1ZcVOdCUE00dBHPIfkF=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div> How does the memory of a beer stay with you for a year to the point that it makes this list through more than 750 other pints that came after it? By being so good that it demands your respect and attention long after it has disappeared down the scroll of the social media feeds. When this one came up as I went over every post of 2021, I could taste and feel it all over again and immediately put it onto my radar for The Ten and it stays here still out of sheer enjoyment. Willibald Farm Brewery has dropped some stellar stuff and while I have only had a smattering of what they offer, I have been impressed every time...none more so than this early January Triple IPA called Succession. Brewed with Citra, Simcoe and Galaxy, it was an ephemeral treat that I may never see again, but will always remember. It was 10%, but felt like an easy going crushable pint and delivered something real special in a style that often gets repetitive real fast, no easy feat.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in January 2021 :</div><div>"<i><b>Yes it's a scrimmage.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Yes I know it doesn't matter.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Don't care, just happy to have some Leafs hockey on a Saturday night for a touch of normalcy.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Leafs win, Leafs lose, I am here for the years and years of trying again and again. </b></i></div><div><i><b>Beer helps.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Willibald Farm Brewery Succession is a 10.0%, Citra,, Galaxy and Simcoe hopped Triple IPA that is so smooth and tropical, that ABV is nowhere to be felt. Seriously good beer with peach, passionfruit, grapefruit pith and dank pine in a dance for the ages. Most assuredly a contender for the best of 2021 and we are only 9 days in. </b></i></div><div><i><b>Boom!</b></i></div><div><i><b>Cheers! 4.8/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/0W48PoiqN5M" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://drinkwillibald.com/" target="_blank">Willibald Farm Brewery</a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Cameron's Brewing Beste Bock</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO8H88P1XWAe9fEwDLsr5MDGI3d6tQ5JDkHjQw4y21g4oiKZq9L1GaP-R-UOF7Fbs6v8JCyusSpL84D0saBLqAzszHTZBVMvCxV5foGlne0YGgBjvFdMVL2sU4eH7GyPXdEr24HDU-X8c3GcbSoH4AQF0K2er6i_Ot7i2eDRmxytWs-vBa5UM8gdpz=s1079" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="946" data-original-width="1079" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhO8H88P1XWAe9fEwDLsr5MDGI3d6tQ5JDkHjQw4y21g4oiKZq9L1GaP-R-UOF7Fbs6v8JCyusSpL84D0saBLqAzszHTZBVMvCxV5foGlne0YGgBjvFdMVL2sU4eH7GyPXdEr24HDU-X8c3GcbSoH4AQF0K2er6i_Ot7i2eDRmxytWs-vBa5UM8gdpz=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> In the Lore of Polk, looking back way into the past, you find a special relationship with Oakville based Cameron's Brewing. Many an elbow bent at their monthly Cask Nights way back in the early days of my writing about beer and life, friends made and beers shared as we watched our community grow and change. It's been a while since we saw them for such a party, but hopefully one day soon we will return to the brewery for frivolity and pints. But 2021 did see a lot of exciting releases from the brewery and while I was leaning toward the retuun of the Rye Pale Ale for The Ten, this one kept nudging it aside in my memory...good beer. Beste Bock came out in February and returned again in their holiday mix pack, a rare double threat in a single calendar year that cemented it's position with a tasty roasted malt back and smooth presentaion. It harkened to a time not quite lost, but cloudy with many days passed by. It was delightful to feel the memories brighten and the skies clear from the first sip onward. </div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in February 2021 :</div><div>"<i><b>Dang.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Well, better yet...damn.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Cameron's Brewing doesn't go crazy with new releases, but the ones they drop are so on point that I never miss one. First up for 2021 is the 6.6% Beste Bock, a smooth and delightful pint of awesome to kick off my night. Roasty and rich with toffee, caramel and cocoa, bitter but not overpowering, a great dark lager that is right what I want in my glass as the cold winds blow. Cheers! 4.6/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/wHio8QN1KbI" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://cameronsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Cameron's Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Collective Arts Brewing (Toronto) & Great Lakes Brewery Old Timer West Coast IPA</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESTMsV7BdlaAfwRmMSSsphL6gW3kvzGl8OAKfYvw9cqtL94Sl1NtyqZ01fx4fMinuufIehY0AI4Ev54pyONjxcLGEcvpelJVybj9LCNIFjHcZZ9C9ucfWMp6nCs2FtLkJiwTJC3eVT7SiL83Yxa8oPzyYFF18XPFKk6HqQmKVZ4uROfWglxUTNl7M=s1067" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhESTMsV7BdlaAfwRmMSSsphL6gW3kvzGl8OAKfYvw9cqtL94Sl1NtyqZ01fx4fMinuufIehY0AI4Ev54pyONjxcLGEcvpelJVybj9LCNIFjHcZZ9C9ucfWMp6nCs2FtLkJiwTJC3eVT7SiL83Yxa8oPzyYFF18XPFKk6HqQmKVZ4uROfWglxUTNl7M=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> When I began looking back at the year in beer for 2021, I found that between Collective Arts (TO) and Great Lakes Brewery combined I had posted 94 times (59 CATO, 45 GLB) or 14% of all my reviews for the entire 12 months. It was not just the sheer amount of new and returning beers that made that happen, although it certainly helped, it was also that there were so many bangers included in there. My top ten of each style will be littered with beers from both of these breweries and it came as no surprise to me as I perused my lists that this one jumped out at me from October. The label is one of my all-time favourites, a pigeon in a Hawaiian shirt, and the tasty West Coast IPA in the bottle were a combo made in hop heaven. It was so good, such a bold old school pint of pith and pine, it gave me pause and inspired the words that followed...</div><div><br /></div><div>What I wrote in October 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>You know what...this is the kind of beer I dream about when I dream about beer...which is often...especially after the day at work I just had...#beerme</b></i></div><div><i><b>Collective Arts (TO) and Great Lakes Brewery collaborated on this absolute gem of a pint and now I sit here enjoying the fruits of that labour.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Old Timer is a 6.9% (alright, alright, alright) West Coast IPA brewed with Simcoe, Cascade, Centennial & Columbus hops and it is all that you think an IPA from these two giants could be.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Bold grapefruit pith, lush tropical citrus pineapple and orange, earthy, resinous pine, a little spice and a smooth body that leads to a bitter finish that invites another sip, another bottle, another song to be sung. It is sunshine on a cloudy day, if it's cold outside, it's the whole month of May. I guess, you'd say, what could make me feel this way? This beer. This beer? Talking 'bout this beer...it's real damn good...seriously. Also, the bottle art from Franki Ludwig is outstanding and shall take up a place on one of the Walls of Fame I have down in The Crease. Don't miss this beer, it's one to remember when talking about the best of 2021...</b></i></div><div><i><b>Cheers! 4.8/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/-frfbzSQRYg" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://collectiveartsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Collective Arts Brewing</a> and <a href="https://www.greatlakesbeer.com/" target="_blank">Great Lakes Brewery</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Third Moon Brewing Kills Czech Pilsner</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWD-XwA6iUy4J90UvrzUYasxt6KOvMxZaCjvftijnfaGH-MXn3MtxwBY8K31_K9JKK4G9ZZKla-et6m4hUnrvTQELX4ljYDL2kgDjpNGZq5GTKnSnEmWIXENWI5NqTu3MDBca9mqYkaHpvNUy-gaPoslo69FsTZ9Gi8khRhWAHmglBDqJkCaBboI1T=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1080" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWD-XwA6iUy4J90UvrzUYasxt6KOvMxZaCjvftijnfaGH-MXn3MtxwBY8K31_K9JKK4G9ZZKla-et6m4hUnrvTQELX4ljYDL2kgDjpNGZq5GTKnSnEmWIXENWI5NqTu3MDBca9mqYkaHpvNUy-gaPoslo69FsTZ9Gi8khRhWAHmglBDqJkCaBboI1T=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div> Here's the thing, I could do a top ten of just Third Moon beer and still have a dozen more clamoring to join the list. They produced a mega-ton of excellent IPAs, Double and Triple IPAs, rich and heavy stouts from pasty to barrel aged and still I would tell you if you wanted to see the true talent of the folks from Milton that this was the beer that showcases pure genius. Kills left absolutely no doubt that they could capture the magic of any style they choose to brew, a straight piece of ambrosia I called it then and I can still feel it now. Nowhere to hide and nothing to do but straight up put everything into this style which so many fail to deliver on. I know it's easy to dismiss a Czech Pilsner as just a beer that tastes like a beer, but this is so much more and I think it deserves a bigger audience and much more love. I can still feel the luxury of what it brought to my glass, the noble largesse of centuries of brewing in a single can of excellence.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in April 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>Because they can and because they can do it oh so well.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Third Moon Brewing drops a 5.8% Czech Pilsner like it ain't no thing and I would kindly like to acclaim them from the top of The Grotto to the bench in The Crease as absolute beauts. Banger of a Pils, this one is. Named Kills with a solid label art to back it up, pour slowly and let that head build. Fluffy, boo-boo. Solidly built piece by lagered piece, it is crisp, clean and a pure joy to behold. Blessed be the Saaz.</b></i></div><div><i><b> Hay, toasty malt back, noble hop spice, touch of sweet, touch of bitter, touch of gold. Beautiful. Full. Rich for the style, little left unsaid. Constant sipping, angling for a little more each time. If ever a beer needed a second can just because the two beer buzz would be pure ambrosia...it is this. </b></i></div><div><i><b>Cheers! </b></i></div><div><i><b>5/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/F9hABOCqNqw" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://thirdmoonbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Third Moon Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Collective Arts Brewing English IPA</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz4twe0ui5XCJGs2XB775bC5dYxHIV9VS15sOW812z50s-7JkEjVMrSVwgqCzlbm7VesMGmhGrNc377FbOeGkt0VFlSUCiGjjZBn0SKUiWcWrYCBugPCUumMOgF7d8GFc8_0pu3ndgyGi9Oi8zPSqVFh6RV-LHdBXQ6t0AFTS2CEtQVIdsVGsgmA2r=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1080" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz4twe0ui5XCJGs2XB775bC5dYxHIV9VS15sOW812z50s-7JkEjVMrSVwgqCzlbm7VesMGmhGrNc377FbOeGkt0VFlSUCiGjjZBn0SKUiWcWrYCBugPCUumMOgF7d8GFc8_0pu3ndgyGi9Oi8zPSqVFh6RV-LHdBXQ6t0AFTS2CEtQVIdsVGsgmA2r=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div> The funny thing about a beer that comes roaring into your life and then disappears is that you begin to wonder if it was all just a fever dream. A brief respite from the swirling world of darkness that surrounds us today, a bright mark leading us up to the light of day. I don't know is this beer will ever return, but Collective Arts brought a spark of happy in April of 2021 and I carried it with me all year long. The simply named English IPA brought back memories of my early forays into craft beer, the malty toasted biscuit backbone accentuated with Mosaic, Chinook, Citra and Nugget hops amping it all up. It was so good, posted about it again a week or so later because I had gone back for another 6-pack and wanted more people to know about this gorgeous pint of love. I can still remember the joy it brought me and maybe one day we will meet again,,,</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in April 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>Catch me outside, drinking beer.</b></i></div><div><i><b>Collective Arts Brewing 6.5% English IPA with Mosai, Chinook, Citra and Nugget hops dropped into my life today and I am very happy to find this little bit of sunshine amongst the gray to give life hope. Solid bready toasted malt body with a fruity bit of citrus, noble hop spice, toffee and a bitter finish that feels like you need another sip. It's an excellent damn beer, precisely what is needed right now amongst all the choices I have in my fridge. It speaks to me on a deeper level, taking me back to the beginning when all this started and this kind of bitter but accessible IPA was my introduction to a life much different than I knew before. Maybe another pint is needed to shake out some of the dread of the last few days, we need a break and a little self care could be more important than we know. Stay safe, stay sane, stay the fuck at home and get beer delivered...Cheers! 4.7/5</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>You can find the video review over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/JEovpferDLQ" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://collectiveartsbrewing.com/" target="_blank">Collective Arts Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Meuse Brewing Saison de la Meuse</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJkmJYF20xXc7zYE_GCNaGr9GI5a8gGG69W9-tHafhWJHCiAtCu-mCsmsP1pQwgwijniet_KL0TlTGFDFPYtDsFRa5jZsI_AxfXvr-dq7o7yH11njrBu8bt7IgWbh9PaslwiDWsySe08bA8YTsuU37DpTZJFUa4YkZWlwYGs4ijgVnuMlLwcILBZzw=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1080" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJkmJYF20xXc7zYE_GCNaGr9GI5a8gGG69W9-tHafhWJHCiAtCu-mCsmsP1pQwgwijniet_KL0TlTGFDFPYtDsFRa5jZsI_AxfXvr-dq7o7yH11njrBu8bt7IgWbh9PaslwiDWsySe08bA8YTsuU37DpTZJFUa4YkZWlwYGs4ijgVnuMlLwcILBZzw=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div> From beginning to end, this list is about not just excellence, it is about moments in time that live on in your mind with reckless abandon. It is about love and joy and life being lived in that moment with every fiber of your being and then finding a way to carry that with you as you move on and the hours and days become years and decades. Writ large in beer is a personal story each brewery has, the tales of beginnings and risks, of dreams laid out in every release and the hope that the world will see what you see and enjoy that with every pint they pour. This is a romantic view, I know, but if you've had a chance to visit Meuse Brewing in Scotland, Ontario, then you may have some sense that there is romance to be found in the stories and tales of dreamers who chase down rainbows. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZXqfwQfcF_71S-l3LLi6Hbwqb2TQHFj9VumXJ0cHKT6JraP0Cayicz8UMjylT6Xt3vrGbM1bn3HLBX5nuhE__0Hba9VUNm9UTMuRpSLS8EFtJ5vn67rWf4PL0cJoH-fHPoxywMTahIjGBlQWCViRQyRCOGB8pcPdblLfEHacynSvLlTKI2oh2_LdG=s1079" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1079" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZXqfwQfcF_71S-l3LLi6Hbwqb2TQHFj9VumXJ0cHKT6JraP0Cayicz8UMjylT6Xt3vrGbM1bn3HLBX5nuhE__0Hba9VUNm9UTMuRpSLS8EFtJ5vn67rWf4PL0cJoH-fHPoxywMTahIjGBlQWCViRQyRCOGB8pcPdblLfEHacynSvLlTKI2oh2_LdG=s320" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>Saison de la Meuse is their flagship beer, a Saison that entered the market saturated with IPAs and sour beers and made a name for itself amongst folks who know their stuff when it comes to beer. Rising to the heights of the legends who came before them like Saison DuPont and (in my humble opinion) Saison Davenport from Shacklands, Meuse brought the truest form of Belgian beer to the world and in doing so gave us a chance to have a moment of real and true zen inspiration. They have a solid beer list of varied styles, their Cuvee is divine, but this working person beer is something very, very special and if you want to have a chance at a golden hour, find it and join us.</div><div> I had zero hesitation in placing this beer at the top of The Ten for 2021, I can still enjoy it today, a small reserve stock in my fridge and finding it at some LCBOs for good measure means it can be brought out as needed for inspiration. The memory of that day I had it for the first time remains vivid in my mind and the pureness of what I felt is a much needed boost as we continue to work though what the world has been thought the last two years. This beer is joy and for that, my love is won.</div><div><br /></div><div>What I said in May 2021 : </div><div>"<i><b>Well now, isn't this a beautiful beer for a lovely day. </b></i></div><div><i><b>Meuse Brewing Saison De La Meuse is a 5.0% Farmhouse Blond Ale that is a world class entry from a very new brewery from Scotland, Ontario. It's got all the things I need from this style, bright with light citrus, herbal and floral notes, banana, clove and a solid peppery back, this is what we need more of in beer right now. You can feel the dedication and love in it, I'm a fan and will be adding this to our Grotto fridge rotation as Summer 2021 steams towards us. Get some at the LCBO, if yours doesn't have it, ask for it, this is a real and true genuine 5/5. Cheers!</b></i>"</div><div><br /></div><div>Video review can be found over on the <a href="https://youtu.be/Xg9QfyXb92w" target="_blank">YouTubes</a>.</div><div>Order beer from <a href="https://meusebrewing.com/" target="_blank">Meuse Brewing</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> That's a wrap on The Ten for another year, look for my Best of 2021 by style list later next week and of course, The Disappointments of 2021 and Predictions for 2022. I'd like to also drop a huge Thank You to everyone who's following along. I wish you happiness and love for the coming year and may your glass never be wanting of good beer. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Polk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWXEABCCF64_LIvYPCK7ALY70RGjiIGdWDkiFuw5viAUTemEiU3eOXYvrAQAQAJ8q9tmNNvuN3ucmx6NRMY-TPeacbdOeN3BDETTsRASXhefEtqT1KrsRTi5UiZx8NizuEGDkp10cn7yAuNBP2ABqFxvc_n_w5bN04Vn6twIiGXCHFBv_FvEKYzOWY=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWXEABCCF64_LIvYPCK7ALY70RGjiIGdWDkiFuw5viAUTemEiU3eOXYvrAQAQAJ8q9tmNNvuN3ucmx6NRMY-TPeacbdOeN3BDETTsRASXhefEtqT1KrsRTi5UiZx8NizuEGDkp10cn7yAuNBP2ABqFxvc_n_w5bN04Vn6twIiGXCHFBv_FvEKYzOWY=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-67013207705119892742021-12-23T21:18:00.002-05:002021-12-23T21:18:41.027-05:00Polk's 2021 Festivus Message<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBeP8fSkECg-Juq72WlKPy1QuThFMHbkd5a__mcbt8qnUjpB2pRPxXcGNNUTISDxMI6dNitBKp7TNXRmvTB2l69V7XVzvmjla_UWFUQIxwxBYfZGQxmQuWHMXB95kmOqTF2aSG6WjzIHdeaV7I1CNA0E2acTFggxS7xe4u0EHi7WLmQUs4z1Q_Hqsn=s3492" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3492" data-original-width="3492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBeP8fSkECg-Juq72WlKPy1QuThFMHbkd5a__mcbt8qnUjpB2pRPxXcGNNUTISDxMI6dNitBKp7TNXRmvTB2l69V7XVzvmjla_UWFUQIxwxBYfZGQxmQuWHMXB95kmOqTF2aSG6WjzIHdeaV7I1CNA0E2acTFggxS7xe4u0EHi7WLmQUs4z1Q_Hqsn=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Happy Festivus fuckers!<p></p><p>Usually I'd be knee deep into my grievances...but this year, well, I'm just happy to still be around.</p><p>I can't hold onto that angry kind of energy anymore, life is far too short and way too precious for that kind of nonsense. I don't know, I'm a guy who holds grudges...some for decades...but what does that get anyone? I'm gonna try and be a better person in 2022, seriously, I've been doing a lot of soul searching the last few months, trying to find something, anything to spark that kind of love I used to feel for life and living, it had long been snuffed out and silenced by worry, anger and the sheer weight of a life gone off the rails. But I keep trying, even through a pandemic, the sheer stupidity of it all and personal choices that left me wondering what the hell I was thinking. </p><p>But I'm trying, I'm laughing and I'm gonna have a couple drinks while the lights shine off the aluminum pole. Be kind to each other and yourself, it's been a helluva time for everyone. Cut yourself some slack, Lord knows you need a break, we all do...Happy Festivus, next year let's celebrate together! It's a #Festivus miraculum!</p><p>Cheers! </p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-31552961059847070332021-12-09T15:03:00.000-05:002021-12-09T15:03:21.668-05:00A Couple, Three Pints with : Clifford Brewing<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq_SIEIQ797DqhACAxzEbGo-r7ThRRVDFe3MDfChLTNpQlIRnyOzdDycRKcoS8y-40jXeQKwFN7c7dXXVUvKTl6DNPtqkl8LfWe6tVf656NUP0c3Iu5tFhu1vvw-nK1jtayHseyO9UAmiX9utaItu-olMvJbFEqj7jRH_ueyiSzzWA-kJLx0Yq14tC=s1709" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="1709" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhq_SIEIQ797DqhACAxzEbGo-r7ThRRVDFe3MDfChLTNpQlIRnyOzdDycRKcoS8y-40jXeQKwFN7c7dXXVUvKTl6DNPtqkl8LfWe6tVf656NUP0c3Iu5tFhu1vvw-nK1jtayHseyO9UAmiX9utaItu-olMvJbFEqj7jRH_ueyiSzzWA-kJLx0Yq14tC=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /> W<span style="font-size: large;">e go to a taproom/bar/pub with thoughts of enjoying a respite from the world. We want to sit, enjoy a couple pints and then make our way home again, six pack in hand and some of our troubles left behind. I endeavour to do this more often in the coming year and I'm gonna take you along with me as I pull up a chair and grab a beer.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"> 'A Couple, Three Pints With :' will be my ongoing series of exploring different places to enjoy a beer or three while talking about atmosphere, quality, experience and whatever else happens when I settle in for an evening or afternoon at leisure, because life is for livin' and beer is for drinkin'.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRyLwrXt3XGMyRkDPxChG1xsXwX2pb7u8olm0Exeoqt5KQCOcBVwvAWTUV7xdng7YWdlUdlchujDuBRmokgua75bXqa39ZG6hNFswQx2Sf4D6hbNp20yXQLCs0wHY1wBRPNDw0aJkTm4BLKmqbQRVd_SBH8xq_MdxX98xnCzsqL4ZjzZiiQxE-FyOA=s1590" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="1590" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRyLwrXt3XGMyRkDPxChG1xsXwX2pb7u8olm0Exeoqt5KQCOcBVwvAWTUV7xdng7YWdlUdlchujDuBRmokgua75bXqa39ZG6hNFswQx2Sf4D6hbNp20yXQLCs0wHY1wBRPNDw0aJkTm4BLKmqbQRVd_SBH8xq_MdxX98xnCzsqL4ZjzZiiQxE-FyOA=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Up first is the closest brewery to my home, a ten minute drive and we pull up to Clifford Brewing, a large interior that somehow feels like an East-end Hammer pub...seriously. The long bar and high top tables are accentuated by the additional picnic tables and odds and end tables and chairs that fill up fast on music nights, which prior to the pandemic was what Clifford was becoming known for. As a live music venue, the acoustics are quite wonderful and a mix of musical styles certainly lends to the atmosphere when the amps appear. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> My usual stop in is on the way home from work, picking up something for the fridge at home and engaging in a pint or two of self-care...especially if Danny, Brad or Matt happen to be hanging around the bar. I'm not much of one for small talk, but a beer in hand and solid conversation is something I do enjoy and that is part of what brings me back again and again. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8o-DBXUAjrMGSdQ5SEX1PkoRvrdqHl6zETBW0CjecrscTXkTyk_V09pK545gbHcl3LDAHrn9Gf9srIA7S1FC2MUPGkIFpxs2U9dSd-EVlYQ3o5T8zfqdb3riEF71S1cTGGmqe74eOWFUzwdFqCTgxEQ4tTa3p4JRKBRJMMcr2NooEQw51PqRpPNhj=s1702" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="1702" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8o-DBXUAjrMGSdQ5SEX1PkoRvrdqHl6zETBW0CjecrscTXkTyk_V09pK545gbHcl3LDAHrn9Gf9srIA7S1FC2MUPGkIFpxs2U9dSd-EVlYQ3o5T8zfqdb3riEF71S1cTGGmqe74eOWFUzwdFqCTgxEQ4tTa3p4JRKBRJMMcr2NooEQw51PqRpPNhj=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> The huge variety of styles is another big reason I love it here, not overloaded with too many IPAs or sours, balanced and with an eye to making sure there truly is something on tap for every kind of beer drinker. The simple flavour profile of The Crusher (4% Light Lager) and easy going crushability of East Hamilton (5% Lager) open the palate for a little more adventure, although I will say that the 24's of each of these two beers must flow pretty well out the door when this blue collar town strides in at the end of the work week. Beer is for drinking for most of us and these two fit that bill of beer that tastes like a damn beer. If you're wanting to step things up a little bit, explore the next level as it were, you then could easily get into Chainlink (5% Vienna Lager) or Dark Streets of London (5.2% ESB). These two will change the game for some people, they bring a little more malt character forward and edge up the flavour complexity without getting too big or bitter. The journey continues with the flagship Porter (5.9%) and the latest stout, albeit a white one, Spider Palace (4.8%), challenging the everyday lagers with rich and robust dark roasted malt flavours. The classic Pinball (5.7% Pale Ale) and Devil's Punchbowl (4.8% India Session Lager) bring the senses up with more hops and bitterness, citrus and malt backbones give more zip to the proceedings. There are two IPAs on tap, usually only two and with an eye to not allowing an overwhelming list of this style to dominate the room, it ensures freshness of consumption and an appreciation for what each delivers. Currently it is the tropical citrus pineapple forward Valhalla (6.2% Kveik IPA) and the smooth, mango pineapple and orange All Roads (8% Double IPA, a collab with Grain & Grit). Both are very fresh and top of the game when they hit your glass\. I have and do enjoy them both, although All Roads has been really hitting the mark and may be one of the best beers I've had in 2021. By not having five or six IPAs on tap, it makes sure we get fresh product and don't see a style of beer that is best experienced fresh sit and fade because there are simply too many of them. A sour and seltzer round out the options and while Clifford does not currently have a kitchen, food trucks often are brought in on weekends to serve the hungry patrons. Bring your own food or have something delivered, it's all the same to the brewery, that is what makes it feel a little more like it belongs in my end of town.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheK2ZffndSLXl8JhbIKVKV1SYfRga18Pd1MYTtReCF_I8Odw3s47n-BWqtVj3HzbqPsqGAnvgeyTG8nJOrT0Y2JQVSaOxtaobJKlNHCCX0HELRdFOJZ-LlcC_d6TiON9N1Trr-fToPNMtA8yuh0dg0TdGiNrHvrXQnrdzQYyZOT141SFvQVizdwRZh=s1628" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="1626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheK2ZffndSLXl8JhbIKVKV1SYfRga18Pd1MYTtReCF_I8Odw3s47n-BWqtVj3HzbqPsqGAnvgeyTG8nJOrT0Y2JQVSaOxtaobJKlNHCCX0HELRdFOJZ-LlcC_d6TiON9N1Trr-fToPNMtA8yuh0dg0TdGiNrHvrXQnrdzQYyZOT141SFvQVizdwRZh=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> As for atmosphere or ambiance, it is decidedly laid back, laconic and easy going. Brad Clifford has a Big Lebowski-esque demeanor of cool that permeates throughout his like named brewery and that translates down to the staff and beer drinkers alike. You feel like the stress of your day disappears when you walk through the doors, it dissipates more after your first sip and you can feel the mellow vibe settle over you as you chat with fellow drinkers and those behind the bar. It is beer in an unrushed state, a congenial place that feels like what bars used to be, a meeting place to gather and enjoy the company for friends with some seriously good libations. There is a jovial feel to every conversation, no doubt a beer helps ease the anxious moments of the day, but it is something that radiates outward while you settle in for a spell. I am often struck by how easy it all feels to be part of the gang who call this their regular spot even if you're here for the first time. The people who make up the team at Clifford also offer knowledgeable directions to each beer to those who need them. Recognizing that there are a lot of people who don't know what each style has to offer and bringing them the information and finding something they can enjoy is a big part of making patrons feel comfortable and coming back again and again. It isn't about being flashy, this brewery has more than enough accolades and awards to showcase what they can do with beer, including the 2019 Canadian Brewery of the Year, but they do it with a sense of pride and commitment to delivering beer that is what it says it is and that is the kind of bottom line stuff that impresses me most. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> It's not hyperbole to say that I enjoy my visits to Clifford immensely. The last two years have seen my ability to travel and sit down in a taproom curtailed by safety concerns and personal trepidation about the world gone mad. It has affected me in ways I couldn't have imagined, but I will do what I have done for the past 6 years and use beer and my love of writing about beer to bring myself back to the world. Starting this trip all over again, it seems right to begin at Clifford, where you'll find me coming back again because it feels like home.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> For more about Clifford or to order beer for delivery, check them out here : <a href="https://cliffordbrewing.com/">https://cliffordbrewing.com/</a></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqkkJQ67BVG2bZY3X8DkkPSgCi1e3aBbvCYAAOAo88JMR8YUTnG4C5OWm3ZXzy9qAcbLd7UCaZi_CpQIr2Gq7rK01Fo8Kf3R8FGQxKm3UQGFEaNP7pqxGXpJxiG6Whr-fjoSMa5VgS2zdrliDZ9WmivEOznZCtCT0-CSYnEwdADYqrh6ahG70Stbny=s1620" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1620" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqkkJQ67BVG2bZY3X8DkkPSgCi1e3aBbvCYAAOAo88JMR8YUTnG4C5OWm3ZXzy9qAcbLd7UCaZi_CpQIr2Gq7rK01Fo8Kf3R8FGQxKm3UQGFEaNP7pqxGXpJxiG6Whr-fjoSMa5VgS2zdrliDZ9WmivEOznZCtCT0-CSYnEwdADYqrh6ahG70Stbny=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-8066904679029172232021-11-17T22:49:00.005-05:002021-11-17T22:49:55.372-05:00Goodbye...Polk love forever....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgr4XK3xAEysSsB-9jKHk_aWr8A9LoZhUE9ijR9D8ftX1Fe0Y-m4uzT-wUv_AQ2lkklcgojZ6ZmNWpQtMUuU8rnnrNmd14dCXpALfvxS8Un9TcQ1WBOEKDmGb3IVIC1umJp6fov54RZ4/s1440/IMG_20211117_220305_287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgr4XK3xAEysSsB-9jKHk_aWr8A9LoZhUE9ijR9D8ftX1Fe0Y-m4uzT-wUv_AQ2lkklcgojZ6ZmNWpQtMUuU8rnnrNmd14dCXpALfvxS8Un9TcQ1WBOEKDmGb3IVIC1umJp6fov54RZ4/s320/IMG_20211117_220305_287.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I drink beer because it makes my day a little better.</p><p>Sometimes it's just one...other times it's more...I'm a drinker, not an accountant, so numbers are often lost on me....but here we are.</p><p>Loss is tough, family means everything to me but I've been absent a lot in the last decade while I've just been trying to survive and come out breathing when I wake up the next morning...you know, regular stuff. I'm knee deep in reflecting on it all as we get ready to say goodbye to the Matriarch of half my family, 96 years seems like a blink of an eye and a long life at the same time when we find a huge hole where my Granny used to be, maybe I'll have a couple, three beers and wonder about what it all means. I know we tend to lean into the happy, the shiny new thing and all that jazz, but honestly, having a six pack of beer from Collective Arts Brewing Toronto in my fridge just because I can is not something I ever think about, it just is. I know the sadness of tomorrow, the goodbye to a very huge part of my life, but tonight I'm gonna crack some pints, tell some stories and know that we are never really gone as long as someone remembers us...be good, be kind and be better because we only get one shot at this life and you want to leave a legacy of kindness and love like my Granny has... </p><p>She'll live on long after I'm gone because she was always ready to embrace and cherish the people who loved her so much. I used to think I had forever to get stuff done, but I feel that weight of years now and know I need to do the things I want to do in this moment because we have no promise of a sunrise tomorrow. </p><p>Love from Polk, many thanks to everyone who messaged is over the last 24 hours, you made an old guy feel very loved....take care of yourselves,the folks you love and your community because we are all just trying to get by with a little beer, love and kindness ...Cheers!</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-58517455795551488882021-09-06T20:25:00.006-04:002021-09-06T20:28:29.306-04:00Happy the Sads...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5KCA_yW_f3cQBevDS5yYYGdSLA27fWXMIaqAkcM0mSyp-5tR97ae_hrLeDncVzUh6OsW64BCqafN1snGXdZe3mnZkIkwcx-WypycvT7j1MpM7t9udR0fr97EDfMZ4fzNihJw4gPIiM0/s1634/IMG_20210906_202322_138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5KCA_yW_f3cQBevDS5yYYGdSLA27fWXMIaqAkcM0mSyp-5tR97ae_hrLeDncVzUh6OsW64BCqafN1snGXdZe3mnZkIkwcx-WypycvT7j1MpM7t9udR0fr97EDfMZ4fzNihJw4gPIiM0/s320/IMG_20210906_202322_138.jpg" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Happy the Sads.</p><p>Want to admit it or not, it's what the booze does...</p><p>The world is on fire, literally.</p><p>The pandemic marches on.</p><p>The arguments roll and roll and roll and fucking roll...</p><p>I'm out...for a bit...but not really...</p><p>Pour me a double, rocks, and be quick about it.</p><p>My heart is big, I love a lot, I want to see happiness expand and grow. </p><p>I really do </p><p>I want folks to feel safe and right and heard. I have looked deep into my heart and despite its inherent darkness, a spark of light exists. </p><p>The next few weeks will be trying, they will be anxious and they will no doubt make us feel divided even more...I've been on that fence and seen the other side arm and prepare...but that shouldn't be us...aren't we better than that?</p><p>I'm here, drink in hand, a la Dean, saying let's talk, because shouting ain't getting us anywhere near love...but we gotta come together, otherwise we come apart...god damn it, I just want to drink, laugh and be happy...and that's all I want for you too...</p><p>The choice is simple, we saddle up and ride this eternity together or we drift alone into oblivion tossing meaningless arrows at each other...what's it gonna be? I'm here and ready to be part of the next step....</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Polk</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-84629286474111857802021-08-09T21:59:00.002-04:002021-08-09T21:59:29.035-04:006000 posts later...still here<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzPGYpBzWNgsdmFsn2pOzHfZSBN8FTMpkPlYdg9zEQvwArs_O57JkLyy60DPioaBoRULMwWUkZRQKbbTOvMeVtTjca629Ge5SXsfFyZtKoIG1tDXvDnv3tcf4H1XwtYi_B034OwfVX_o/s1440/IMG_20210809_215821_798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzPGYpBzWNgsdmFsn2pOzHfZSBN8FTMpkPlYdg9zEQvwArs_O57JkLyy60DPioaBoRULMwWUkZRQKbbTOvMeVtTjca629Ge5SXsfFyZtKoIG1tDXvDnv3tcf4H1XwtYi_B034OwfVX_o/s320/IMG_20210809_215821_798.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We still out here...</p><p>6000.</p><p>That seems like a lot.</p><p>Is it though?</p><p>There is almost a decade of my life where there are no photos of me in existence. I was absent from the kind of life where people took your picture, save a mug shot...or an errant background capture at the family Christmas party where you showed up because you needed something to keep you going...life isn't always pretty, I've lived ugly for a lot of years...the scars are deep but they push up sometimes....that's why we have beer. Joke or not, a couple, three beers is an okay time to let the past go and the ache of what was lost goes away for a little while. I get maudlin sometimes, but I like where I have come to, where I've overcome and where I may go, I'm not done yet, but sweet jebus I like a few pints to take the edge off and I know that's not exactly the message in the echo chamber of beer instagram that's kosher or acceptable...but here I still am, intact, pouring another pint and telling y'all I love ya because I've seen the bottom, clawed my way back up and I'm here for anyone who needs a hand up or a shoulder to lean on. I don't know, I'm just a regular dude, maybe a little more into beer than someone should be but at my heart I'm a blue collar, simple man who just wants some love to find its place in the world and the emptiness to stop feeling so vast...thank you for all the indulgence you've given me, I'm trying to earn every moment you deem me worthy of having...</p><p>Polk</p><div><br /></div>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8412850803698003095.post-39113358575275548692021-08-03T20:01:00.004-04:002021-08-03T20:01:51.939-04:00Set Adrift on the Memory Bliss....<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8DKfR2fR6HNgwlCQD7pg2TGwZY7LhB3z_HxGRbWGXnZXNrgqs00PnH0FgUd_HZyhqXZ9vCiO_B0t4gd3JlxHltD_KAab5SIjn_5GOOeyuOb2w0bL6Drzd2qq-u1vM426GTZ56b5bxgk/s1440/IMG_20210803_200019_149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8DKfR2fR6HNgwlCQD7pg2TGwZY7LhB3z_HxGRbWGXnZXNrgqs00PnH0FgUd_HZyhqXZ9vCiO_B0t4gd3JlxHltD_KAab5SIjn_5GOOeyuOb2w0bL6Drzd2qq-u1vM426GTZ56b5bxgk/s320/IMG_20210803_200019_149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>A couple pints and I'm set adrift on a memory bliss...</p><p>In the mid 90s I was completely lost, emotionally and more, feeling the need to recoup and recalibrate my life. I returned home to my parent's place after a less than stellar couple of years and began hanging out at a local bar called Shuffles, a pub filled with the riff raff of East end Hammer life, myself included.</p><p>On occasion I would get to drink some beers and shots with a couple of my Uncles. To me, mid 20's broken hearted Polk, they were sage elders, bringing wisdom from the mountain top, along with whiskey shots and pitchers of beer. It wasn't many times, I drank alone or with whoever hung out the longest in the bar a lot of the time, but the image remains of getting to hang out with them and feel like I wasn't some dumbass kid who had completely fucked up his life at that point. I felt like I belonged and along with some other old drunks who'd taken me under their wings, I felt accepted. It was a weird time between loves and as life changed so did I, moving on and leaving behind that sacred temple of cabbage rolls, perogies and $5 pitchers of Canadian...but sometimes I reminisce about those days and smile a little at the time I had.</p><p>Then the other day I was thinking of those real good times and pondered just how old my late Uncle Tom and, (still with us, cheers!) Uncle Lloyd were back then and realised that not only weren't they old then, I'm damn near the age they WERE then now... when I though they were old guys drinking with me.</p><p>Seriously.</p><p>I'm the old guy who should be dispensing life wisdom at the local pub, listening to stories of love and loss and life and offering insights into a world the young folks are just dipping a toe in. I know it's a silly thing, but I feel a very real connection to them and all they taught me, whether they meant to or not, because it's lasted almost 3 decades and that means something to me. </p><p>So when this is all done, or maybe before, I'll think I need to find a local spot to hang out, spend some time doing what I do best, drinkin', thinkin' and helping the next generation find their way forward.</p><p>To my Uncles, I say thank you....love you...</p><p><br /></p><p>Polk</p>Pints with Polkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13474528314905458656noreply@blogger.com0