Sunday Beers - In Praise of Milds, Bitters and Brown Ales

 

 Imagine a lazy Sunday afternoon in a warm and cozy pub, maybe on a patio if the weather is nice, but the main components are still the same. Good friends, good beer and hours with nothing to do but enjoy both at your leisure. For a lot of people, the beer is as much a part of the experience as the folks you spend it with and while we are ways off from just all getting out there and filling the pubs and taprooms, the time is coming round again. While many chase the latest craze in haze or double down on big, boozy stouts, I want to take a few moments and talk about the low ABV offerings, why they are so important to me and why I call them Sunday beers.

Sunday Beers are all about the hours. They imply a leisurely pace to drinking them and a focus on good conversation and interaction with your companions than getting hammered while pounding back 8% pints of something hopped up or barrel aged. It is about the 5% and less English Milds, Brown Ales and the like, which bring a fine sessionability to the table along with great flavour and a complex profile that is also ready for multiple pints. Rounds for the table and enjoying food while imbibing in an unhurried atmosphere are what I feel when I pop the top on a Mild. It lends itself to easy drinking, with the low alcohol allowing more than a couple without falling into drunkenness and as I continue to evolve as a beer drinker and a person, I appreciate that a lot more than I used to.

While I suppose any sub 5% beer would do, a lager or pils perhaps, I think there is something about the flavour of these styles that brings this feeling of communal drinking, no time frame and an easy afternoon with your pals. The base maltiness delivers more than a simple lager can and the toffee or caramel combined with a solid bitterness that isn't overwhelming and actually invites another sip and then another. They are easy going beers in a busy world and my love of this style continues to grow. I wish there were more of them and that they were easily accessible for drinking at home right now, at the pub in the future. The problem, of course, lies in profitability and giving the shiny things to the loudest people. IPAs sell, hazy ones all the better. Big and bold pastry or barrel aged beers stouts bring a big price point and fruited sours still drive the pretty pictures on the internet. But and it's an anecdotal one I know, I think their is a market for the Milds, the Brown Ale or even the English style Pale or ESB. These beers have loads character but their accessibility to the novice craft beer drinker is a big plus to their potential.

  I often wonder what things will feel like when we can gather once again in larger numbers in taprooms and pubs. Will it be different? Will we appreciate it more, the connectedness of us all sharing a few pints on a lazy Sunday afternoon? Will we finally find a peace with enjoying a good beer without chasing the hype? I have been feeling nostalgic for a thing I never had when it comes to these styles, perhaps it is my longing for that kind of friendship again that I had when I was a denzien of a Dive Bar...but with better beer. 

Take the road less travelled and marvel at what you'll find in your glass.

Polk

Day Drinking

 

   It's a beautiful morning, the sun is shining and you have the day off. This is an opportune time to get some work done around the house, finish up a few projects and clean up that garage.

Or.

  You could settle into your favourite spot and enjoy a few beverages all day long while doing absolutely nothing.
 
Day drinking is one of those things that few know how to do properly and with society looking on, most avoid. I am not advocating sloppy drunkenness by 10 a.m. but I don't think there is anything wrong with the occasional day spent languidly exploring new beers and catching up on a little time for yourself. 


Here's a schedule for a perfect day spent imbibing and enjoying a little liquid vacation...


9 a.m. - It's time for a porter or stout. Cliché I know, but if your a coffee drinker like I am, that roasty bitterness will help give you a wake up call and a tasty one at that.


10 a.m. - It's time for a little pale ale in your glass as the sun rises a little higher and you want to spread your palate a little. Up the hops and bitterness level for a second pint.

11 a.m. - This is the sweet spot for a good wheat beer in my opinion. Pre lunch and still with the glow of a good night's sleep, the banana and orange notes feel like morning and that peppery backend will wake your palate up for lunch.

Noon - Lunch time! It is important to eat during a day drinking session and I am partial to a nice refreshing pilsner with my midday meal. Clean and crisp, it is perfect for almost anything you'd like to have to eat.

1 p.m. - Full and lounging around under the canopy, you reach for a red or brown ale, something you haven't had in a while and different from what has been in your glass all day. Enjoy a book or a little conversation before that wonderful nap time occurs.

2 p.m. - Nap time! Take a break, close your eyes and set aside your worries for a while. A half hour or so rights any ship and leaves you ready for the rest of the day.

3 p.m. - All the Hops! Time for the first bitter bomb of the day with a classic west coast IPA. It kicks the sleepy thoughts from your mind and pops the taste buds back into shape. Keep it under 7%, still a long way to go.

4 p.m. - That malty hopped up goodness needs a clean follow. Saison time as you prepare dinner. A farmhouse ale, whether funked up with some brett or traditional style will help keep you singing as you head into the back half of your sojourn from reality.

5 p.m. - Dinner time has arrived and as you cook up a feast or a lighter fare, it is time for a sour ale to make its' way into your glass. Tart and kicking up some fruity goodness, find one that suits your mood and enjoy the time spent at the BBQ or stove while your meal cooks.


6 p.m. - Sharing a meal means spending time with people you love. While savouring a fine dinner, why not enjoy a well made lager. Nothing to interfere with the flavours of the food, but rather a refreshing and slightly more flavourful old reliable to wash it all down with.


7 p.m. - Dishes in the dishwasher and a satisfied hunger means it is time to move into the night time. A hazy New England style IPA will do the trick here. Pillowy soft and juicy with a restrained bitterness that sets the stage for a final hurrah of the day.


8 p.m. - As the sun is setting, it is time to break into the cellar for a night cap of epic proportions. Maybe shared with someone close or slow sipped alone in contemplative silence. A big and roasty Bourbon Barrel aged stout or perhaps a barley wine would suit just where you are at this moment. Pour slow, drink slower and let the day end with a smile.


  A list missing a few styles but hey, it's just an idea. Pace your ABV and make sure to hydrate with water all day long. Pause and enjoy each beer for what it is, don't pound and mindlessly reach for another. Spread the joy out the entire day and make sure you have nowhere to go and nothing you need to do.
  Perhaps a little facetious but in all good humour comes a little truth*. Drink responsibly and know your limits.


Cheers!


Polk


*relax guys, it's all in good fun...

Day One - Polkapolooza 3 : Rise of Polk

Any time we hit the road in search of great craft beer, we are always on the lookout for the new and interesting. We seek a taproom with personality and the stories we find when we stop and take a seat at the table. We want to talk beer with the people who make make it and those who drink it. We are not purveyors of a fine lifestyle, but rather your regular working folk who do some things with a little more enthusiasm than your average person would require. Live large and explore isn't just something we say, we live it everyday and Polkapolooza is that special time of year when we shed the coils of work and home to celebrate Ontario Craft beer.
 

This year's tour kicked off on Sunday March 11th with an early morning 230 kilometre drive to the northeast of Toronto and the beautiful town of Bowmanville. Manantler Brewing was our destination and we arrived just as the doors opened to sidle up for a flight to kick things of for the week. Often we stop in and grab some bottles to try at home, sometimes a few samples to split and others, like this one, we are joined by distant old friends and new ones we just haven't met yet. First through the door was Josh, a young guy who is quickly building a name for himself in both the craft beer and woodworking worlds with his beautiful creations. Our old pal Glenn was next to show up as we were close to his hometown and it was a welcome sight to see a fellow beer writer settle in across from me. Jen and Shannon were last to arrive but would remain with us all day as we raced the clock of early closings to make all of our stops on Day 1 of Rise of Polk 2018.
  We ordered our flights and that's when Manantler's own beer saint Matt showed up and the bottles started to appear from behind a magic wall. Samples of past, present and future creations were doled out and the chat turned from where Manantler was, to where they are going in the context of a burgeoning scene in the region. Finding your voice and keeping the ball going forward is never easy in any business but when it comes to craft beer, the fickle nature of humanity is in full play.
 The taproom has grown since our visit last year and you can feel the vision becoming a vibe as Manantler grows to fill and respond to the needs of their community. Laughing and joking while discussing his own journey, Matt was the epitome of a good host as we reluctantly said our good byes after what was supposed to have been a half hour stop gone on 4 times that long. A common theme this week and one we will be addressing at the conclusion of these look backs. I'm not one to stop a good time so we threw the timetable out the window for the sake of just that.
 

Ringing up a solid amount of beers to go with some lovely gifts, we turned next to a brew pub beneath one of my favourite smokehouse restaurants in the province. Sir Monty's Brewing is located underneath Stuttering John's Smokehouse in Courtice, Ontario and has an English pub like feel to it as you descend the stairs. Jen, Shannon and Josh made the trip with us and as we walked in I was greeted by a couple of other beer loving pals we had met briefly a few weeks before at Left Field in Toronto. Out for a bite and a pint, they wanted to say hello and welcome me to their region as the tour kicked of on day one. I loved being able to chat with people who love great beer as much as me and was greeted warmly as we headed for our table by another fellow beer lover who was following along on social media. Extolling the virtues of both the food and drink, he was an example of something that became a theme more and more as we travelled. People are proud of their local craft brewery and want nothing more than to share that with you. Local is quickly becoming a watchword and something we will encounter as we look back and then forward on this week.
  Feeling the press of time, we split a few flights and found that the beer was promising with the Irish Red being the standout for both Kat and I. Only growler fills available, so we left with nothing but memories of meeting great people and a new brewery we will revisit when we can to see what changes as they grow.
 

Saying goodbye to Josh at this stop, we next made our way to two breweries in Whitby that we had spent considerable time in last year on the Beer Saints tour with our friends from all over Ontario. Brock Street Brewing is still awaiting their new downtown location as construction continues with it's usual delays and complications but their original location was full and rocking for a Sunday afternoon and we grabbed a few more cans to add to a generous gift Josh had delivered on their behalf earlier.
 

A short drive down the road led us to 5 Paddles Brewing and we once again stayed a little longer than planned as a few samples of their recent wares were tasted and discussed along with the purchase of some very anticipated IPAs and stouts. They have increased the space in the taproom by putting some retro movie seating and couches into the brewery proper and it was buzzing with folks enjoying an afternoon among the bright tanks and fermenters.
 

We next made our way to Whitby's newest addition and a big space with lots of possibilities. Little Beast Brewing has some very cool label art that incorporates their beast logo and will help them to stand out from the crowded sea of beer popping up in Ontario. Talking about the challenges of getting people out and visiting, we were soon joined by 3 more beer friends from the Society of Beer Drinking ladies on their way back from Ottawa and the room filled with excited chatter and raised glasses. Always good to get to see our friend Erica, however briefly, and we soon had to head out, with some tasty saisons to boot, and try to keep the day on track.
   

Town Brewing makes it 4 craft breweries in this town of 130,000 people and showcases the different philosophies and styles that help each stand out in the beer world. Known already for their fine beers, Town's sours and IPAs keep grabbing everyones' attention, and we took a seat to experience some samples of the beer and a much needed snack. The taproom was filled with people of all ages and the conversations were boisterous and happy as Sunday moved towards its closing. A place that would be at home in any city, we lingered to enjoy some tart treats and plan for the final leg of a 400 plus kilometre opening day.
 

Heading east toward home, we made an all too brief stop at Ajax's only craft brewery, the just turned one year old Falcon Brewing. Located in a strip mall like you'd find in any city, it had the feel of a neighbourhood bar with a bright, airy feel and a nice tap list. We grabbed a few bottles and made our apologies that we couldn't stay longer but our goal was in sight and the early closing times on Sundays made it impossible to sit and chat at every stop. So many people pop in and out of breweries every day and that is part of the larger story we will tell as the week goes on.

 

Jen and Shannon had beat us to our final destination and when we arrived at the 8th and final brewery, it was a bittersweet moment because we only had a little time left with these two who had stayed with us all day. Located in Markham, home to 329.000, Rouge River Brewing has quickly built a reputation for making great beer and pushing the envelope when it came to flavour. The Imperial Stout with coconuts was like drinking a chocolate bar through that tropical fruit and was outstanding and of course, the IPAs were spot on and deserved further reflection at home. The sun drew low in the sky and we knew the day was drawing to a close but we lingered a little at the bar having a little chat about beer and brewing with the guys from Rouge.
  Hugs and promises of future trip around Lake Ontario were exchanged as our young friends headed home and we did the same. It always feels heavy when Day1 is done because you realise how much is out there and how little we can actually do with the time we are given to explore. It was a great way to kick off Polkapolooza and this growing region will be a hot spot for people looking outside the typical Toronto centric view we too often have.
  Having said that, Monday would find us heading for the Big Smoke itself as I am not immune to the pull of Toronto and the 35+ craft breweries contained within. That story will come in good time but below I'll give you a snapshot of each stop and our impressions of each. Keep in mind, some of these were less than 15 minutes, while others stretched in an hour or more. Look all of them up next time you're out that way and experience it for yourself.

Cheers!
Polk

Polkapolooza Day 1 - Something Polk this way comes...the short and sweet

1. Manantler Brewing
Website - https://www.manantler.com/
Favourite Beer - Siesmic Narwhale Imperial IPA
1st Impression - Hanging out in a pal's rec room, but with better beer.
2. Sir Monty's Brewing
Website - https://www.sirmontys.com/
Favourite Beer - Irish Red Ale
1st Impression - A Fool and Flagon but less British
3. Brock Street Brewing
Website - http://www.brockstreetbrewing.com/
Favourite Beer - Black IPA from All Ontario Hops Competition
1st Impression - Bursting at the seems. Cramped and busy.
4. 5 Paddles Brewing
Website - https://www.5paddlesbrewing.ca/
Favourite Beer - In Your Face IPA
1st Impression - That punk bar you went to when you were cooler.
5. Little Beasts Brewing
Website - https://www.facebook.com/LittleBeastsBrewCo/
Favourite Beer - Dark Saison
1st Impression - Spacious and anxious.
6. Town Brewery
Website - http://townbrewery.ca/
Favourite Beer - Superfluos Sour Ale
1st Impression - If I had an older sister, this is where we would hang out
7. Falcon Brewing
Website - https://www.falconbrewingcompany.com/
Favourite Beer - Too soon to tell...
1st Impression - Your neighbourhood burger bar.
8. Rouge River Brewing
Website - https://www.rougeriverbrewingcompany.com/
Favourite Beer - Summer Pale Ale
1st Impression - Where the cool kids from high school ended up.

The Honest Review - Advocating for better beer.

 

   I think we have all been there. You grab a couple new beers at the Liquor store and rush home with your treasures, eagerly anticipating a night of exciting things. Chilled and waiting after dinner, you open the first one and watch the cascade of liquid fill your glass, hoping for the aromas and flavours to match what the brewer has promised. Watching the final drops flick into the foamy head, you sniff and feel like something's off. A little deeper perhaps and still, it comes up short. No worries though, clearly the first sip will reveal the true depth of character this beer has been presented to us with, flavours will surely come forth to justify you spending your beer budget on this exciting looking new beer.
  Except it doesn't and now you aren't sure what to do. Do you keep drinking it, clearly it isn't hitting the style marks or descriptions given to you. The early excitement fades and the promise of a fun night has morphed into a disappointing evening of self doubt and recriminations. You could have stayed with your tried and true craft beer favourites, but you want try new things because that is what this whole thing is really all about. While every beer certainly can't be the very best ever, they should at least hit the level of competent and close to style.

Who wants to go back to the old generic beer days?

 The rush to market feel I have seen recently looks like the tip of the iceberg and this Titanic voyage is just getting started. I can understand people who have been home brewing for years banding together with like minded friends or family and making a go of commercial brewing. Be it as a contract brewer or an actual brick and mortar shop, those dreams are worthy and I support anyone willing to undertake it with an honest and open plan. But we all know the ones that just don't feel right. Slick marketing, glossy photo spreads, product placement for money and a general sense of a disingenuous approach to a community that still feels very grassroots at its base. The heart we so often speak of cannot be found in such places or brands and the slimy feeling you get is because deep down you know what you're drinking.
 There can be some difficulty in trying to separate the real from the fake because it can subjective but the people who make up the strength of the craft beer movement, the drinkers and lovers of well made, independent beer can sense when someone is feeding them bullshit. Poorly made beer that is sent out because they have deadlines or investors isn't just the calling card of a contract brewer, some long term brewers have reputations for sub par releases that make you wonder how gullible we appear. Getting a listing at the LCBO means you've passed some kind of quality control but it doesn't ensure that quality translates into something resembling good, on point beer.  Malty IPAs when they're supposed to be balanced, watery lagers to try and capture that borderline segment who want to experience craft and labels meant to catch the eye but with little in the way of substance inside. I have only found a few of these kinds of pseudo craft beers but I fear the time is upon us when the market fragmentation and the pursuit of a share of a still pretty tiny pie is deluged with witty slogans, artwork and not much substance. My experience buying wine (a story for another day entirely) gave me an inkling what it is like to be new to the scene, relying on labels and descriptions, guided by names that sound like I should know them or perhaps something someone has told me to help influence my purchase.

I'm always learning

  How do we combat this invasion of the flavour snatchers? It starts and ends with us, to be very simplistic. We who have come before must be the voices that sustain the revolution. The advocacy for better beer and more honesty in that must be paramount. The toehold craft has in the overall beer marketplace is solid but not huge and the potential is there for exponential growth in the coming years, but a flood of poorly made or executed beers will turn people off and send them back to the bland, yet always consistent macro brands. Helping your friends who are new to craft beer find good transitional beers that are to style and full of flavour will help stem the tide of gimmicky bullshit that is starting to pop up and can ensure we don't let this cold turn into pneumonia.
  I say we try to keep our social media filled with honest and straightforward discussions about what we are drinking. You will know I am not a person who ever trashes a brewer or even a beer as being intentionally bad. Rather I let the world know that it's not for me, missing some key mark or flavour along the way to explaining why it wasn't a beer I'd buy again. You don't have to be an asshole about it but your friends deserve and will appreciate your opinion when they seek it out. Advocate the best in beer and try to help them when it comes to steering them into beers that match what they like about flavours and textures. Ease them into it, a triple IPA for a dedicated Bud Light drinker isn't doing them or the beer any favours.

It's always been true for me,

 If you're an explorer of craft beer like me, you're going to try every beer you can get your hands on and as long as you try to see them for what they are stylistically rather than trying to attack them, you will help the cause go further with those who are asking your counsel. Let's make the conversation about what is the best side of our beer but not without acknowledging the weak spots and poor decisions we see on the shelves. Call them out, be truthful and always use your words wisely as those who seek your council will be grateful for your candor. Let the light of truth shine on your pursuit and always keep a sense of wonder about just how amazing this time is for people who love great beer.


Cheers!


Polk

2018 - 5 Things to think about

Gazing deep into my hazy tulip, Jinx ponders what's coming up for 2018

  We spent the last week looking back at 2017 and what was an absolutely amazing year of beer in Ontario. Time now to leave the past behind and look forward to what is coming in 2018. My annual prognostications come from the heart and a little from my mind, I give you my best guess at a few things I see happening. These are  the trends I hear and read about that keep me on my toes for a future I can't wait to see.


1. Lager me up with a side of Pilsner
  The trend towards hazy juice bomb IPAs will not dissipate in 2018 but there will be a trend toward more accessible and lower ABV dry hopped Lagers and Pilsners. While there are a handful of them on the market, there is room and I believe, a demand for more. People new to the community, others tired of increasing IBU counts and looking for a refreshing, slightly hoppy brew will clamour for these hybrid styles. Giving more punch than your average lager or pilsner, they also serve as gateways to craft for a macro drinker looking to cross over to better beer. The Pale ale is still a little too bitter for most of the people I have encountered in this category and with an ever expanding choice, brewers will look to capture this segment as it could represent one of the fastest growing in the market. Look for more dry hopping and then unfiltered as the year goes on, gotta ease some folks into not having a clear Coors Light-like glass of beer over time. Having a beer that tastes like "beer" but still having more than a macro lager can offer is just what we hear and the breweries will be smart to answer. Cameron's Brewing 12 Mile IPL and Redline's Kollision Lager were excellent examples from 2017 while Clifford Brewing's latest East Hamilton Lager will help open the new brewery with a beer for everyone.


2. Shortie Cans are here to stay. Hooray!
  The trend toward shorties picked up steam as 2017 rolled along and the 355 ml. can has begun gaining adherents as brewers big and small find the market growing for this truncated but still tasty format. Whether it is a 6 pack of Muskoka Brewing's Mad Tom to take to the lake or Rainhard or Merit Brewing's special releases so you can try a few different brews, this smaller can has many advantages over the Tall Boy. For a guy like me who wants to try as many as possible, it's a godsend because it gives me beer for reviewing but doesn't get me knackered after 3 of them. It is great for tossing in the cooler for the yard or bringing to a party, the format still good for splitting with people new to the craft at a tasting if it's only a couple of you. There are concerns from a pricing standpoint, often these cans can be more expensive per ml. than their larger format cousins and the LCBO seems partial to the 473 ml. can from a shelving and storage standpoint. I would love to see more mix sixes of this size available at the brewery, a la Tooth and Nail or Godspeed, it makes for a better way to taste all the offerings your brewery has to offer without breaking the bank with $16.00 500 ml bottles.


3. You've got (beer)mail!
  In the age of online shopping, this one seems like a no brainer, but the logistics and technical aspects of offering their beer to consumers on the Net still keeps many Ontario brewers out of the home delivery game. According to the industry's leading website Ontario Beverage Network, there are 21 out of 242 operating craft brewers that have online ordering and even some of those are still only local or limited in their offerings and delivery area. While this is less than 10 % of the whole, December saw almost half of those come online as the year closed, pointing towards a trend I predict will approach closer to 30 % by the end of the 2018. Not all brewers will want to get in the game, some too big to bother, others keeping things small and local or just trying to keep up with what goes out the actual front door to even think about filling orders from away. But the ones who are making great beer and shipping it across the province will find themselves rewarded with a marketplace that just can't get enough beer mail and loves to show it off on social media. Look at the rollout of Dominion City Brewing's or Left Field Brewery's online shop and the subsequent explosion of their great beer across all media platforms. They make some of the best beer in Ontario and now even more people will have access to it and help spread the word. I hope they have more fermenters coming because it is going to be a busy year.
  Mail order beer of the month clubs had an early head start but people want more control over their craft beer selections and the rising tide of Craft Brewers going online could threaten this niche of the market. Whether they survive will be in large part decided by their ability to get unique offerings from their partner breweries that are only available to them or at the physical brewery. Time will tell on this one but I have no doubt that our thirst for great beer and the ability to order online is just beginning.


4. Small Town Resurgance
  Many of our craft breweries in Ontario are located in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) and it's immediate surroundings. This is neither news nor surprising as this is also where the majority of the residents live, clustering around the hubs of production and commerce for jobs, homes and shopping. If you spend a little time on the OBN Map however, you will see the outer landscape dotted with more and more craft breweries. Whether it is local homebrewers, returning sons and daughters with a dream or a well placed investment for a smart business minded person, small towns are part of the future of the industry. Local and loving it will be the mantra for a large portion of these small batch brewers, catering to a clientele who's loyalty will be found in honest and simple beers at first but will be open to trying anything once they come to know the quality. Using local ingredients will also be a focus for these breweries, establishing relationships with local farmers and making sure to support causes that still matter in small towns across the province.
  Little will be made of trying to get into the LCBO and the main focus will remain local pubs and restaurants with a spotlight on becoming a destination for road trips and special events. I think the trend toward these micro and nano breweries will be part of what drives the growth just as much as the larger or more well known craft brewers we have now. Everyone wants a local brew pub to hang out in and brag about so there is a lot of room for growth. Stoney Creek could use a little good beer love and just happens to be where I live if anyone is looking....


5. Bye-Bye...
  The macro beer behemoths were relatively quiet in Ontario in 2017, the industry too hot for their liking or maybe things just didn't fall into place for in time. I have no inside knowledge, nor do I hope I am right in this one, but I just have a gut feeling that a few of someone's favourite craft brewers may disappear into the wormhole that is the "sellout". We talk all the time about whether it is really just about beer or is it about more than that. The shop local movement is big but for most beer drinkers we stop at just that and still patronize large corporations for everything else from groceries to clothes to cars. The macro companies have been smartly keeping their hands clean and for the most part leaving their purchases to run as separate entities inside the corporate sphere. There will of course be accountability but these guys (and it's almost always guys) who run these multi billion dollar, trans-national companies didn't get there by being stupid. They create brands within brands and it's convoluted nature fits well with the explosion on the shelves and fridges of the LCBO and Beer Store.
  Having noted that and trying to remain open minded when it comes to beer from former Craft breweries, a la Mill Street and Unibroue, I must say that I am not alone in feeling slight changes to the beer but it isn't like they just forgot how to make good stuff. Many craft beer drinkers remain loyal more to an ideal than a brand in many cases and it is increasingly rare to see these former craft darlings in all but the most die hard of fans.
  The time seems ripe for something to happen. It has been too quiet for too long and with their market share falling, you can bet the boardrooms of the big boys are buzzing with plans, offers are coming and for someone a big payday is coming. Where will you fall when it happens to your favourite brewery? That is a conversation I hope we don't have to have anytime soon.


Final Thoughts
  I could go on about the bretty, funked up beers making a splash this year, the growing destination brewery trend, the one off releases that are beginning to generate U.S. like lineups and the hoarding of beer out of fear or for trades. There are a lot of good things coming as the Craft Beer market gains even more traction and I know I will be visiting those topics, the one's above and many more as 2018 goes on. One thing I have learned is that there is always something for us to talk, rant and rave or gush about as the breweries we love start up their releases for another year and that is a very good thing. The more we talk, the better the buzz and the more people get interested in craft beer. A  rising tide raises all boats, just make sure your ship is headed in the right direction once we hit the open water.


 Cheers!


Polk


   

2017 Polkies - All the Hops (Pale ales. IPAs, DIPAs and Black IPAs)

 

The most popular style of beer in Ontario continues to be the IPA and it's bolder sibling, the Double or Imperial IPA. It is without a doubt that any pick made as my most favourite in these 4 categories will have fans and detractors and despite my best efforts, I could not try every hoppy brew that hit the market last year. I have made a separate list at the end that showcases my favourite non-Ontario choices because the sheer number of amazing beers I had in these styles warrants it. I found once again that beers from here stack up against those from away considered to be world class. While we will see more accessible lagers and pilsners make some noise in 2018, I don't see our clamoring for all the hops slowing down any time soon.  
  Time to dive right in!


Pale Ales


1. Jutsu - Bellwoods Brewery

 
  Considering how often I see the name of Bellwoods Brewery in the top of any of my favourite beers this year, it should come as no surprise that Jutsu has claimed it's rightful spot as top of the hops for Pale Ales in Ontario. My only complaint is that I don't live closer to the brewery and have more access to this amazing beer. From the review :

"Jutsu is perhaps the best Pale Ale in the province, challenging the mainstays in my fridge with its' composition and balance.  At 5.6% it is right in the sweet spot and pours a hazy straw colour with a white head that fades quickly. Smelling grapefruit and pineapple. On the sip, bold and bitter with a loaded grapefruit front end, pineapple, mango and a dry backend. Lingering citrusy grapefruit on the finish, it packs a wallop but is still accessible and very much leaving me wishing I had bought half a dozen."
  If Bellwoods wants to open a 4th or 5th location, may I suggest around the corner from Polk Manor?

2. Devil's Pale Ale - Great Lakes Brewery

 
  Given the sheer number of amazing beers that Great Lakes Brewing put out in their 30th anniversary year, it is no surprise that many of them have made appearances on my lists of favourites. From the past and resurrected for this auspicious year comes the Devil's Pale Ale, a classic former LCBO available GLB release. From the review :
"Pours a dark mahogany with a thick, long lasting light tan head that leaves behind a solid lacing. Smells of  pine with light cocoa notes. On the sip, a damn fine pale ale that has bold and bitter pine and citrusy grapefruit with a nice roasted malt body that has hints of chocolate. The finish is dry, piney and bitter with some more roasty notes. It should be on your must try list."
  Perhaps they should revisit having this wonderful beer come back to it's rightful place at my local LCBO.



3. Low Boy - Kensington Brewing Company
4. Summer Pale Ale - Rouge River Brewing
5. Armed 'n Citra - Rainhard Brewing


IPAs


1. Juicin' - Sawdust City Brewing

  Without good friends and beer saints, this 2017 Champion IPA would have escaped my grasp and my life would have indeed been poorer for that. From Sawdust City Brewing via so many great folks comes Juicin', a 6.3 %, 45 IBU beauty that not only captured my heart, it has stayed in my mind since early in 2017. From the review :
 "Pours a turbid, hazy orange with a lacing and long lasting white head. Smells of peach and grapefruit. On the sip, smooth and creamy body with loads of peachy goodness tempered by the bitter grapefruit, pine and orange citrus notes.  I could drink this all night and I may be in my second glass before I finish this review. The finish is more peach, grapefruit and a lingering bitter but sweet flavour that is so damn good...an early contender for best IPA on 2017."
  With Sawdust offering online ordering and home delivery, when this comes back I am ordering a case...or 4. Look for it in 2018 and know that it will be back in contention once it's loveliness hits my glass again.


2. Pineapple Milkshark - Bellwoods Brewery

  The simple transformation of Bellwoods Brewery Witchshark into this craze that had people lining up, trading and lusting after a beer was best served (in my opinion, of course) by this iteration. Pineapple Milkshark Milkshake IPA is exactly what I envisioned the style would bring to Ontario in 2017. From the review :
"Pours a milky yellow with a minimal white head that fades. Smells like a whole skid of pineapple just dropped in my glass, with a little dank. On the sip, smooth body with a loaded pineapple juice kick in the face. Just copious amounts of citrus, grapefruit and pineapple with a bitter but milky finish. Dry and lingering pineapple on the finish. I swear I could crush these all day long, the ABV is so well balanced. Juicy is my life now."
  Just another example of the great stuff coming out of Ossington Ave. and Hafis Road in 2017. Perhaps we will see it's return in the new year.


3. Sundrop - Fairweather Brewing Company
4. Audrey Hopburn - Great Lakes Brewing
5. Sunsplit - Dominion City Brewing


Imperial/Double IPAs


1. Double Clutch - Redline Brewhouse

  Picking a favourite Ontario Double IPA is one of the toughest choices I have had to make in 2017. But with the release of Redline Brewhouse's 8.1%, 83 IBU Double Clutch, I knew I had my winner. Another multiple beer saint gift, it made it's mark with great balance, bold citrus and a great dank backend. The Beer gods were good to Polk this year. From the review :
  "Pours a hazy and turbid orange with a thick white head that laces. Smelling peaches, apricot, citrus and pine. On the sip, juicy and bold with grapefruit, orange, pineapple and a big old piney dank backend. Lots of lingering grapefruit and orange mixing in with that on the finish as well. Simply put it is not only one of the best Double IPAs I've had this year, it's one of the best beers I've had...period."
  It went down easy and when it was gone, a single tear slowly made it's way down my cheek. It has come back a few times since and one of the next will see me make the trip to Barrie to fill the Polkmobile to the brim with it's Hoppy goodness for a party that should never end.

2. Goblin Sauce - Bellwoods Brewery

  It was an agonizing task to place my favourite DIPAs in order. Like choosing which child is your most favoured, I struggled with each and every review, picture and memory. From Bellwoods Brewery and a sunny summer day off comes Goblin Sauce, an 8.5 % slow sipper that is most deserved of it's top 2 finish. From the review :
"Pours a cloudy orange with a white head that fades to the sides. Smells of citrus, orange and a dank pine. On the sip,big and bitter citrus, orange, mango and grapefruit meets a resinous dank pine. Dry and warming with a superbly balanced toasty body that has a generous hop finish leading to a pithy grapefruit, dankness for days."
  It was delightful and I can still feel that dankness and the sunshine from that August day when I close my eyes.

3. Twin Pines - Sawdust City Brewing
4. Immodest - Nickel Brook Brewing
5. Witchshark - Bellwoods Brewery


Black IPAs


1. Apocalypse Later - Great Lakes Brewery

 
  I am not sure when I came to love the dichotomy of the Black IPA but I long for many more year round beauties of this style. No beer better represented all the aspects that drew me into the darkness better than the 10.0%, 100(!!) IBU Apocolypse Later from Great Lakes Brewery. Picked up from the source and the only way to get it, I was in love with this slow sipping, roasty bitter gem. From the review :
"Pouring thick and black with a long lasting tan head that gives signature Great Lakes Brewery lacing.  Smells roasty, citrus and pine.  On the sip, it is what I remember loving last year right back in my glass. Big roasted malts with dark chocolate and coffee before the bold citrusy grapefruit and pine come roaring in to silence the unbelievers. Dry and bitter on the finish with more bittersweet dark chocolate and pine lingering in the afterlife."
  I would hope that Sir Mike Lackey and the good brewers at GLB will bring this one back early in 2018 to help warm the sub cockles of our hearts as this winter begins to pick up steam. I need more Apocalypse in my life sooner rather than later.



2. Malevolent - Nickel Brook Brewing

  A close race to be sure, Nickel Brook Brewing's Malevolent Black IPA is a 9.5%, 90 IBU behemoth that slammed my taste buds into submission in late February and resonates 10 months later. Easily one of the most memorable beers I had this year, it should see the light of day again early in 2018. From the review :
  "Pours thick and black with a tan head that lingers and laces. Smells of citrus and dark chocolate. On the sip, smooth but bold dark roasted malts bring everything they have to the table. Dark chocolate,  hints of roasty coffee but it is the bitter grapefruit and piney resinous that slams this one into the mat. Dry and filled with more hoppy bitterness and a surprising lingering chocolate punch."
  Good thing this Burlington brewer is so close, I'm going to wear a rut in the road getting this one when it comes back!

3. Black IPA - Collective Arts Brewing
4. Nosebeeratu - Rainhard Brewing
5. Release the Hounds - Big Rig Brewing


Our American Cousins


  I was blessed in 2017 with a bunch of legendary and amazing American beers from friends and family alike. Not wanting to mix the ethos of the Polkies but wanting to share the very good things I was able to pour in my glass, I decided to do a separate countdown just for our American Cousins. A big thank you to everyone who helped me realise so many bucket list legends this year.


1. Prospect : Citra - Folly Brothers Brewing (Vermont)

  From my Ottawa friend Kevin came this 9.0% Imperial IPA out of Vermont and the Foley Brothers Brewing Company. It was as close to perfect as I've found in beer and we will try to make a Vermont trip happen so I can find the source of this deliciousness. From the review :
  "Pours a hazy and turbid pale gold. Slight lacing with a white head that lingers on the surface.  Smells of dank pine, grapefruit and oranges. On the sip, who knew life could be so good? Huge citrus notes of orange, tangerine grapefruit pineapple, mango and apricot lead to a bold resinous pine and orange backend. Juicy as f%$k, this one just keeps getting better with each sip. Dry and bitter on the finish with a resinous pine, orange and grapefruit rounding out this beautiful gift."




2. Sip of Sunshine - Lawson's Finest Liquids (Vermont)

  Another gift from my pal Kevin...ain't he great...this 8.0% Imperial IPA from Vermont was the epitome of the style. Sip of Sunshine from Lawson's Finest Liquids was all that and more. From the review :
  "Pours a clear gold with a white head that lingers and laces thickly. Smells of floral hops, citrus, orange and grapefruit with some dankness. On the sip, it is what was foretold and more. Juicy orange, grapefruit and pineapple with a toasted malt body, hints of caramel in a balanced and smoothly deceptive texture. Dank and citrusy on the backend with lingering tangerine and grapefruit on the finish. It is not unwise to say that it is a world of beer out there for us to discover."
  I am not sure what I did to deserve a gift like this, but I am eternally grateful to people like Kevin for making my dreams come true.


3. Heady Topper - The Alchemist (Vermont)
4. Focal Banger - The Alchemist (Vermont)
5. Pliny the Elder - Russian River Brewing (California)


  That's how the hops fell in 2017 for this Polakroo and I hope you will come back tomorrow for 'The Ten', my yearly post about the 10 beers that meant the most to me.


Cheers!


Polk

2017 Polkie Awards - My Least Favourite Beer(s) of 2017

  Listen, I get it.
  I really do.
  I understand the draw of two beers I consider to be my least favourite of 2017 and I did pause a moment because of the love I have for the folks behind the beer, both from a brewing and a branding perspective. But a poorly executed and deceptively marketed beer cannot escape justice and today we bestow the most anticipated 2017 Polkie Award to the oddly named Ontario Brewer named NAC Importer that contract brewed these abominations in Guelph. I'll list them alphabetically because I don't think it matters which of these brutal beers goes first. As a disclaimer let me say I am a fan of The Trailer Park Boys and have been since the show was launched way back in the day. Having said that, here are number 1 and 1A of crappy Ontario "Craft" beer in 2017. I won't bother trying to coat it, I'll let my initial review stand for itself. I wish the Boys hadn't let their names be attached to such garbage...even for the money.


1. Freedom 35 Lager - NAC Importers

   Why? Because f $%k you that's why! Sorry, I must be channelling my inner Ricky as I try to stomach this weak marketing scheme disguised as a craft beer in my oh so Trailer Park Boys like garage. It's getting the old spring cleaning tomorrow but for now, let me take you on a journey through the anatomy of a show I love, making a beer I'd rather not have tried. Freedom 35 is a 5% Lager that pours a clear gold with a white head that fades. Smelling corn and cereal grains. On the sip, it's a beer. That's as much as I can muster. Toasted malt body with hints of toffee, lemon cereal grains and corn syrup. Sticky backend with a light bitterness and a lingering lemon,  toffee and corn bullshit. I will admit to being a fan of this foul mouthed show, it has been entertaining me for more than a decade but I must say I am not gonna be buying this weird crap again. Save the $2.75 and give it to the bottle kids to huck at whoever attached the boys with this scheme. Better they get in with Cool and Millennium Buzz.  Go back to the weed because come next year I'm sure that's what we'll see branded next. Just say no to this one kids, it's got shitty Bill written all over it. Cheers?


1A. Ricky's Catch 23 Malt Liquor - NAC Importers

  I'm here for the beer! Sort of...there are moments though...from NAC Importers comes the second entrant in the "milking it" Trailer Park Boy series of "beers". Ricky's Catch 23 is a 6.0% Malt Liquor that somehow exists at the LCBO when Juicin doesn't...really? Pours a clear and deep golden colour with a white head that fades quickly.  Smells sweet with a corn note. On the sip, big sweet malty mess with a sugary syrupy corn base that leaves a sticky mixed up toffee finish. I haven't smoked weed  in over 20 years but this one makes me wish I did. I definitely graduated Grade 10, but this gives me the feeling I failed something along the way. Cheers?


  I know there are folks who will love these beers and if it makes them think they are into craft beer and they stop buying Macro then I should be okay with that...but I can't be because these 2 beers represent everything that could go wrong with the industry, Poorly executed beer with "celebrity" endorsers in this case means a Canadian icon takes a step back in all our eyes. The saddest thing is that these will sell and that will only encourage more bad beer with terrible intentions. Just say no and let this kind of garbage relegate itself to the dust bin of our collective beer history. I shall speak no more of this, it has been given an amount of attention that it doesn't deserve.


Cheers!


Polk

The 2017 Polkies - Into The Darkness (Porters and Stouts)

 

We hit the midway point on this year's Awards and it's getting dark and roasty in here. Porters and stouts were my first loves when it comes to craft beer and it is perhaps my hardest choice each year to pick my favourite 5 in each style. This year I have chosen to split stouts into 3 categories because of the sheer number of amazing ones Ontario has produced. I may have to do something similar with porters next year if the style continues to evolve. It is time to go to the Dark Side but fear not, it's where all the good folks are.
  Here we go!


Porters


1. Silky - Fairweather Brewing

 
A brewery in it's first year isn't supposed to be this good. But damn it, Fairweather Brewing is doing amazing things and this smooth, roasty gem of a porter is just the tip of the iceberg. Silky was just that and more! Making multiple appearances in my reviews as I couldn't resist spreading the word about this hometown brewer who was doing what was thought couldn't be done. From the review :
"Pours smooth with a tan head that lingers on the surface and rings the glass. Smelling roasted coffee, dark chocolate. On the sip, it lives up to its name with a smooth roasted malt body, textured and sticky with a delightfully bittersweet dark chocolate, bitter black coffee, a nutty kick  and a lingering darkness that fills your heart with joy. Not a high ABV slow sipper, but it feels like one."
  A tough category that could have a whole lot of top choices, Silky is deserving of the praise it has received.


2. Bourbon Barrel Porter - Shacklands Brewing

  A little late to the party but in just under the wire to take top spot in an increasingly competitive category. From the just over a year old Shacklands Brewing in Toronto comes this Bourbon Barrel Porter which gave both myself and Mrs. Polk pause as we slow sipped it on Christmas day. The balance of boozy bourbon and dark roasted malt flavours was so good. Ageing one, so this may come back for another shot in 2018. From the review :


"Pours deep and black with a tan head that lingers for quite some time. Smelling a nice vanilla oak bourbon and dark chocolate. On the sip, smooth and roasty with a warming alcohol and bourbon backing containing a lovely dark chocolate, vanilla, oak and some lingering bourbon heat."
  Very well done, bringing the porter to another level.


3. MVP - Cowbell Brewing
4. Porter - Clifford Brewing
5. Porter - Muddy York Brewing


Stout


1. Sweet Jesus - Left Field Brewery

  As foretold by the good book of roasted malts comes this year's favourite stout. Sweet Jesus from Left Field Brewery was a revelation when it first poured into my glass in January. Subsequent research provided more proof that this was my favourite stout in 2017. From the review :

"Pours deep black with a tan head that lingers on the surface. Smelling cocoa and coffee. On the sip, creamy and smooth toasted malt body with a big cocoa and black coffee note. The lactose adds to the absolutely delicious texture and I can't get enough of its dark and bittersweet chocolate and coffee flavours. The finish is dry, but sticky and filled with the roasted bean and more cocoa."
  The best part of this one is that when it gets released in 2018 you can order online and make sure not to miss out on this amazing stout.


2. Starry Night - Bobcaygeon Brewing

 A real surprise as the year winds down and that is a good thing. From Bobcaygeon Brewing comes Starry Night and it shook up my stout rankings right at the finish line. From the review :
 "Pouring black with some light bleeding through around the edges, it has a tan head that fades to the sides. Smelling dark chocolate with a hint of coffee. On the sip, smooth and roasty with a beautiful bittersweet dark chocolate front that leads to a nice coffee note and a sticky but sweet chocolate finish. I really like the balance in this between bitter and sweet, it's an excellent addition to my evening."
  It was so smooth and roasty, I can almost taste it now....

3. Friendly Confines - Left Field Brewery/Bellwoods Brewery
4. Stork Derby - Muddy York Brewing
5. Skinny Dippin' Stout - Sawdust City Brewing






Imperial Stouts


1. Long Dark Voyage to Uranus - Sawdust City Brewing

  My favourite Imperial Stout from 2015 makes a triumphant comeback this year and reclaims top spot with its bold and roasty goodness. Long Dark Voyage to Uranus from Sawdust City Brewing makes me smile with it's name and be joyful with it's contents. I had it in early January and still feel its siren call 11 months later. From the review :
"Pours thick and dark with a tan head that lingers on the surface. Smelling chocolate and coffee.  On the sip, smooth and creamy with a whole Lotta chocolate love going on. Coffee, cocoa and a sharp, bitter and very dry backend.  A beer whose name makes me laugh and whose contents make me break out into a smile from ear to ear is something you need in your life. Lingering bittersweet dark chocolate and bitter hops make this an early contender for favourite stout of 2017."
  Oddly prophetic and true. Look for it when it and order online, you will be so very happy!


2. Inkwell Imperial Stout - Muddy York Brewing

 If there is one constant of my countdowns every year, it is the inclusion of great beer from Muddy York Brewing. A late in the year entry, Inkwell Imperial Stout is deserving of its spot in the top of the style for 2017. From the review :
"Pouring thick and dark, it has a tan head that fades to the sides. It smells of dark chocolate and roasty coffee. On the sip, smooth and bold with a full on roasted malt dark chocolate, some light tobacco, coffee, warming but not boozy and a sticky backend that lingers with some heat, coffee and finishes dark chocolate. An absolute gem and as usual, the epitome of the style."
  If you haven't been to Muddy York, that is a deficit you must correct in 2018.


3. Blood of Cthulhu - Sawdust City Brewing
4. Bottle Imp - Beau's All Natural
5. Winter - Highlander Brew Co.


Imperial Barrel Aged Stouts


1. 2016 Double Tempest - Amsterdam Brewery

  When you put a bottle in the cellar, it is with all the hopes and dreams you can muster. When that bottle returns to lay claim to everything you think it should then you know it's a winner. Imperial Bourbon Barrel Aged 2016 Double Tempest from Amsterdam Brewery has done that and more. Patience is rewarded and then some with this amazing roasted beauty. From the review :"Pours slick and black with a tan head that lingers a bit before fading. On the sip, age has leant a balance and smoothness to an already excellent beer. Big roasty dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon and coffee with a nice warming backend. It finished with a little heat, more big  roasted malt notes of dark chocolate and that amazing boozy vanilla and bourbon flavour. Damn. This one is worthy of waiting over a year for."
  The best things in life are worth waiting for...that's for Dam sure!


2. 2016 Kentucky Bastard - Nickel Brook Brewing

 

  The most simple way to describe Nickel Brook Brewing's 2016 Kentucky Bastard is delectable. Even at this young age early in 2017, it had the chops of one of the best. I have one waiting for early 2018 and I have the feeling we will be discussing this beer again a year from now, one spot higher. From the review

"Pours black as night with a deep tan head that lingers a bit before fading. Smells dark chocolate, fruits, coffee and an oaky vanilla. On the sip, smooth, dark and bold. Dark chocolate, cherry, fig, coffee, plum woody oak and vanilla on the tongue with a big, warming and boozy backend. Lingering bourbon and chocolate, this is a beer that demands, nay deserves your time to truly enjoy."

  Not sure what else to say except it's good to be a Bastard.

3. 2016 Café Del Bastardo - Nickel Brook Brewing

4. Solstice - Great Lakes Brewery

5. Fortissimo - Tooth and Nail Brewing

  This one wasn't easy but together we survived. Look for my Least Favourite beer of 2017 later today and then tomorrow we get
hoppy!

Cheers!

Polk