Santa Claus and Santa Polk - Love and Christmas magic.

 

The Christmas season used to my my favourite. The parties and gatherings spread out over the month meant getting together with friends and family to spend a little time celebrating another year and looking forward to the next one. The last couple of years have taken a bit of a toll on my love for the holidays and I'll be honest, without my having the Polk persona to help lift me up, it would be likely no decorations, movies or Christmas music would be seen or heard in my home. It just isn't there anymore. Be it not having children, the unending struggle of keeping things going financially and feeling emotionally drained as our lives have changed so much in the last 6 years. There is little doubt that my path to Christmas is littered with self imposed obstacles to getting back to where I once was.

Enter Santa Polk, courtesy of my Aunt Karen and Uncle Tom.

  My beer advent calenders have helped to make the season a bit brighter and I have included myself in every holiday beer picture as kind of a 'proof of life' moment for myself. I'm still here, I'm still standing . The inclusion of the Santa suit, however, is a little more meaningful than most people know. It belonged to my late Uncle Tom, who played the most loving of Santa's you would ever know. Every year he would do events and malls, donating the proceeds to Camp Trillium, a camp for children with cancer to go to so they might enjoy some time in the great outdoors. He didn't so much play Santa as become him, embodying the role with a verve and gusto I would watch in amazement every year. We were close, I remember sitting with him the night before my wedding to Kat, quietly talking about life as the beer flowed, things like that stick with you a long time.

  After he passed away, my aunt Karen asked if I would like the suit, a symbol of something bigger than myself or the season to me. I was hesitant, but relented and hung it with care in the spare room until it finally became clear to me a use for this piece of magic. The Advent Calendar and my quasi fictional character of the Drunk Polkaroo come together each December to try and spark a little joy in a dark and dreary world. The suit has powers I cannot describe, but when I finally hit the halfway mark and don the jacket, beard and glasses, it starts to feel a little more festive, a little more love and a little more hope. I will never capture it completely, it hovers just ahead of me, but I feel the glow and love that it contains and feel peaceful and serene.

  This year I will be taking another step as I take Santa Polk out in public for the first time ever. I've always confined it to my house, pictures and videos, having a little fun and celebrating the memory of a good friend and mentor. When my friend Jeremy from Clifford Brewing here in Hamilton asked if I would be able to help raise some funds and gather toys for some kids who need a little help this year, I couldn't say no, despite that little voice inside that seems to win more times than not when it comes to doing anything other than work and sitting here at home. I felt something give me the strength to say yes and while I am filled with apprehension, the shoes I step into, literally, have been walked in by a legend in red.
  So this Saturday, December 14th at 4 p.m., I'm gonna take Santa Polk out to Clifford Brewing, give my Christmas blues the boot and take up the chair of Santa to try and bring some good to the world with a little laugh and a lot of leaning on the man who came before me. Join us if you can, an unwrapped, new toy gets you a free beer and a chance to take a pic with this jolly fat guy, bring your dogs, kids and friends and help spread the love a little further this year.
  Scared? Yeah, a little, but I think I have a secret weapon and Uncle Tom's legacy, memory and love of us and the season is very much alive every time I put on that suit of Santa Claus...because I knew the real one.

Cheers and Merry Christmas!

Polk

Drink The Cellar - Beer Advent and Beyond

 The days stretch out in front of us with the final horizon unknown. Our hours flow by as beer to the glass and the final moments often descend as a curtain, to applause, love and praise for a job well done. Other times it is sudden and unexpected, out of the blue when the end comes and we are left with no time to say goodbye.

  Maybe a little dark for the beginning of December, but once again we find ourselves at the cusp of Beer Advent and for our 5th annual daily present of beer we turn to our cellar and the gems found therein. I hear so many of my friends say they are saving this and that beer for a special occasion and often fall victim to that myself, but as the years begin to pass and 50 seems closer than I realise, I have found myself looking more and more to the little things I can celebrate and enjoy each day. What began in 2015 when Kat brought me home 24 assorted American craft beers from her Black Friday trip to Buffalo with my mom morphed into a celebration of Ontario Craft beer the next two years, stuff I would buy at the LCBO and have Kat wrap up and number randomly for me to enjoy over the month as Christmas approached. Last year I looked into our rather modest beer cellar and decided on taking advantage of a whole whack of "special days" to give myself permission to drink what otherwise might sit long past it's lifespan. This proved to be a most spectacular time and this year we return again to this format because it truly does bring great joy for a little bit of each day as the sun sets before dinner and the winds howl outside.

  The concept of saving a beer was so bizarre to me even 4 years ago that when I first put an Amsterdam Brewing Double Tempest Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial stout away and opened it a year later to spectacular results, I was immediately hooked. I loved being able to compare the differences a few months or years could make to a barrel aged or wild fermentation beer, not to forget the high ABV gems from Belgium or brett beers lounging in my basement. What troubled me was trying to decide when to drink them. What day was special enough to pull one of them out and celebrate with?

Many folks choose life accomplishments, their kids achievements or family birthdays or milestones, all worthy choices to be sure, but for me so many of those will never be present and I wondered what my track would be to deliver these aging wonders to my glass.

  As with everything we do when it comes to beer, we always are looking to what will bring us the most happiness and decided to start having these beauties just because. Random week day off together? Break out an Imperial some thing or other. Had a great day at work or conversely a bad one? Why not enjoy a Belgian Quad that has been biding its' time just for you. Seemingly ordinary days can be transformed by the simple acknowledgement that being alive is something to celebrate in and of itself. This became our guiding force, not too often but just often enough to retain the feeling of being a "Moment", writ large by what was in our glass as opposed in response to something else. It worked but still left us with more stock than we were comfortable having lie around, just waiting to be lost to time.

  Enter Beer Advent and the Cellar Pull of the day. This conversion of a childhood daily treat to a grown up version has now become a way for us to clean out the last year (or beyond) of stuff we bought and make way for the new things to come as the calendar turns. We have given ourselves the chance to embrace a live in the moment mentality while maintaining a little patience to save up 25 different big, boozy bastards with an eye to December. It's fun and to be honest, Life is far too short to leave good beer behind when your time has come to an end. You can't take it with you, why not share it with someone you love, celebrate life now and be joyful at the season to come. I know it makes every day this month have something to give me joy, at least as long as my glass is full and my heart is open.

Cheers!

Polk
 

Beer Advent 2018!

  

Santa Polk, 2016

A few years ago (2015 to be exact), Mrs. Polk returned from a trip across the border with 25 American Craft beers and I was inspired to create my first Beer Advent calendar from her very generous gift. It helped to lift my spirits in the darkness of Winter to know I would get to unwrap a beer and surprise myself each night while we got ready for the big day and I continued this tradition as the years went on. The 2016 and 2017 editions were decidedly Ontario Craft beer focused as we began exploring all this province has to offer and this year will be much the same with the addition of some big, boozy bastards specifically saved for this time of year. With that in mind, I have some tips and ideas for you to help create your own calendar or one for someone you love.

1) Picking the Beer

Beer Advent 2017

  The planning should begin a few weeks before December 1st so you have time to get all 25 beers without breaking the bank. The collection should be in line with what you or your loved one likes to drink with some surprises thrown in for fun. Look to the LCBO for the single largest selection of favourites and new beers, but supplement that with a few trips to local (or not so local) craft breweries to really give them a treat. The whole idea is to craft an experience that will both delight and inspire joy when they open a beer each day. If they are adventurous, mix styles and formats with an eye to new and never before had beers. But if they don't like a particular style or brewery, it is best to avoid them as this is a gift meant to celebrate beer in the best possible way.
  Ask them or their friends for suggestions or visit your local brewery and pick the brain of the folks that work there, they love to help people out. Look for a few special brewery only releases to really add some zip to your gift.


2) Packaging

  Now that you have all 25 beers it is time to get them ready for December 1st. I individually wrap each beer and outside of a few that are traditional for certain days, I have Mrs. Polk randomly number them and into the fridge they go. Some folks put them into a 24 box with a label on top of each one with that days number written on them or perhaps repurpose Pringles cans decorated and numbered for the occasion. Whatever you want to do, the specialness of each day is in not being quite sure what beer will be coming next, giving a little bit of Christmas joy to every day. Have some fun, personalize the packaging if you are so inclined or just keep it simple. They will love it.

Mrs. Polk wrapping while I drink

3) Drinking

  The day will arrive and then the fun can begin. If you are making it a gift, try to space out the special beers or the big ABV ones for days when your loved one can enjoy them. A 13% Imperial stout may not work on a hectic Monday but maybe is better suited to their day off so they can slow sip and feel the love. This is about enjoying a single pint and celebrating rather than getting hammered or over consuming. Maybe they can't have a beer every day and you can share a few of them a couple of times a week or whenever you can safely and purposely relax and find the right time to experience the joy of beer.

December 24th is always Double Tempest day here!

4) Surprises
  Who doesn't like a surprise? While the gift of an Beer Advent calendar is fabulous in and of itself, why not take things to the next level with some twists and turns. Take a road trip one or two days to new or old favourite Craft breweries to give them a beer fresh from the source. Make a day of it and give them the gift of an experience, always a much more fun thing than just siting at home. You can add some glassware, hats, shirts or other branded stuff from their fave brewery to spice up any day and with all the choices out there, this would be a nice addition to random Tuesday in the middle of the calendar. Look for events at local breweries, i.e. Paint Nights, Trivia or Comedy and get them tickets to experience an evening of beer and fun. Try to take it to the next level by doing something out of the ordinary that you know will delight the person you love who loves beer.


  Good luck my friends in your pursuit of the ultimate month of beer. Whether it's for yourself or someone you love, the Beer Advent calendar is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas every day.
  Life can be hectic as the holidays approach and I hope you can find time each day for a few moments to just sit back, pop the top and enjoy a little libation while the season swirls around us.


Cheers!


Polk

On Christmas

  Another year has come and gone and the Christmas season rushes at us ever faster with each passing day. We make jokes about how quickly December goes but the truth is with everything we try to do for other people, it leaves little time to sit down and just enjoy the moments as they happen. I watch from afar as people push through trying to do too much with too little money and time. I see the stress and anger build as they rush to do everything for everyone. I hear the laments about how it used to be and think "Did it really?"
  The truth is Christmas was infinitely easier when you were a kid but do not think your parents and their parents before them didn't stress about what to get the kids, make the dinner and do all the things to create memories that you do in hopes they will last a lifetime. It wasn't better back then, it was just better for you because you weren't in charge. My memories of Christmas morning are magical but I also know my parents stayed up until 4 a.m. making it like that and worked hard to be able to afford all those wonderful presents. They made it look effortless and I know you all do the same for your families, never letting them peek behind the curtain because we all are just giving our best Wizard of Oz impression and keeping secret the whirling machinations of making Christmas happen. That is what so many people have and will do in perpetuity, make the season about everyone else in order to create something they think needs to be perfect and social media picture worthy without pausing and asking what do we really need to be happy. We are trying to be something we think we need to be and missing the mark on just being there and enjoying it all.
  The guilt we feel or we let others impose on us around Christmas is another thing that has run its' course. The time when anyone can make you feel obligated to do anything is done. Why should you suffer toxic people or uncomfortable relationships just because you share an ancestor or parent? There isn't a rule that just because you are related to someone or it's a tradition that you need to expose you or the people you love to things that make all of you unhappy. I know it's not a popular thing to say but you do not have to go to a Christmas dinner/party if you don't want to. Being compelled to feel guilty isn't a reason to do anything and if someone is trying to do that maybe it's time to re-examine your relationship with that person. Why anyone who loves you would want you to feel displaced or forced to do something is a serious breach of being a loving partner or friend. You don't need anyone's permission to say "No."
  The entire holiday season is supposed to be about spending time with people you love and enjoying them being happy as well as yourself. That's what we strive for and make so many Facebook status' about. The underlying stress and anxiety bubbles up in odd moments of clarity after your second pint but we work hard to appear perfect and normal to the world. It's time to step back a little and make time for yourself. The work you put into an amazing Christmas experience is awesome but if you can't enjoy any of it then what is the point. Less is more never meant so much as now when you need to slow it down and soak it all in. Stop trying to have everything and see what you have. Money buys great gifts but the time we spend with the people who make our lives better is indeed worth more. So let go and move on, say no more and focus on the things that matter most. The clock ticks for all of us and one day it will all just be memories, make them happy ones, for yourself and the people you love.
  Make time for you this year, it will help you be a better person. Let go of toxic and harmful relationships, they do not have any claim on your time or life. Be there for the important moments for the people you want to be, make your presence felt and your love known. Learn to say no, let other people's guilt wash away and never look back when they try to make you feel bad. Christmas is supposed to be fun and filled with joy, you deserve it and it is time to make it happen.


Merry Christmas to all of you from me, thank you for your support and being a part of this crazy ride for the last 3 holiday seasons. May your family enjoy whatever you choose to do and may it bring you joy and happiness.


Cheers.


Polk


 

The 12 Beers of Craftmas

 

Perhaps you've seen the Beer Advent calendars that are populating our feeds on social media as December rolls along. 24 or 25 craft beers, one every day until Christmas, the growing trend of Beer Advent calendars. I, not surprisingly, am currently in the middle of my 3rd Annual edition and love the opportunity to take a few moments every day to unwrap and enjoy a little treat every day during the holiday season. If you missed the start or found the task of that many days in a row to be unwieldy then maybe there's another way to join in the fun or get someone close to you a gift that lets them celebrate the season with great beer.
  There is nothing better than a present and if that present is Craft beer then all the more joy will be found. To make someone's Christmas season more festive, why not get them (or yourself) the 12 Days of Craftmas. Much like it's big sibling the Advent Calendar, it is a beer a day but only for the last 12 days before the big one and much less expensive as a result. Starting on the 13th of December if you want to finish on Christmas Eve or the 14th to end on the big day itself, open up a little gift after work or dinner and enjoy a few moments of peace in the most hectic of times. Give yourself permission to slow down and savour something, even if it's only for half and hour and one damn beer.
  The principle is the same and you can buy 12 beers on your own, wrap them up and surprise yourself every day you reach into the fridge or maybe you really want some suspense and we can take it up a notch. Since most tall boys of craft beer come in under $4, you can give your friend, partner, life coach or adult children $50 and ask them to go to the LCBO for you. Give them some instructions or none at all for a better experience and have them ask the staff for some help in finding the local craft section in the store and maybe for a few recommendations. Remember that if they don't know anything about craft beer you are likely to get few real interesting picks and that makes it even more fun if you ask me. Some people have used old Pringles cans to wrap the beers up in and that is a very cool idea, but with our limited time frame (it's December 11th as I write this), your better off just asking them to wrap each one in leftover Christmas paper and number them randomly for you to put in the fridge each morning for when you come home at the end of the day.
  If you want to do this for someone, I'd suggest either asking them for a few suggestions as to favourite styles or inquire with their pals about what they like if you really want to surprise them. The Craft beer community is very helpful when it comes to answering questions about what to buy someone and I am sure you know at least a few people who are crafty in that way. Imagine the surprise on the face of your beer loving friend or family member when they wake up on the 13th (or 14th) and find you've given them the greatest gift of all...delicious free beer!
  So get out there, you've got a couple of days to bring that kind of joy only sharing beer can bring to someone you love. Make it a memorable run to Christmas day and give them and yourselves permission to slow down and appreciate the lights, watch a Christmas special or just veg out and enjoy some time together. They'll appreciate it and you will too, trust me, it's worth the effort.


Cheers and Merry Craftmas!


Polk

Beer Advent 2017!!

 

  The Christmas season is fast approaching and the time has come to begin preparations for the 2017 Beer Advent calendar. Be it for yourself or someone you love, this winter tradition has become something to help lift the craft beer drinkers spirits as winter takes hold. I like to prepare early and not blow the budget, so I get everything together well before December 1st, spreading out my purchases to be ready for the big day.

  The premise, if you are new to it, is that you buy 25 craft beers from either your local LCBO or at different craft breweries you happen to visit and then wrap them up and randomize them for a tasty treat every day leading up to Christmas. Last year I bought some and raided my cellar for a few more, had Mrs. Polk wrap and number them in an order I didn't know and put them in the fridge. Every day was a new to me beer or perhaps an old favourite and I loved every minute. Not knowing what style I was getting was part of the fun but if you know you don't like certain ones, you can avoid them altogether. The important thing is to make it enjoyable for yourself or someone you love.

  If you're putting a calendar together for someone it would be a great idea to know their favourite styles and even their favourite breweries. This can help guide your purchases and even inspire a road trip or two to get a few gems only available at the brewery. Ask their beer drinking pals what they really like and surprise them with a Christmas miracle of 25 craft beers to help make the season bright.  I would encourage you to seek out a few local breweries and add those to the list because I can assure you that they will appreciate getting something new and if it's a limited release, even better.

  Try and have a unique way of giving your gift. Maybe a custom decorated box, have the beer just show up in the fridge every evening when they get home, wrapped and numbered, chilled and ready to go. Get a big bomber 750 ml bottle of something special for their days off or to share when you can do it together. Add in a new glass or other branded merchandise and you can be assured that your gift will be over the top and make all of your beer loving partners Christmas wishes come true.

  The whole point of doing the calendar is to have fun and to give yourself or someone you love a little "me" time when we need it most. The holidays are not easy for everyone and if a pint after a long day can bring a smile to someone's face, I say we are doing something right. The clock is ticking, so get stocked up, wrap or box those beers and bring a smile to the world with the gift of Craft beer!

Merry Christmas!

Cheers!

Polk

 

Craft Beer Mix Packs for the Holidays

It's December and you need to grab some beer to bring with you to that party. But you don't want to show up with the same six pack of Stella that everyone else brings because it looks "fancy". You want something different and delicious, you want to share your love of great craft beer with your friends, co-workers and family. 
 I've taken the time to "research" (okay, drink all the beer) the best Mix packs available at the LCBO for you and let me tell you work never tasted so good.
Listed by brewery alphabetically with the product number, cost breakdown and a quick hit of who it would be good for and a few notes.
I rate each pack based on it's mix of styles and the ability to share it with the most people.
There is also a link to my Pints with Polk video reviews for each one!
If your looking to make a splash at that holiday party, pick one of these up and be the star! Let's see what we have...

Top of the Hops - Amsterdam Brewing

LCBO # 488155

6 473 ml. Tall Boys

2 each of Cruiser (Pale Ale), Pale Rider (India Pale Lager) and Boneshaker (IPA)

Cost - $17.95 ($2.99 a can, $0.63 a ml.)

Who's it for - Hop Heads, Craft Beer Explorers

Notes - 3 great hoppy options so it's made for sharing and comparing or just enjoying.

Mix Pack Rating - 3.5/5

Video review here - Pints with Polk

Best of Beau's 2016 - Beau's All Natural Brewing

LCBO # 487769

4 600 ml. Bottles

1 each of Bush Fire (Rooibos Honeybush lager), Collabrrrewnaught (Espresso Pilsner), Quads & Rockers (Belgian Quad, Strong Beer) and Dark Helmut (Imperial Dark Beer)

Cost - $26.00 ($6.50 a bottle, $0.75 per ml.)

Who's it for - Craft Beer Explorers, Enthusiasts, People who love to explore different flavours
Notes - 4 unique beers with some very different flavour profiles. Not for the Novice Craft Beer drinker, but a great exploration of the styles. Sharing is encouraged to showcase it's uniqueness
Mix Pack Rating - 4/5
Video Review Here - Pints with Polk

Brewmaster Selection - Cameron's Brewing

LCBO # 480285
4 473 ml. Tall Boys

1 Each of Ambear (Red Ale), Cosmic (Cream Ale), Black Forest (Dark Lager) and Bamberg Castle (Smoked Ale)

Cost - $11.50 ($2.87 a can, $0.61 per ml.)

Who's it for - New to Craft beer explorers, Ethusiasts, Friends who like to try new things

Notes - 2 classic beers, a relaunch of the Dark lager and a very accessible smoked ale. Something to share with everyone.

Mix Pack Rating - 3.5/5
Video review here - Pints with Polk

Taster Pack - Hockley Valley Brewing
LCBO # 381186
3 473 ml. Tall Boys
1 each of Hockley Classic (Lager), Amber (Red Ale), Dark (Brown Ale)
Cost - $7.95 ($2.65 a can, $0.56 per ml.)
Who's it for - A beer for everyone in here. From your macro loving dad to your craft beer enthusiast.

Notes - Every one of these are sharable and make great gateway beers to more adventurous styles. Split them and enjoy.

Mix Pack Rating - 3.5/5

Holiday Loot Pack - Double Trouble Brewing

LCBO # 385484

6 473 ml. Tall Boys

2 each of Prison Break (Dry Hopped Pilsner), Hops & Robbers (Session IPA) and Fire in the Rye ( Rye Pale Ale)
Cost - $15.95 ( $2.65 a can, $0.56 per ml.)
Who's it for - People ready to take a step up in their beer game, medium level enthusiasts.
Notes - 3 different beers but 2 of each means sharing and comparing what you like. Easy to drink and enjoy.

Mix Pack Rating - 3.25/5

Video review here - Pints with Polk

Winter Survival Pack - Muskoka Brewing

LCBO # 474361
6 473 ml. Tall Boys

1 each of Craft Lager (Lager), Cream Ale (Cream Ale), Detour (Session IPA), WinterWeiss (Dunkelweizen), Mad Tom (IPA) and Shinniked (Stout)

Cost - $17.95 ($2.99 a can, $0.63 per ml.)
Who's it for - Everyone. Hop Heads, Lager Lovers, Stout Samplers etc.
Notes - A seriously balanced pack that literally contains one beer for everyone on the beer spectrum. Taste away and share each one.
Mix Pack Rating - 4.5/5
Video review here - Pints with Polk

Holiday Gift Pack - Railway City Brewing

LCBO # 385518

3 473 ml. Tall Boys and a Branded Pint Glass

1 each of the Festive Lager (Cranberry Lager), Dead Elephant (Pale Ale) and Black Coal (Stout)

Cost - $13.95 ($3.48 per can, $0.98 per ml.)

Who's it for - Lager heads, Stout lovers, glassware folks

Notes - A good crossover with the flavoured lager. Stout and pale ale are classic favourites.

Mix Pack Rating - 3.25/5

Video review here - Pints with Polk

Re-Booted Mix Pack - Wellington Brewing

LCBO # 479436
4 355 ml. Bottles
1 each of Chocloate Milk Sout (Stout), Terrestrial (Brown Ale), S'Wheat Tang (Hoppy Wheat Ale) and Quick Brown Fox (ESB)
Cost - $9.95 ($2.49 per bottle, $0.70 per ml.)
Who's it for - Craft Beer fans, seekers of new flavours, dark beer geeks, wheat fiends

Notes - One offs making a comeback. Single serve size bottles are awesome for that mixer your going to. Great gift for the boss.

Mix Pack Rating - 4/5

Video review here - Pints with Polk

Beer Advent 2016 !!

It is almost Christmas time again and I know you want to celebrate every single day just like me. How best to enjoy everything Festive and have a little fun? With great local Craft Beer of course...what else would the Drunk Polkaroo recommend, chocolate?!?!

Last year I had a revelation that was partly responsible for setting me off on the journey I have been enjoying so much. And now I want to not only replicate it but hopefully have you join in and bring a little joy every single day in December.

The advent calendar is great when your a kid, but today we need something a little stronger to smooth out the holidays. My solution is simple, drink a beer. Before December 1st hits, head on out to your local craft brewers or the LCBO and pick up 24 different craft beers. Bring them home and either have someone wrap them up and number them 1 to 24 for you or do it yourself. Mix them up, make every day a surprise. Chill and wait. The key is that everyday you will have a fantastic treat waiting when you get home. If you like IPAs, fill the calendar with hoppy beauties. Want nothing but porters and stouts, dark beer it is. If you are buying your own beer, you can decide. But even better if someone else gets them for you. That is the real treat and if you have a craft beer lover in your life, I implore you to do this for them, it will make their holiday season so much more fun. Try and find a special one for the last day, their favourite beer or a hard to find brewery only release. Whatever it is, make it memorable.

 

There are some sites that will send you a Beervent calendar and while I love the idea, the price is pretty high and there is something to be said for supporting your own local brewers. Last year I had all American Craft beer that Mrs. Polkaroo had brought back from her Black Friday shopping trip and that was fun, but this year we are keeping it close to home. New beers and old favourites will make their way into my calendar and I am super happy to be able to unwrap one every day for a celebration of not only great beer, but the people who make it. Any way you do it, make it fun, mix up the styles and remember to enjoy responsibly. Nothing is better than a beer while you chill by the fire and listen to the tunes of Christmas play. Lets make this year the start of a tradition that grows and grows.

 I'll be using the #beeradvent2016 hashtag when I share my pics

and hope you will too, so we can enjoy the gift of great beer together!

Here are some ideas to help fill that calendar for the one you love, all available at select LCBOs. 10 of my favourite regularly brewed beers that I have tried in each category; Check your local LCBO or head to the breweries for more options.

 Cheers and may your beer fridge be merry and bright with love!

Craft Lagers/Pilsners/Ales - Easy drinking and a great way to introduce the macro drinker to craft beer.

3 Speed Lager - Amsterdam Brewing

Barnraiser - Oast House Brewing

Captain's Log Lager - Cameron's Brewing

Rock Cut Lager - Lake of Bays Brewing

Craft Lager - Muskoka Brewery

Classic - Hockley Valley Brewing

Mythology Canadian Golden Pilsner - Flying Monkeys Brewery

Mountain Lager - Side Launch Brewing

Steamwhistle Pilsner - Steamwhistle

Red Tail Ale - Grand River Brewing

Pale Ales - Add a little hops to the mix with these ones. Not over the top, but still a step up from the everyday.

Cruiser All Day Pale Ale - Amsterdam Brewing

Rhyme and Reason - Collective Arts

Downhill Pale Ale - The Collingwood Brewery

Hoptical Illusion - Flying Monkeys Brewery

Canuck Pale Ale - Great Lakes Brewing

Harbinger - Descendants Beer and Beverage Co.

Naughty Neighbour - Nickel Brook Brewing

Old Tomorrow - Old Tomorrow Brewing

Clutch - Redline Brewhouse

Golden Beach Pale Ale - Sawdust City Brewing

India Pale Ales - For the Hop head, approaching Nirvana.

Boneshaker - Amsterdam Brewing

Ransack the Universe - Collective Arts

State of Mind - Collective Arts

Flight Delay IPA - Barnstormer Brewing

Smashbomb Atomic IPA - Flying Monkeys Brewing

Karma Citra - Great Lakes Brewery

Mad Tom - Muskoka Brewing

Headstock - Nickel Brook Brewing

Dead Elephant - Railway City Brewing

Lone Pine IPA - Sawdust City Brewing

Porters and Stouts - Big on roasted malt flavours, coffee and dark chocolate. Some have big ABVs, so slow sipping is a must.

Nutcracker Porter - Black Oak Brewing

Clifford Porter - Clifford Brewing

Stranger Than Fiction Porter - Collective Arts

Charcoal Porter - Innocente Brewing

Tom Green Beer Stout - Beau's All Natural

Frankenstout Session Stout - Block 3 Brewing

Winter Beard Double Chocolate Cranberry Stout - Muskoka Brewing

Black Coal Stout - Railway City Brewing

Skinny Dippin' Stout - Sawdust City Brewing

Imperial Russian Stout - Wellington Brewery

Brown, Red & Amber Ales - A little more flavour than regular ales, but not too overpowering

Brown Ale - Amsterdam Brewing

Grindstone Amber Ale - Broadhead Brewing

Ambear Red Ale - Cameron's Brewing

Deep Tracks Brown Ale - Flying Monkeys Brewing

Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale - Left Field Brewing

Amber - Hockley Valley Brewing

Dark - Hockley Valley Brewing

Spark House Red Ale - Lake of Bays

Remembrance Red Ale - Royal City Brewing

Dark Ale - Stonehammer Brewing

Grab Bag of styles - 10 more that fall all over the map

Saison - The Collingwood Brewery

King Street Saison - Block 3 Brewing

Lenoir Belgian Ale - Bell City Brewing

Paysan Saison - Nickel Brook Brewing

Saison Hibiscus - Royal City Brewing

All or Nothing Hopfenweisse - All or Nothing Brewing

Wheat - Side Launch Brewing

Winter Weiss - Muskoka Brewing

Saint Of Circumstance Blonde Ale - Collective Arts

Cause and Effect Blonde Ale - Nickel Brook Brewing

Time to de-Christmas the house. Booooooo!

Christmas was over two weeks ago and the Polkaroo household still looks like we await St. Nick's arrival. I hate the thought of putting away all my decorations for another year, but realise if I don't act soon, it is going to seem like I am just lazy instead of festive.


It's drier than Nevada by now

Growing up, my mom always took down everything by New Year's day so we could have a fresh start. I really think it was because there were 4 kids in my house going back to school and my saint of a mother needed her house to resemble some kind of normal before the tornado of a new semester took over the place.

We grumbled and half heartedly helped take down our growing collection of Christmas baubles and went back to the dreary days of winter. I always thought I wanted to leave the decorations up longer to keep that happy spirit alive, but in reality, I was just putting off stuff that had to be done.

Putting aside my aversion to taking down what I put up only a month and a half ago, I begin the process of hauling the 30+ boxes of regular household knickknacks to replace the assorted holiday gee-gaws. Trudging up and down the stairs, I start to envision a future where we do a minimalist Christmas. Maybe a bauble or two and that would suffice.

Why do we need so many damn decorations?

We don't even have kids.

 This is ridiculous.

I really hate taking down my Christmas stuff.

When I start to wrap the breakables, it brings a smile to my face as I put away certain ones because they mean something a little more. A musical Santa Mom and Dad fixed for Grampa.

It still plays music too

 Mrs. Polkaroo's ever expanding Christmas village that is starting outgrow its spot.

The picture doesn't do it justice, it is growing quickly.

These things remind me of why I decorate for this holiday only. The act of doing it reminds me of the excitement of childhood and who wouldn't want to relive Christmas Eve and morning as a kid one more time. When I take it down, it helps to put those feelings away until next year when I get to do it again.

New this year!

The process of re-decorating and hanging our assorted picture frames, paintings and wall ornaments is a nice way to consider what we have and if it really is necessary. I know no one needs any of the stuff we have, but they contain memories and feelings from what they mean to each of us. I am forever deciding if this piece or that has had it time with us and needs a new home. It usually ends up that I donate some stuff to charity and make room for new memories that we will acquire in 2016.

I have always been the one who decorates, it is just something I enjoy and Kat doesn't seem to mind. I have made all the picture frames in our house (and there are a plethora of them) full of pics from our few and precious trips to the Caribbean.


Fun times with my best friend.

Nothing is better than as you trudge down the stairs mid-January than seeing the fun times we've had on the beaches of Jamaica or Cuba and the hope that we may do it again. 

Almost twelve years.

Wedding pictures of course are a fixture as well, not forgetting that youthful snap from our engagement.

Oh, the matching blues.



As the house slowly returns to normal, it cannot help but look barren. Nothing can generate the excitement and colour that Christmas does, so you learn to cope. I have no doubt that part of my "blahs" of February are caused by the sharp contrast between the sparkling promise of Christmas and the regular everyday gray of our lives.

This year I approach it from a much better place and look forward to doing a little redesigning of the main floor with maybe some classy beer bottles sneaking their way onto our built-in bookcases in the dining room. Just one or four, I promise.

So much room for my beer collection!

I have long felt the depression of this time of year, but it was only recently that I began to understand it and fight back. It takes a concerted effort and the support of my lovely wife, who never gives in to the darkest days I have, to remain on an even keel. I have a much better grip on what causes my sadness and with that in hand, I am confident taking away my Christmas until next November will not put me in a funk.

Plus this year has so much to look forward to. I am off to visit some new places tomorrow and despite the chill in the air, we have committed to start our walking regimen. New shoes from the store always made me feel like I could run faster as a kid and I still get a rush when I lace up my new high tops.

But for now it is the careful wrapping of breakables, the packing of the boxes and the unhanging of funny snowmen wreaths.

These guys always make me laugh.

I put them away not with sadness, but with a happiness that comes from recognizing what a wonderful life I have and how much joy this past season brought to me. I look forward to the chilly walks and explorations the rest of winter will bring and am excited for the warming of Spring and the sun shining on my face as I work in the gardens.

Bye-bye penguins, snowmen and Santa. You will be missed and I look forward to seeing you all again as soon as the clock turns on November 12th, 2016.

Cheers!



Make Time this Christmas to be Present

All of us in one place? Not as easy as it used to be.

As I was driving home last night, I was thinking about Christmas. More specifically about all the great things we did when I was a kid. It was a real treat to grow up in my family, Christmas was considered to be the best time of the year. not just because of presents, but due to all the get togethers and various functions both sides of my family would have. Christmas parties, visits to our house and visiting other people kept us going crazy all month long. Christmas Eve was the most looked forward to night of the year. Papa and Grandma would come over to our house, soon to be joined by a large contingent of my fathers' family. It was a loud, boisterous time and when it died down it was off to my mothers' side and even more Christmas. Grampa and Granny brought the whole brood under their roof every Christmas Eve and more libations and presents were exchanged. There would be 30 plus people crammed into that little house and what fun we had. 

The point of this little non-beer related post is that while I thinking of these wonderful times, I started to contemplate the future. Already these traditions are changed from when I was a kid. That is natural, things change. But what struck me was what Christmas will be like in 10, 15 or 20 years from now for me and Kat. We do not have kids, hopefully we will, but nothing is certain. My extended family rarely can get together because everyone is "busy". I am guilty of this myself. Just wanting to go home and try a beer or two before crashing out for the night. The thought I kept coming back to was not the presents of Christmas past, but the presence of the people who made it my favourite time of the year.

I am lucky enough at 42 to still have my Granny around to keep me grounded in those childhood days. She does an amazing job of bringing us all together on the Eve and at 90 has more energy than pretty much any of us. But still, there are some things I really miss.

 My Papa and Grandma coming through the door on Christmas Eve was one of my favourite memories and I always kind of wish I could have that feeling one more time.

 Walking into Grampa's house and seeing him sitting at the kitchen table waiting for all of us to arrive for that same night is another thing that I would love to experience again.

So many other moments big and small that make my Christmas memories shine.

Life doesn't work that way. All I have are my memories and that is what I am getting at. It truly is the people who are not here that strikes me the hardest. We lost my Uncle Tom this year and he loved Christmas more than almost anyone. He played Santa Claus and raised money for charity doing it. He loved to watch the kids eyes light up when he walked into a room, dressed as Santa or not. We've said good bye to more amazing people than I care to remember. Brothers, sisters, parents, extended family and friends passing from this world far too soon. This is what made me open my eyes.

I am sure we all have fond memories of those who are not here. I ache at their not being with us and saddened to see those around me suffer from the pain of the important people who they've lost and cannot have with them at this most joyous time of the year. This has struck the chord with me. What about the people who are here, but whom we do not make the effort to see. What about that best friend you've fallen out of touch with because trying to fit them into your schedule is "hard". What about that family member who you don't talk to because of some slight years ago. What about all the people who we want to reach out to but feel too much time has passed and despite our best intentions, we just don't try.

This is the thing. I am sure we all feel rushed. We shouldn't, but we do. Always trying to cram more things and events into our hectic schedules, but missing out on what is truly needed. Time is a commodity that isn't bankable. All we have is the here and now. You are not promised tomorrow, so get on with your life today.

I know it sounds simple. Pick up the phone, drop by for a visit or send a text message and get together for a pint. It isn't that easy for most of us. Maybe we feel some shame at letting people lapse out of our lives or not being there when they called. Perhaps we've spent to much time looking inward at our own lives and not enough time trying to connect to our wider circle of family and friends. I don't know what it is you miss, but I am sure it is something or someone. And that is the whole point of my rambling.

There is time, as Scrooge learned, to start all over again. It really never is to late to come back home. Just because we have fallen apart does not mean we cannot put it back together again. My biggest fear is who I will be missing next year. Hopefully no one, but we never know when our time here on this planet is up.  I do not want to be sitting here next December thinking about someone I've lost and wishing I had spent more time with them, especially at Christmas. You do not want to remember someone you love and regret that you couldn't find the time to include them in your life. People are not perfect. We know all too many ways to hurt one another and often do so without malice. That is the thing I want to stress the most. If you can forgive someone, do it, you will be better off for it. Hanging on to old wounds if it is possible to heal them is not going to be something you will treasure as the years pass.  I am as guilty as anyone at holding a grudge, but all that gets me is exactly nothing. By all means do not interact with someone who actively hurts you emotionally or physically. I am well aware that there are some things people do that are just not forgivable. But I am talking about those things which seemed so big at the time, but now you can see them for what they truly are and wish there was some way to repair the damage.

Don't let 2015 pass by without trying to do better. Make the first step and I think you will be surprised at what happens. At the very least, you tried. Forgive yourself while you're at it. You are never as bad as you think you are. Have some humility, you are not better than anyone either. Try to get along with people, it makes life better. And most of all, go home. Wherever that is. Go there, raise a glass of egg nog, or beer or coffee and toast your amazing luck at having found your way through that door. I may only have my memories of those long ago days, but that isn't a reason to not make new ones. Please do yourself a favour and at least try.

Someone misses you, I guarantee it.

Merry Christmas!