Sober September - The 5 Best NA Beers I tried in September 2025

   I had high hopes earlier this year for a monthly series of posts about the best non-alcoholic beers I had tried in the previous month, but like a lot of things I think are a good idea, I get in my own way and somehow talk my way out of it. So we are back after an 8 month hiatus with a Top 5 must try and 2 to give a pass to when it comes to NA beers. 

 Up first, in chronological order of when I tried them, the Top 5 for September 2025

1. Nickel Brook Brewing Wicked Tame NA Hazy IPA (Sept 1st to 21st, inclusive)

  I drank one of these a day for 21 days and let me say that I always looked forward to cracking on open when it was time for a little refreshment. It has a great, full-bodied feel and it hits like a full on IPA. Full video here.

2. Tool Shed Brewing Zero Red Rage Red Ale (September 2nd)

  This one captured my attention with it's malt forward toasty malt body and caramel notes. It felt like I was drinking a full test Red Ale, no hint of NA aftertaste. Picked up from Designated Drinks. Full video here.

3. Guinness 0.0% (September 4th)

  An easy pick-up for my fridge, I revisited it after 9 months to see if I still felt it was as good as I did way back when I first started trying NA beers. It did not disappoint from pour to last sip. Slightly sweeter than regular Guinness, but it's almost imperceptible. Full Video here.

4. Sober Carpenter Oktoberfest Lager (September 21st)

  Another great offering from this Quebec brewer, their limited edition pints seem to really be what I am finding as their best. This one brought light dried fruit and toffee with a firm bitterness and a touch of noble hop spice. Felt like Germany. Found at Designated Drinks Full video here.

5. Partake Pale Ale (September 23rd)

  I've enjoyed Partake's offerings so far, but this west leaning, English inspired Pale Ale was a clear favourite for me. Malt forward with orange citrus pith and a solid bitterness. Reminds me of when I first tried Pompous Ass from GLB. Full video here.

  And as with life, not everything is Guns 'n Roses...

  Time for two to avoid.

1. Brulo 7 Grain 7 Malt IPA (September 12th)

  It was a mess from first sniff to garden pour. Off flavoured and muted with nothing much to say about the kitchen sink of hop additions. Full video here.

2. Busch Lager (September 26th)

  Best thing I can say about this one is that it was ice cold. When temperature is your number one thing and I'm the one doing that to the beer, it's really not much of anything happening. Also, one of the ingredients is beer flavour...what the hell would it taste like without that? Meh. Full video here.

  All in all, a good month of pretty solid NA beers. 16 different ones and only a couple that fell into the never buy again category. Obviously a few of the best are repeat tries, but I likes what I likes and there she is...

Cheers!

Polk

October 1st, 2025

2018 Polkie Awards - Day 2 with Belgian styles, Gose and Sour Ales!

 

Belgian style and sour beers may not exactly be the same thing but for the sake of brevity and to allow me to keep the Polkies to just 5 days, they continue for another year to be lumped together on Day 2.
   I am a big fan of Belgian beers and my beer exploration has found many sour, wild and mixed fermentation styles to be most pleasing to the palate. From pounding Old Milwaukee on a daily basis just 4 years ago to yearning for the earthy and fruity Belgian style beers and the face puckering sours our Ontario Craft brewers are making has been as shocking to me as anything. While many of the world's finest of these 10 styles remain European, the gap has closed and continues to do so every year. I always focus on what we brew close to home and that is reflected by the growing list of entrants for each style. It's time to see Polk's Picks on day 2!
Berliner Weisse



1. Nickel Brook Brewing Peach Uber

  The Uber series from Nickel Brook is something to look forward to when the sun starts to heat up and I spend more time outside than in. This year saw the introduction of Peach and oh my, it was a beauty. Real peach notes with a funky and tart lime finish made for a real summer refresher and I was in love!
2. Sawdust City Brewing Coriolis Effect

  Found many times in my glass and straight up representing the tartness of the style, Sawdust City hit a home run with Coriolis Effect. Crushable and lightly sour, it hit the mark and thanks to an assist from the folks at SC, I had lots in my fridge!
3. Nickel Brook Brewing Plum Uber
4. Nickel Brook Brewing Raspberry Uber
5. Sawdust City Brewing Passion fruit and Guava


Dubbels

1. Shacklands Brewing Dubbel

One of my favourite Belgian styles is the Dubbel and this 7.0% one from Shacklands was so damn close to the originators I thought I could here the bells of the monastery. Bready with plum, raisin and fig notes, a slight spice and I was transported to another place and time. A must try if and when it returns.
2. Sawdust City Brewing Can't you find another way to come home for the holidays

  Not many entrants from Ontario in this category that caught my eye in terms of their ability to match or even transcend the traditional Belgian beers , but Sawdust managed to do that with this mouthful of a name for their Dubbel. Adding a cinnamon spiced twist to the bready, dark fruit was a nice surprise and it's still available for online order if you want a little Belgian Christmas in your glass.

Gose


1. Collective Arts Brewing Black Currant and Lemon Zest

  I called this beer vivaciously berrylicious and I stand by that statement! The deepest of purple pours with sharp blackberry, currant and a tart lemon and salt finish. It was a jam in a glass with that gose sharpness that I cans still taste almost 10 months later. Hope to see it return in 2019!
2. Nickel Brook Brewing Duplicitous

 

   With a wide availability and spot on Gose taste, Nickel Brook's Duplicitous has a lot of fans out there, including me. Tart lemon, grapefruit and orange with a sour and salty finish, it is crushable and well received as the heat goes up and the pool opens!
3. Wellington Brewery Pinwheel
4. Nickel Brook Brewing The Pineapple Incident
5. People's Pint Gose Cuervo





Quads
1. New Limburg Brewing St. Arnoldus

  A fine example of a brewery really coming into it's own as New Limburg finds themselves at the top of the Quad charts. I was not a huge fan of this when I first tried it in 2017 but a year later and it is approaching world class. Loads of dark fruit, a warming boozy finish that balances with the malty, slightly sweetened body. I want more of this in my life, it was just amazing.
2. Great Lakes Brewery 2017 Quad

   Aged in pinot noir barrels, this Quad from GLB was a warm, caramel malt, spicy, dark fruit treat in the depths of winter. It was warm and boozy with a full and balanced profile. I wish I had bought a few more to see where it goes in a year or two even though it was on point back in February. Wow.
3. Railway City Brewing 2017 Strongman
4. Sawdust City and Nickel Brook Brewing 2018 11.05
5. Royal City Brewing Brett Quad


Saisons
1. Shacklands Brewing Saison Davenport

  The closest thing to drinking a Saison in Belgium is found in The Junction area of Toronto and once again Shacklands has laid a golden brew to celebrate your hopes and dreams. Saison Davenport is a majestic and spot on take of one of my most favourite styles, the banana, orange, clove and peppery spice finish is delightful and should be on your radar if you want to experience true genius.
2. Sawdust City Brewing Princess wears Girl Pants

  A slow sipping saison with some hoppy kicks and a warming boozy kick make Sawdust City's Princess a real winner. Loads of banana, orange and spice make for a true beauty and that 9.0 ABV is a real kicker! Look for it's return and do not miss out!

3. Merit Brewing The Rally
4. Great Lakes Brewery Saison DuPump
5. Barncat Brewery Cat's Cradle


Sour Ales
1. Nickel Brook Brewing Uncertainty Principle No. 1

  It is always a pleasure to get the latest Funk Lab release from Nickel Brook and this year's series has been spot on. But nothing comes close to the June release of Uncertainty Principle No. 1, mango, pineapple and tangerine with a funky and sour finish hat had me wanting more. It was something I couldn't imagine until that first sip and I was hooked.
2. Fairweather Brewing Tranquillo

   Fairweather had one of the finest years in beer in my memory and the spicy, sour lemon lime zest of Tranquillo was transcendent. It was tart and peppery with a bit of everything I love about sours. Not just overwhelmingly face puckering, it was nuanced and fun.
3. Bellwoods Brewery Mango Apricot Jelly King
4. Bellwoods Brewery Donkey Venom
5. Nickel Brook and Sawdust City Brewing 2017 11.05


Strong Golden Ales
1. Muskoka Brewery Legendary Oddity

   Hitting the shelves of the LCBO on the 2nd day of January, the 2018 Muskoka Legendary Oddity was a wonderful way to start the year. At 7.1%, it wasn't fooling around and the balance was spot on with the warming, boozy notes finding a home with the banana, clove, pepper and bubble gum berry notes. A beautiful example of a style that isn't really found in many places here in Ontario.
2. The Collingwood Brewery 1854

   The only other Strong Golden Ale to reach the zenith this year was the 6,8% barrel aged 1854 from The Collingwood Brewery. A fine take on this traditional style with vanilla and some funk joning the party. Plum and caramel bring a maltier kick and while it was a one and done cellar pull, it was a great way to spend a sunny, summer afternoon.

Tripels

1. New Limburg Brewing St. Barbara

  True Belgian beer lovers keep finding their way to a few places in Ontario that are becoming destinations because they are finding a way to give us what we really want. Close to home and true to style, New Limburg's St. Barbara would be at home anywhere in Belgium with its' balanced and delightful composition. banana, clove, orange peel, lemon zest, clove and a spicy coriander finish make for one slow sipping, 9.0% tripel. It was available at the LCBO and we can only hope it returns.
2. Merit Brewing Tomorrows

  This beer continued to evolve from the first time I tried it and with what we saw from Merit this past year, you know they are dialled in and ready to bring it hard. Tomorrows was a 9.4% front loaded banana, bubblegum, black tea and clove slow sipper that took me to new heights when I returned to it in late May. One you need to experience for yourself to truly enjoy what they are crafting on James street here in Hamilton.

Wild Ales

1. Fairweather Brewing Old Soul

  The fine folks at Fairweather will make multiple appearances on my best of 2018 lists and this wild, barrel aged ale is no different. Tart and funky with stone fruit, apricot and peach dominating and refreshing. It was a smooth and highly rewarding day when I was able to slow sip this 6.5% as the leaves turned and the sun set in the back forty.
2. Bellwoods Brewery Barn Owl No. 10

   There must be something with me and stone fruit this year as the 10th Barn Owl from Bellwoods was neck in neck for top spot. Funky with peach and grapefruit, it had some sweeteness to offset the tart and was a balanced, beautiful treat. Barn Owl changes every time and I really wish I had picked up a few more of this one, it was truly wicked.
3. Bellwoods Brewery Dry Hopped Come What May
4. Shacklands Brewing Raspbretty Bates
5. Bellwoods Brewery Come What May


Witbiers
1. Block 3 #BeerPun

  Block 3 has long been one of our favourite stops whenever we head out to KW and this year they delivered a great crushable Witbier that was gone in a flash. #BeerPun was a crisp and easy lemon, orange peel, banana, clove and spicy pepper mix that was one of the most refreshing beers I had all year, especially in the middle of August on a sunny, warm morning with nothing to do.
2. Wellington Brewery 3 Weeks Notice

  Summer in a glass as Wellington Brewery really stepped up their crusher game as the sun shone and the pool beckoned this year. 3 Weeks notice was a beautiful mix of citrus, Belgian notes and berries with a lovely dry and peppery finish. Hope to see it again when The Grotto opens for the 2019 Summer drinking season!
3. New Limburg Wit
4. Cowbell Brewing Paradise Lime
5. Bench Brewing Stone Road

  There you have it, 10 new Polkie Awards handed out in some of my most favourite styles. I hope to see more beers in some of them as I was at a loss for more than a few examples. As we grow and change as beer drinkers, we can hope that our local breweries will respond as our palates mature and demand more. Sours continue to evolve and the low ABV of Berliners and Wits is most welcome for sessions of hanging outside in the summer and doing nothing but having a good time.
  See you tomorrow when we go into The Darkness once again and explore the Stouts and Porters from Ontario that made me feel all warm and roasty inside.

Cheers!
Polk

The Ten - Polk's 2017 Most Memorable Craft Beers

 

The year comes to a close and it is time to say goodbye. Without a doubt, 2017 saw the explosion of Ontario Craft Beer reach lift off speeds. It became apparent early on that there would be far more beer released than I could ever hope to try and I came to terms with that in my own mind. Instead I focused on what I was able to get and then look a little deeper into what each of those beers has meant to me. The Ten is not meant to be a definitive ranking of the "best" beer of the year, but rather it represents the memorable, the important, the emotional and the community of craft beer drinkers that have made their way into my heart. So read on my friends and maybe contemplate yourself what this year in beer meant to you. It should always be about raising our standards, making friends and sharing a love of beer that motivates us going forward.
 These 10 beers defined the previous 365 days, much as the year comes to an end, so too does this man`s journey though Ontario. But have no fear, 2018 will see even more trips, giveaways and hopefully, connections with the people who love their beer just as much as I do.


10. Full Time IPA - Beau`s All Natural Brewing

  Beau's All Natural Brewing has long been a major part of my craft beer journey. Their constant and ever changing line-up a life raft at a time when the LCBO wasn't the sea of craft beer it is now. Many of my first exposures to different styles came from this Eastern Ontario brewer and it is no coincidence that we made the trip to visit them twice in a year just because I love to stop in and say hello to the crew. When we heard about their intention to release Full Time IPA and make it a core LCBO beer, it was both a surprising and happy moment. A well made Beau's beer is a thing to behold and when I first poured this into my tulip, I was sold. It just wasn't me, many of my crafty brothers and sisters were singing it's praises and buying them up. So for bringing a beautifully made new IPA to me any time I want to go buy one and for being a great supporter of the industry here and abroad, I couldn't think of this list without them. Thank you for always reaching out and making sure the people who love your beer know you love them back.




9. Shevchenko 9 - 4 Father's Brewing

  This list is about beers that caught my eye or made an impression so deep that I can still taste them, even months later. From 4 Father's Brewing and also my favourite Dark Lager/Dunkel of 2017 comes Svenchenko 9. Meeting some of the team from the brewery at the Albino Rhino Beer Festival in May gave me an insight into their passion for craft beer and this beer confirmed it. Beautifully balanced, I feel it is overlooked in a crowded marketplace and we need to correct that. A well made and easy drinking dark lager is just what we need in an overhopped and sour beer world. For being good people, making a great beer and bringing it to us with a wink and a smile, I am happy to include you in The Ten this year. Buy this beer!


8. Huronic Tripel - Side Launch Brewing

  Side Launch Brewing's core lineup is without a doubt one of the finest, to-style, 4 craft beer pickup anyone makes. They bring a simplicity and truth to the beer and while they seem safe and old school, most of my craft beer loving friends constantly have one of their beers in the fridge. For me it is the wheat beer and when I saw that they were finally going to bring something new to the LCBO that I could get, I was ecstatic. The Huronic Tripel was a delightful beer that brought me joy when I took my first sip. I love Belgian beers almost more than anything else and this one did not disappoint. Full of bright flavours, orange and lemon, with a pepper and clove backend, it was excellent. Showcasing the great things being done at the brewery and maybe a little under the radar to the larger community that is new to the scene or too buried in the hop craze, this one should be added to the must try list as fast as you can. For bringing the simplicity of good beer and never wavering in their dedication to brewing and selling only the best, Side Launch joins us on this year's The Ten.




7. 2016 Double Tempest - Amsterdam Brewing

  We don't really do beer release days. I won't stand in line for anything and too often the hype isn't worth the hassle. But starting last year and now a family tradition in the Polk household is the winter release of Amsterdam Brewing's Double Tempest. Throwing a huge party with a wicked beer lineup and food to pair it with on the waterfront is something we have come to anticipate, marking my last weekend off before the Christmas rush at work renders me the actual Polkaroo for the rest of the month. We aged this one for an entire year and while many people have way more patience and better cellars, we always make the pact to enjoy them in a year at the latest because beer is for drinking, not hoarding. This 2016 Double Tempest became even more balanced, losing some of the boozy heat and ramping up the vanilla bourbon and dark chocolate to a higher plane. Sublime and memorable, I will miss it until the 2017 makes it's appearance next Christmas Eve. The Ten is the perfect place for this delectable stout made by people who give a Damn!


6. Boxing Bruin IPA - Cowbell Brewing

  
 I opened my first Cowbell Brewing beer maybe a year and a half ago when they were contract brewers with a dream of something bigger. A nice Kolsch style ale, it was their commitment to donating 5 cents from every pint or can sold to local charities that really caught my eye. Early in 2017 I had their Doc Perdue's Bobcat West Coast Red ale and was convinced of their dedication. A later release of Kelly's Contraption solidified a lineup available at the LCBO and I eagerly awaited the brewery opening in mid year. Hearing great things, we made our way to Blyth and were blown away by the architecture, people, food and of course, beer. Meeting with brains behind the entire thing and the team putting it together added to the lustre. But when I was given their flagship IPA that was to be added to their core beer lineup I was blown away. Doc Perdue's Boxing Bruin is a beer any brewery would be proud to call their own, Brewmaster Stephen Rich is indeed making a name for himself with this and many other excellent beers available on tap at the brewery. For being good citizens, building a destination brewery and making beer that matches the promise of the people who make it, Cowbell joins The Ten.


5. Pineapple Milkshark Milkshake IPA - Bellwoods Brewery

  I had been calling for the milkshake IPA revolution late in 2016 and made it one of my 3 predictions for this year. Little did I know the genius minds at Bellowoods Brewery were 10 steps ahead of me and all of the Ontario Craft Beer scene. From the first release to the last, they just kept the pedal to the metal all year long. This iteration was a revelation with it's milky texture, pine apple juice like flavour and smooth backend, I couldn't believe this was a beer I was loving, imagining what Brava Light chugging me would have thought of this juicy vanilla fruit bomb. I savoured every bit and lamented it's end with much passion. While I have had many more great beers from Bellwoods, this one maintains its spot in The Ten because I just can't get it out of my head. I dream they bring it back in 2018 and even I might break my no line ups for beer rule.


4. Sour Goldie -Block 3 Brewing

  Sour Goldie from Block 3 Brewing makes The Ten not only because it is an exceptionally brewed beer that was one of the most memorable I had in 2017 and won my Strong Ale category hands down, but because of how it came to be in my possession. Attending a birthday party for my cousin Matt at the brewery, I happened to see brewmaster Kevin Freer sitting at the bar and wandered over to say hello and chat for a bit. It was so much fun to talk and get to know the guy who makes so many beers I love and when he told me he had a special release for me to take home, I was positively giddy. The beer in question was this one and I cannot praise it enough but it was that conversation with Kevin, his generous nature and my entire experience that floods back whenever I remember this beer. I always say that the people who make the beer can make or break your experience with it and for combining all of that and more, Block 3 joins The Ten with Sour Goldie. What a day that was!


3. Aggressive Jazz Hands - Redline Brewhouse

  The blending of styles into a hybrid can be fraught with peril and pitfalls. Redline Brewhouse and their Belgian Strong Ale/Double IPA release of Aggressive Jazz Hands was a hit and then some. Bringing together two of my most favourite things, Belgian beers and IPAs, they found a fantastic middle ground that had the best of both worlds. Their Double Clutch (Fave DIPA 2017) shook my world but this one brought me joy as a beer saint gift from my friend Verena. It reminds me of her generosity and love for craft beer and I can still remember how I felt when that first sip hit my lips. For a year full of great customer service, fantastic beer and many memories, Redline Brewhouse goes into The Ten with my highest regards. I so want to see this beer back in 2018, it needs to be in more hands so everyone can experience what a Canadian brewer can do with a legendary Belgian style. Well done my friends, well done.


2. Sundrop Wheat IPA - Fairweather Brewing

  My hometown brewery list grew exponentially in 2017 with 3 new brewers opening their doors with more promised for next year. None more prolific or consistent than the hard working folks over at Fairweather Brewing in Hamilton's West End. Every single release was spot on with little wiggle room for doubt and the family like atmosphere they have created brings a smile to all who visit. This Wheat IPA was so smooth, juicy and filled with bright citrus notes that I immediately regretted not buying a dozen, A work schedule that flooded my summer kept me from getting more but I can still taste it's bitter and dank finish. How does a brewery come out swinging with great beer right out the gate and make such an impression that people are drawn to them just because. Fairweather joins The Ten because of Sundrop but also because they bring a pure joy and effort to making absolutely beautiful beer all around. I am a fan of not just the beer, but the people who work at this sure to be legendary Ontario Craft Brewer. Come visit, you will be joining the Fairweather family once you've had your first sip.


1. Audrey Hopburn Belgian IPA - Great lakes Brewery

"I don't want to open my eyes, because it's like a dream."
 - me, September 28th after my first sip of Audrey Hopburn from Great Lakes Brewery (find the video here)
  My world is a better place thanks to the beer I drink, the people I've met and the experiences I've had. 2017 was GLB's 30th birthday but they were the ones giving the gifts with well over 100 releases this year. So many of them were new and creative things and then there was the return of a whole lot of classic fan favourites. 
  I had eagerly awaited the return of Audrey Hopburn because I could still remember it from back in 2015 and lamented it's non return in 2016, leaving me breathless when I spied social media telling me she was coming back. It is rare that a beer lives up to our memories simply because our palates evolve and the sheer number of beers we try trains us to appreciate new and different things. Audrey was not that. She was a beautiful beer 2 years ago and on that night in September and many more after that, she was absolutely sublime. A beer that celebrated a year given to the birthday of a Brewery that not only cares about the industry and making great beer, they want the people who drink it to have a good time, every time. Parties, giveaways, friendly chats and a bunch of awesome beers made for one hell of a 2017 and I will never forget my day spent brewing with the beer writers, Troy and Mr. Mike Lackey, brewmaster extraordinaire.
  I am not sure why this beer made such an impression, but it's still running through my mind even as I type. Perhaps it was the memory of those early days and the fact that it not only lived up to them but exceeded it. Maybe it is that I now understand better what I am drinking or the most simple explanation of all, GLB gets me and you and why we love beer. They love beer too, they make some of the best damn stuff in the province, maybe the country and I am proud to say that I am a fan. It is just beer, but to us and the good people at GLB, it is so much more.
  Thank you for everything you do, I appreciate the effort put into making great beer like Audrey and I look forward to seeing what year 31 brings because I have no doubt that Great Lakes will continue to lead the way for Ontario Craft Beer. My review from September says it all :
 " She's back and she's beautiful! Since October of 2015 I have patiently awaited the return of Great Lakes Brewery's Audrey Hopburn  a 6.2 %, 58 IBU Belgian IPA. It had stuck with me since that day and it did not disappoint. Pours a hazy golden straw colour with a thick long lasting and boldly lacing white head. Smells of banana, grapefruit and orange. On the sip, sweet ambrosia I am in heaven. Citrusy with lemon,  grapefruit and orange. Banana clove and a spicy pepper kick on the finish with more citrus lingering on the dry finish. The fact that I have waited two years to try this again and it not only lived up to but exceeded my memory is pretty damn outstanding. I love this beer. It's a combination of a lot of things that make my senses sing and I am glad I have one more to experience this again. Get yourself to Great Lakes soon, this one is a limited run and won't be around long. A contender for my Beer of the Year without a doubt. Cheers! 4.5/5"
  
  I can't think of a more fitting way to finish a weird and wonderful year than with this lovely beer. May 2018 bring you happiness and a glass that is full of the very best the world has to offer. Ask for and accept nothing less.

Raise your glass and your standards,

One beer at a time. 

Cheers!


Polk

My favourite Memory of 2017!

2016 Polkies - The 10

When I started to look back on all the great beer I tried this year (over 825...and counting), I was struck by not just the variety of styles and flavours, but the experiences this journey has brought me. I started to write as an extension of being mindful while I drank, a way to slow down and consider what I was having as opposed to chasing oblivion; now it is my passion to write about not just craft beer, but my life, past and present. My voice coming back to me is something I will always be grateful for.

2016 in one photo.

 The truth is, I still marvel at many of the craft beers that I find in my glass because I honestly never knew it could be this way. Sure beer was always a social lubricant, but I used it to hide my fears and anxiety from other people and I couldn't have envisioned what would happen when I left the macro brews behind and embraced the honest and true Craft Beer revolution. For my Favourite 10 Beers of 2016 I will give you what each one of them meant to me rather than rehashing the flavours and compositions. Those can be found in the various Best of posts from the last week but I want this to be a celebration of what Ontario Craft Beer has done for me and what it can do for you. My writing often focuses on the emotional side of the beer drinking experience and for the last post of 2016, I want to carry on that road. Next year will bring us many new and exciting things, may you always be open to them...I know I will enjoy sharing mine with you.
 

On with the tales of ales...

10.  Anderson Craft Ales Brown Ale

In late August I headed down the 401 to London on a spur of the moment post work road trip. My purpose was to visit one of Ontario's newest Craft Brewers, Anderson Craft Ales. I had been following the building of their dream all year and wanted to see the place and try a flight. Quietly I sat and soaked in the atmosphere, their running club had just finished and the excited voices and raised glasses to another great run made me smile. You could see the pride the Anderson crew had in not only their beer but in what they were experiencing in the moment on a hot August night. Eventually I had a chance to chat a little, made a few new friends and plans to come back that I still have in my mind.  This Brown Ale came home with me because it captured the essence of that night so clearly. It is aromatic, evoking my senses and with its rich flavours, I can feel myself smiling at the memory of my spontaneous trip. This one is a keeper.

9. Silversmith Brewing The Black Lager

In early January I started to step out of my comfort zone and head out on little trips to breweries. I took my non beer drinking mom with me to Niagara on the lake and we hit up Oast House and had a delightful lunch at Silversmith Brewing. The Black Lager is not just a great beer, it represents a triumph over my own fears. I wanted to try this beer so bad and could only get it by heading to the brewery. Once there and with my mom cheering me on, I started to feel like I could go further, take some more chances and have fun doing it. When I wrote my review of this amazing lager, I felt that day was captured in the glass. It's worth a trip to wine country to get some great beer.

8. Block 3 Brewing Through the Quad

It was spring and I was turning away from macro beers more every day. We had visited Block 3 Brewing a few times and loved its unique adobe look, great Belgian inspired beers and excellent people. What made this one special was its big and bold attempt at a style that was for me difficult to understand. I found it at the right time and place and it introduced me to an entirely new world of beer. It was one that led me to discover how a malty dark fruit beer could shine the light of a new day on my life.

7. Bellwoods Brewery Jelly King

A legendary bar and the first beer saint moment led me to this Bellwoods Brewery Sour Jelly King. After an amazing Brew Cruise around Toronto Harbour in June, we went to Bar Volo to pay our respects to this landmark Craft beer bar before it closed and it was there that my friend Steve bought me this tart and sour dream to end my indecision over the incredible tap list. I went to Bellwoods many times after this and had all iterations of this King of tartness. That moment when he bought that beer however inspired me to write about being a Beer Saint and my world grew even larger that day!

6. Innocente Brewing Two Night Stand

One of the first times I put a person to the beer I liked was when I met Steve Innocente during the KW Brew Donkey Tour in the early spring. This Imperial IPA is a damn good beer but it was that moment when I was talking brewing, marketing and an assortment of craft beer related topics with a man who had created some of my favourite beers that I really felt like I was doing something worthwhile with my reviews and stories. I have been back many times to visit and if Steve is there I am always lucky to have some of his time to talk about the world around us. A man who understands not only beer but the people who love it. He knows what we like and makes it with the dreams we all have inside.

5. Muddy York Brewing Porter

When I was planning a Toronto road trip during Polkapolooza in March, I looked for the farthest east post to start at and found Muddy York Brewing ... little did I know it would result in a most fortuitous friendship. Meeting Jeff then and Susan later helped to sell Mrs. Polk on not only their deliciously smooth and roasty Porter, but on the entire Craft beer movement. It was their open and engaging personalities along with great beer that made my solo journey a place where my partner wanted to join in. A favourite in our house and an inspiration for Kat's foray into home brewing.

4. Collective Arts Ransack the Universe

There was a time when I couldn't stand IPAs. I would run from them after only trying the smallest glass possible to get a check in on Untappd and then turn to Old Mil to drown my sorrows in. This year, all that changed and this big Hemispheric IPA was partly the reason. I have a real soft spot for Collective Arts not only because they are located in my hometown but because they are all about the community they are in. Huge boosters of the Hammer, artists of every stripe and makers of some of the finest beers in the province, CA just gets it. The people I have had the pleasure of meeting dring this year from my Hometown Heroes reinforce my love of this amazing IPA and all their other offerings.

3. Nickel Brook Brewing Café Del Bastardo

Perhaps the strangest thing about this year has been my growing love of not only stouts but the biggest and boldest of bourbon barrel and coffee ones. Nickel Brook Brewing makes some of the best, but it wasn't just the beer that made me a regular visitor to this Ontario Craft Beer legend. John and the entire team at NB made me and my friends always feel like we were the most important people to come through the door at the brewery and were always ready to help in any way possible. Having time for the people who love your beer and making them a priority over anything else is the hallmark of Nickel Brook and a reason that we make the trip over the bridge as often as possible. One offs and seasonal delights like this coffee forward stout make that trip an absolute dream.

2. Nickel Brook Brewing & Sawdust City Brewing 11.05

A yearly collaboration brew between genius Brew Masters Ryan Morrow (NB) and Sam Corbeil (SDC), whose birthdays fall on November 11th, I was fortunate enough to try it on the year when they brewed an Imperial Saison. This beer helped me to truly understand slow sipping and while it is still available in very limited quantities at Nickel Brook, it is not going to be around forever. Teaching me about the ephemeral nature of some craft beers and also helping to bring me a greater understanding of the bold citrus and fruity banana notes of a saison. This beer can change your perceptions of this style and make you smile no matter the day that came before you.

1. Great Lakes Brewery Lake Effect IPA

The most important lesson this entire year of beer has taught me is to have an open mind. Before lake Effect I struggled with IPAs, feeling the piney punch and not much else. This was the first time I really understood the tropical and citrusy properties of the hop and made me a Great Lakes Brewery fan for life. But it was once again the people who work at the brewery who took my beer expeience to a whole other level. Troy and the team at GLB always make you want to settle in and share a pint, trade some stories and hang out. Little comes out of this Etobicoke brewery without some clamouring and rushing to be first to try it. They have been a huge supporter of everything I do and often lend an expert touch to my rough around the edges life. This one will be back and in wide release soon, I implore you to get it into your glass and join me in saluting the fine team at Great Lakes as they embark on their 30th year of fighting the good fight.

There you have it my friends, the 10 Craft Beers that defined the Drunk Polkaroo's 2016. I hope you have enjoyed everything that this year has brought and I want to wish you and yours all the best in the coming year. Try to expand your palate and your travels as the new year dawns and may we get to raise our glasses together in 2017.

Raise your glass and your standards,

One beer at a time.

Cheers!



2016 Polkies - The Grab Bag - Ales Part 1

In the beginning, I was a lager man. Dedicated to crushing as many tasteless yet intoxicating beers as I could until I found the light.
Ales have become my saviour, from Blonde to Tripel, and I honour my favourites today with this edition of the 2016 Polkies. In order to do justice to all of them, I've broken it down to the next 4 days after reviewing all the beers that populate my Year of Beer. Today is the grab bag of styles that I tried less than 15 beers of in each this year. Tomorrow is Porters and stouts, the 28th brings Dubbels, Tripels and Quads (Oh, my!) followed by Pale Ales on the 29th. Finally, on the 30th I will parse down the more than 170 different IPAs I've tried this year into a more manageable list. Changing gears midstream is always an option when you realise how many awesome beers are out there. Read on and enjoy!

Blonde Ales


1. New Limburg Brewing Belgian Blonde


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From the heat of August comes this refreshing, but strong 7.1 % delight. Earthy, orange scent and lemon zest, more orange, Belgian yeast and floral notes on the sip. Crushable despite it's ABV, this one was a hit on the patio. The brewery is located in an old school house and one you should make the trip to see.

2. Nickel Brook Brewing Cause & Effect - A beauty of a crusher at only 4.7 %, this blonde ale has orange off the top with lemon and a hoppy backend. The toasty malt body provides a nice balance and its availability at local LCBO's is a real plus. Great session beer.

3. Brimstone Brewing Enlightenment - Another great brewery to visit, this time located in the basement of a old church in Ridgeway, Ontario. This LCBO offering has floral top notes with a toasted malt body that has more flowery, lemon and earthy tones. Crushability factor high and only 5.5 %, so crush away.

4. Belhaven Brewing Speyside Oak Aged Blonde Ale (Scotland)

5. Collective Arts Brewing Stash

Brown Ales

1. Anderson Craft Ales Brown

From a spontaneous road trip to London comes this aromatic and delicious Brown Ale from one of the best newcomers to the Ontario Craft Beer scene in 2016. Anderson Craft Ales have a wonderful space to enjoy a flight or pint and I was so happy to have visited.

Even in my flight, the scent of nutty chocolate was noticeable and when I sipped, more of the same followed with a toasty caramel and slight bitterness on the sticky finish. Far and away one of the best brown ales I've ever had. Go and try it yourself.

2. Left Field Brewery Eephus Oatmeal Brown Ale - From their spacious and baseball themed brewery in early March to an LCBO near me in December, this 5.5 % smooth cocoa and vanilla beauty has become an easy grab for anyone in under a year. The oats give it a great feel and the lingering coffee and chocolate on the finish are bang on. Big bomber bottles out there now, try it and join the team.

3. 5 Paddles Brewing Old Man's Paddle Pantry - A collab beer with Manantler, Old Flame and the Brewers Pantry, this one was a beer saint gift that kept on giving me joy. Only 3.8 %, a crusher if ever one was invented, this spiced table beer brought toasted cocoa scents, chocolate, toffee and molasses on the front and a peppery kick on the finish. A great one off beer that brought many smiles to this house.

4. Crux Fermentation Project Freakcake (USA)

5. St. Pancrace Walker (Quebec)

Cream Ales

1. Innocente Brewing Purgatory

As is often the case, this Waterloo brewery kicks a style into the stratosphere with a take I've never seen before. Innocente has one of the best logos and some real IPA chops but it is this dark cream ale that caught me eye in early April. Only 4.3 %, crushability factor high and with chocolate, coffee, vanilla in a creamy roasted malt body, you've got a real treat in your hands. Some smokiness and a slightly bitter finish makes it a perfect choice for anytime.

2. Muskoka Brewing Cream Ale - Another Muskoka beer that can be found either in the Survival packs or on it's own, the Cream Ale is a biscuit caramel beauty that finds a home wherever I go.

3. Hell Bay Brewing Dark Cream Ale (Nova Scotia) - A beer saint gift from the East Coast, this one was different for sure. Dark chocolate, tobacco, licorice and a creamy feel that finished with a roasted coffee flavour. One to look out for when we head east this summer.

4. Sixpoint Brewing Sweet Action (USA)

5. Bell City Brewing Eureka Cream Ale

Strong Dark Ales

1. Abbaye Notre-Dame de Saint Remy Trappistes Rochefort 8 (Belgium)

This category could be a short one, this beer is that damn good.

 For under $4 at the LCBO I can get this amazing Trappist Ale. A 9.2 % slow sipper, this one is a regular for any day in my house. Dark fruits, think plum and raisin, toffee, molasses and a warming finish in a creamy smooth malt body create a joyous experience every time I open a bottle.

2. Chimay Grand Reserve Blue (Belgium) - Another Belgian beauty that is easily found locally. Big ABV, 9.0 %, but smooth with lots of dark fruits and spices. Malty body with a sticky finish, always a slow sipper and one to share.

3. Het Anker Classic (Belgium) - Part of a seasonal pack that was found at the LCBO, this one had plums, cherry, molasses and caramel in a smooth roasty body. Lingering and sticky malts on the finish.

Best Bitters

1. Muddy York Brewing Major Smalls

A trend that will continue to crop up as we go along is seeing beers from this Toronto brewery. This late fall release was a toasted malt dream in a glass. Caramel, bready and biscuit with a slight bitterness on the sticky sweet finish. A low (4.6%) ABV brew that drinks like a slow sipper.

2. The Collingwood Brewery Kingpost ESB - New name, same delicious toasted malt flavours. Used to be Fireside, now Kingpost, this 5.8 % toffee and caramel flavoured has a nice bitter hop kick on the finish. LCBO available and a must buy, especially in the cool winter months.

3. Wellington Brewery Quick Brown Fox - Available in the Welly One Offs 4 pack this winter, a 6.0 % nutty caramel and floral beer that had a bit of a hoppy backend. I hope to see this again in the future as a single but it's great as part of that mix pack, all 4 beers are solid.

4. High Park Brewing Across the Pond

5. Robinson's Brewery Trooper (England)

Golden Ales

1. Brouwerij Huyghe Delerium Tremens (Belgium)

I called this the Most Dangerous beer in the world and I'll stand by that. This Belgian Extra Strong Golden Ale comes in at 8.7 % but with its bubblegum, banana, candied sugar and spicy coriander notes, you would swear it was a crushable beer. Hiding that ABV is so much deliciousness and I had to be careful and slow down with it. Limited availability at some Beer stores, get some!

2. Silversmith Brewing Hill 145 - A 4.0 % crusher that had a spicy rye kick to go with some floral and malty tones. Dry and bitter on the finish but super refreshing and made in honour of a great battle won by Canadian Soldiers at Vimy Ridge. That made it even better.

3. Innocente Brewing Fling - Crisp with a toasted malt body containing floral notes and the spiciness I love in this style. Dry and sharp with some citrus on the finish. Another reason to visit this awesome brewery.

4. Redline Brewhouse 5:01

5. Descendant's Brewing Reynard the Fox

Lagered Ales (Kolsch style)

1. Beau's All Natural Brewing Company Haters Gonna Hate

I love a happy accident that results in a great beer. The 8.0 % version of Beau's signature Lug Tread makes for a great slow sipper. Mango on the sniff with lots of slow rolling carbonation. Creamy feel with a malty front before the pineapple and pine on a hopped up backend that lingers with a dry citrus kick. Beauty.

2. Bell City Brewing Real McCoy - Big toasty malt smell with lots of bready, toffee and caramel notes. Full and creamy on the texture with a surprising bit of bitter hops on the finish.

3. Old Tomorrow Track 85 - Notes of apple and toasted malts on the sniff. Bready caramel and some fruity notes before the dry bitter but refreshing finish.

4. Beau's All Natural Lug Tread

5. Arch Brewing Chesterfield

Red Ales

1. Bell City Brewing Mad Mechanic of Belfast

Billed as an Irish red ale, this toasted malt focused beer from Brantford's Bell City is a caramel and toffee dream. Bready and creamy texture with a sticky sweet caramel finish. A real gem of a beer that made multiple trips to Bell city a must for the rest of the year.  One beer I happily shared with friends. Perhaps we shall see it again in 2017.

2. Royal City Brewing Remembrance Red - A great beer that also helps our wounded warriors get better. $1 from every bottle went to the charity of the same name and with the bready, brown sugar and caramel notes along with the hoppy finish everybody is getting something awesome.

3. Schoolhouse Brewing Big Red Schoolhouse (Nova Scotia) - A beer saint gift from the coast that came in with a big 7.5 % ABV. It was a caramel malt bomber with loads of toasted malt goodness and a nutty but piney hop finish. Grapefruit and caramel on the

finish and I was so happy to have a friend like the Keltic Devil getting me this treat.

4. Cameron's Brewing Ambear Red Ale

5. Innocente Brewing Inn O' Slainte

That's it for today my friends...so many more beers to go and I will admit, I am loving the look back for not just the beer but the memories of this amazing year.

See you tomorrow!

Cheers!