Reflections on a Beer Festival

  I do not do beer festivals anymore. I work early in the morning and most weekends, so that has a part in it for sure. I struggle with big crowds of people and have little tolerance for drunken frat boy behaviour or jackassery. All told, I'd rather stay home and drink amazing beer in The Grotto in peace and quiet.
 But.
  I have a soft spot for my OG Hometown Craft beer heroes Collective Arts and when they asked if I'd like a pair of weekend passes to this years Liquid Arts fest, I couldn't really say anything but "Thank you" and "Can't wait to see you all". I haven't been writing about beer that long, not quite 4 years, but I haven't missed a CA release in the whole time either. So I come by that love quite honestly. I am enamoured with the community of craft beer lovers and with the closeness to my house, this fest seemed like we could at least go for 1 of the 3 sessions and then wander back to The Manor for a night cap. I joked that there was no way I could do all 3 Sessions without dying but in the end we did go to all 3 and had a blast at each one.
  The vibe was super chill all weekend, little in the way of drunk and disorderly and anything untoward was addressed quickly by security and with no bullshit taken. A large concern for me going in was the "token less" nature of the festival, that is you only pay for your admission and then you drank what you wanted, no tokens or further money required. Rampant over consumption and rowdy drunks were not an issue as the volunteer staff was well versed and had no trouble cutting people off if necessary, not that I saw much of anything resembling that level of idiocy, although I am sure it existed. The upside to a non token festival is that you can get half pours, dump a beer you don't like and you don't feel like you've wasted your money. So many times I would take a few sips and feel like it wasn't for me and politely dispose of the contents and proceed to the next one. A green peppery tasting off flavoured Hefe met this fate along with a few stouts that rocked the smokey level too high for my style, but for the most part it was smooth sailing.
  The layout of the festival this year was a solid plus as well. Spreading out over a larger footprint gave it a strolling component but not like you had to trek for miles for the next tent. It didn't feel overcrowded even when the place was jumping because you had room to move and sip. The grouping of breweries was easy to navigate and with little trouble we found styles to each of our liking every step of the way. Loads of IPAs, Double and Triple IPAs, NEIPAs, Imperial Stouts, Sours and even some Pilsners and Lagers for an old guy like me who just wanted a damn beer from time to time. Breweries from 14 countries meant we were getting stuff from all over, although I would have liked to see more locally or culturally significant to that particular country as opposed to another hazy IPA. But overall, there was literally a beer for everyone and any taste bud could find happiness in their afternoon or evening.

Meeting my Beeroes

  I will admit the art and music were not a huge thing, but my tastes in both run a little more old school so it wasn't really something I was putting much stock in as the day went on. For the most part, it was just noise in the background as the festival crowd rose and the laughter and pints flowed along with it.
  Running into fellow beer lovers you only know online is a big part of why we did all 3 sessions. So many friends coming in at different times and I couldn't help but want to hang out a little and chat while we drank. As someone who does very little to no socialising, it was a safe and beautiful way to experience the community and make people as part of my day. Lots of folks stopped me just to tell me they enjoy the videos or the writing and to be honest, I am stunned and humbled whenever anyone tells me that. A lot of hugs and handshakes, although as the night went on the latter became more prevalent. Craft beer isn't just better beer, it seems to create some very strong bonds between strangers who quickly become friends.
  While I am no longer an UnTappd kind of guy, it was fun seeing people's excitement as the added to their running totals and got badges all day long, well over 200 different beers available and that included a dedicated Ontario Craft beer tent that was often staffed with the brewers themselves. Things sold out and although there was the occasional long line for certain beers, I didn't have to wait long when I wanted something. Literal strangers would strike up a conversation and within minutes we were enjoying beer tales of days gone by.

Polk doing Polk Things

  For the most part, these things are the things happening every weekend at Beer festivals and breweries around the world. People like being part of something bigger than they are and this community is made up of a lot of regular working folks who just want a little tipple on the side of fun at the end of an often heavy and dreary work week. Family obligations, kids events and just plain old life are complicated and messy and if for a few hours we can escape that and just enjoy a couple of pints with like minded people, I think that is the biggest success of all.
  Whether or not you enjoy yourself has a lot to do with what you expect going into the day and this year I think Collective Arts certainly took the things from last year that did not work (i.e. international bottle shop and a VIP that under delivered) and fixed them by keeping it simple. Getting in an hour ahead of everyone was worth a few extra buck for those with the Mothership Passes and with the other events, food trucks and even a complimentary Caesar/Gin Bar, hair cuts from Architect Hair design, Tattoo artists and more, the value was there for anyone who wanted it.
  Thank you once again to Toni and the staff at Collective Arts for always including us in these events and for being open and accepting whenever I have a question or criticism of what they are doing. I do strive for honesty in all things and I can truly say Kat and I had a wonderful time that we will long remember.

Cheers!
Polk
 

Polkapolooza Craft Beer Tour 2017 Review - Day 5 Old Friends, Birthday Celebrations and New Beers!

 

I was a snazzy dresser for special events.

  On day 5 of this year's Polkapolooza tour, I woke up having completed another trip around the sun and got out of bed a year older at 44 and hopefully wiser. It was a day that started with a trip to renew my licence and ended with another 9 breweries visited and enjoyed.

The sun rises on Day 5.

  One of my favourite regions to visit in Ontario has been the Kitchener/Waterloo area, commonly referred to as KW. I've written about the breweries located here a few times ( KW Gets Polk'd and  Head West with the Polkaroo) and my affection for them. They are all a little different in terms of what they brew and the atmosphere at each, but they are always a welcome addition to any beer run.

Tap List at Block Three

  Starting, as we always do, with St. Jacob's Block Three, it kicked into high gear as soon as we entered that adobe looking structure when Kat noticed a puppy behind the counter. Not an uncommon sight at a brewery, everyone is happier when a furry friend is present to hang out as you enjoy a few pints. Pulling up a stool at the bar, we were greeted with the usual Block 3 enthusiasm and ordered a flight to start our day off right. The latest releases were on order and I really enjoyed the surprisingly crushable 7.5 % The Thaw, a saison aged with brettnomyces in Ontario Chardonnay barrels and then refermented with peaches and apricots. It was so smooth and easy drinking, it could have been game over right from the start. Ocular Pat down was their Philly style IPA that helps showcase the growing portfolio of beers this usually Belgian style brewing is branching out into. A touch of the dank with loads of citrus, a bottle of this was a must as we said our goodbyes and filled up a six pack for more "research".

Tasty tasters!

 The second stop is always one of my most favourite, not just because of beer, but the people who work there. Innocente Brewing and its' namesake proprietor Steve Innocente are always on my radar anytime I get close by for the simple reason that Steve creates great beer and is always available for a chat about the state of craft beer in this Province.

One of my favourite people in Craft Beer, Steve Innocente!

He was once again hard at work with the team and we were able to finagle a little of his time for ourselves. I often call him the most honest man in Ontario Craft beer because he always tells it like it is and today was no different. Awards, grocery stores, packaging options and several other issues led to our spending far more than the allotted time at this stop and that was alright by me. I am always ready to change my plans of we are having a great time and when you stop at Innocente, grab a pint and that is probably what will happen. I raided the fridge for one of my favourite Double IPAs, Two Night Stand and we bade our farewells until next time. It won't be long, I can assure you of that.

Fresh Two Night Stand

  The very nature of trying to squeeze 9 breweries into one day means a few have to be quick drop ins with no time for a real visit and that was unfortunately our next stop at Descendant's in Kitchener.

A must stop in Kitchener

  Our journey has taken us there many times before for extended stops that included great conversation in the German Bierhall setting with food and pints, so I was going to have to make do this time with those memories and a promise to return for another visit soon. I was glad to see that Babe Ruthless, their Imperial IPA, was in stock and I grabbed 2 along with a few other treats for Kat and back out on the road we went.


  By this time, our hunger was as real as our need to sit down and enjoy a break with a pint. Abe Erb had recently opened their second location just down the street from our last stop and with the added bonus of beer friend Craig being the lead brewer there, it made for the perfect excuse to stop in.

Lunch Time!

  Ordering a delicious burger and fries to go with a nice session IPA called Something, Something...Citrus Puns, a great decision as it was a crisp citrusy companion to the juicy creation and salted side. Stealing a few minutes of Craig's time as he cleaned up from the days work, we talked of his moving from Innocente to the brewpub Abe Erb and his challenges in getting the system running to his liking, as well as creating and having fun brewing new beers. Saying goodbye and returning to the table to enjoy my lunch, I had a smile at the awesome people that seemed to populate so much of this year's tour. We made our way back to the car with full bellies and a sense of resolve to hit everyone remaining on the list for Day 5.

Something, Something....Citrus Puns

    Another KW favourite was up next and it's unique nature and wonderfully joyous atmosphere have led to us always making Together We're Bitter a destination when we are in the area. A co-operative brewery that boasts a bustling tap room and a newly arrived nitro line, we were happy to run into some familiar faces and hang out for a spell on the brewing floor. Talking future brews and past experiences as well as the tour of Ontario we had done so far, I was surprised when they gave me a howler of their very good Black IPA for my birthday, the perfect gift as it were. It was a pleasure to hang out with Peter and the rest of the gang at TWB and it was another hard to leave moment when we made our way out the door. But rest assured, we will be back!

Thanks Peter!

  Stopping next at Short Finger Brewing for some home brew supplies and to see the progress on their nano brewery, we were happy to see Rob manning the counter. Long admired by me and many others for their kindness and help in the community, he took us on a tour and then helped Kat pick out the package for our next brew. A big Russian Imperial stout was the final decision and he gave us a few hints and tips to hopefully make it a successful try this time. It was a great stop because it reminded me that we love to brew beer as much for the end result as for the process. I looked forward to the few hours in the future that we could spend just making a beer and drinking a few while we did it. Check Short Finger out for all your home brew supplies, they literally have almost everything you could possibly need.

Best hours of operation sign ever at Short Finger Brewing

  It was time to turn the car towards home and the last three stops of the day. Moving south again, we came upon one of the first Ontario Craft Brewers that helped me leave the macro life behind, Grand River Brewing. Located in Galt (Cambridge), this old school brewery has been growing and making some positive changes lately. A rebranding of one of my first favourites, Curmudgeon IPA was just about to be released and it was nice to check out the new label. It is a brewery that will always have a special place in my heart for their place in my history and it is good to see them finally starting to utilize that taproom with more events and beer related activities. While  this was another short visit, I promised to come out for one of their beer club nights later in the spring.

Feels like home to me,

  While this trip has been about getting outside your normal routine and exploring all Ontario has to offer when it comes to Craft beer, there was little chance I would miss out on the two closest and most visited breweries in my area. The road led us first to Burlington and the venerable institution known as Nickel Brook. We stop in here on a pretty regular basis for their seasonal and one off releases and as NB Funk Labs really gets going I can see that being an almost weekly occurrence. Greeted warmly by Tony, it was nice to be back "home" and I grabbed a few of the Malevolant Black IPAs to take home as a reward for all the driving we had done that day. Kat scored a new T shirt and off we went for our final stop on Day 5.

Taps for Days

   A large part of my transformation from macro pounder to craft beer lover can be found in the north end of Hamilton at Collective Arts Brewing.

Damn Right!

I often call them the Hometown Heroes and that is not without merit. Pumping out amazing new beers and with an ambitious 2017 planned, it seems I will be making this trip many times this year. While the latest releases were still a little ways away, I was more than happy to restock my beer fridge with several cans of Ransack the Universe and their very good Imperial Porter. Lots of new stuff coming this year, so keep your eyes peeled for CA!

Last sample, time for home!

  The sun was setting and the day was done. Turning another year older never felt better than with Mrs. Polk by my side and another amazing day trip exploring the best Ontario Craft beer has to offer. A little ambitious and perhaps over the top, this was a great birthday in my books. Your next beer run should include any one of the places we stopped on this day, heck why not visit them all.  Don't be constricted by what you know, open yourself up to the possibilities of something new and exciting, just over the horizon.

  We made our way home, unloaded the precious cargo we carried and readied ourselves for the following days trip to one of my favourite cities in the whole world...

More on that journey soon.

Make your next beer run a little more epic

Break your routine and Explore everything Ontario Craft Beer has to offer.

You will be happy you did.

Cheers!

Polk

2016 Polkies - Porters & Stouts - Ales Part 2

There is something special about a dark beer, especially as a dessert or in the winter. That's not to say I don't drink porters and stouts all year, but they just feel right as the temperatures head south and the snow flies. With over 70 stouts and 50 porters under my belt this year, these two roasty beauties are among my favourite styles and it was a lot of fun reminiscing about them as I whittled the lists down to the best 10 of each, plus a bonus 5 American stouts just because.  It could easily be 20 and some of my favourites were left off...I know, a real First World problem to be sure. Onward to the Polkie's for 2016's Favourite Porters and Stouts.

Porters

The origins of the porter are from 18th century England and they actually predate the term stout, which was derived from the name for a stronger porter. Although they did fall out of favour and ceased to be brewed in the 1950's. Brought back to life in the late 70's, they have grown to become not only a staple of most craft brewers but are increasingly gaining many non craft beer fans like Mrs. Polkaroo for their roasty chocolate and coffee combinations.

1. Collective Arts Stranger Than Fiction

Coming in at the number one spot is one from my Hometown brewers, Collective Arts. Bold roasted malt with a coffee forward and bittersweet dark chocolate middle. Hopped up finish to this one but not crazy, just enough before more lingering black coffee. I call it dessert in a glass every damn time and continue to sing its praises to everyone who asks...and even those who don't.  Easy to find and amazing in my glass.

2. Clifford Brewing Porter - First encountered on a beer cruise in Hamilton harbour, I am equally impressed by this more chocolate forward porter and it's outgoing and friendly creator, Brad Clifford. Smooth and roasty with some vanilla and a nutty bit before the sticky bittersweet finish. It is the first craft beer that Mrs. Polk liked and has led her to discover a world of amazing flavours. In the LCBO finally and looking forward to a Clifford Brewery someday.

3. Block 3 Brewing Guy on a Buffalo - Enjoyed on a humid June night sitting under the stars. Big roasted coffee forward porter with a creamy dark chocolate and smooth but bitter finish. Slow sipping but easy drinking. Plus it introduced me to these videos, which never fail to make me smile. Guy on a Buffalo on the Drunk Polkaroo's Youtube channel.

4. Muddy York Brewing Porter - Mrs. Polkaroo's favourite beer and one I could drink any time of the year. Low ABV make it easy to session them and the smooth chocolate note brings a smile any time we share a few. Bitter coffee and a delectable feel on every sip keep me heading across Toronto to get more.

5. Collective Arts Imperial Porter - An 8.6 % slow sipping, warm and boozy dark chocolate and bitter coffee surprise in the middle of December. Multiple trips to refill on this limited availability brew became necessary after the first sip.

6. Great Lakes Brewery Harry Porter

7. Barnstormer Brewing Parachute Porter

8. Cameron's Brewing Obsidian Rum Barrel Aged Porter

9. TWB Co-Op Pullman Porter

10. Bellwoods Brewery Bounty Hunter

Stouts

As mentioned, a descendant of the noble Porter, Stouts now occupy a special place in my heart for helping me learn to slow sip and enjoy all that happens to a beer as it warms up. From barrel aging to adding cherries or other fruit, these big roasted beers are in my glass all year long.

1. Nickel Brook Brewing Café Del Bastardo

As stouts go, this 12% ABV Pilot Project from Nickel Brook stands out today, even 10 months later. A late February pickup, this very coffee forward, vanilla, oaky bourbon, dark chocolate and warming alcohol made me take notice that I was in for something special. Rumour has it that we may see it again and one can hope that this amazing beer would make its way into my glass again. And this time I'll make sure I buy many, many more bottles.

2. Grand River Brewing Russian Gun - Big, bold and rebranded in Tall Boys. This Russian Imperial has loads of dark chocolate, licorice, nuts and a warming booziness. Cocoa on the back with a coffee bitterness. 8 % of delicious in a can.

3. Amsterdam Brewing 2014 Tempest Imperial Stout - My first ever cellared beer, I hung onto this one for 15 months before caving in and trying it. 9.0 % and smooth with big coffee up front, dark chocolate and then the warming boozy backend with dark fruits and figs lingering with more coffee and cocoa. Worth the wait.

4. Brasserie Dieu De Ciel Peche Mortal (Quebec) - From our trip to Tabernac in Quebec city comes this Imperial 9.5 % Coffee stout. Creamy and smooth but with a big black coffee punch. Cocoa on the sticky backend with coffee again dominating the finish with some residual hoppiness. Brought some home and shared...1 left in the beer cellar and that's it.

5. Nickel Brook Brewing Bolshevik Bastard - The basis for all the amazing connotations of barrel aged stouts from this Burlington Brewer was released in Tall boys in late fall to great fanfare. Smooth and creamy with bittersweet cocoa, licorice, tobacco and a warming boozy coffee finish. A staple in the winter for me.

6. Beau's All Natural Brewing Tom Green

7. Muskoka Brewery Shinnicked Stout

8. Great lakes Brewery 2015 Solstice Stout

9. Niagara Oast House Brewers Bourbon Coffee Milk Stout

10. Double Trouble Brewing French Press Vanilla Stout

And now for 5 more from our neighbours to the south. I found these on a couple of trips and through a few beer saint gifts. Not better than anything we make up here but just as good and a joy to drink.

1. Founder's Breakfast Stout - From Michigan, this 8.3 % creamy coffee forward beer made me wish I had picked up 12. It was one of the first stouts that caught my attention with the roasty coffee flavours being balanced by a sweetness. A must buy when south.

2. Oskar Blues Ten Fidy - A beer saint gift from my friend Robin, this one is now available at very select LCBO's, mainly in Toronto. Dark chocolate, hints of cherry, molasses, and coffee. A 10.5 % slow sipper that hides that ABV so very well. Try one if you can get your hands on this North Carolina legend.

3. Stone Brewing Company Coffee Milk Stout - Only 5 %, this California beer brings a smooth lactose feel with lots of dark chocolate and a bittersweet finish with more of the same in addition to some coffee. Drinks bigger than it is.

4. Left Hand Brewing Nitro Milk Stout - Great fun to pour hard, my first nitro beer and one that sold me on the concept. Super creamy with dark chocolate, coffee and some hoppiness on the very sticky sweet finish. Just a damn fine beer.

5. Southern Tier Choklat - At 10 %, this one took a bittersweet cocoa front and balanced it with a bitter, hoppy coffee finish. Warming and boozy, it took my mind of the snowstorm that was raging outside.

There you have it my friends, my favourite porters and stouts from 2016. I can't help but feel like I've left some of my favourite children out in the cold but it was what I needed to do to share my love of these dark and roasty beauties.

See you tomorrow for the best of Dubbels, Tripels and Quads.

Oh My!

Cheers!



Winning Never felt so Good!

Late last night as I was getting ready to head to bed, my phone buzzed with a notification from the Facebooks and when I opened it, I found out that I had won tickets from Cameron's Brewing to the 1st ever Brew Fest in Toronto this Friday. To say I was excited would be an understatement. We couldn't really afford to get the tickets this month and I was resigned to just following my friends on social media as they experienced yet another event. But the fates have shone upon this Polkaroo and now I get to immerse myself in all that a beer festival entails.

The first time I went to an event was last month at the Burlington Beer Festival. It was a real hoot and even nicer than the beer was getting to finally meet some of the people I had met only online. There is something about Craft Beer that makes everyone a little friendlier, willing to help out and cross promote each other. Not only the breweries, but us, the humble bloggers, reviewers and travelers of this road have a love for great beer and want to share that with everyone.

I am certain that I will have fun. We can't really drink much, but for me that is okay. It is not just about the beer, but the culture that surrounds it that intrigues me. I want to meet the people that help create the great beer I try on a daily basis, maybe grab some new glasses or other branded items and hopefully meet even more of the people I have come to think of as friends.

It is a surprise to me how much I have come to look forward to seeing what beers some people are posting on Instagram at night when I get home. Their reviews help to shape what I search for, especially for those people who are not in my area. When I see a beer that someone I respect reviews well, I try to find a way to acquire that brew. I am always pleased when I can return the favour and turn someone onto a beer they haven't had yet or remind them of an old favourite.

I am by no means discounting real life experience by touting my online presence. I suffer from anxiety and depression and the struggle to push myself to get out of the house is one I refuse to lose. The whole interacting through social media has given me a boost in confidence and helped me to believe I will be able to go out and have new experiences, without suffering from some unknown disaster. I used to mask my problem with copious amounts of crappy macro beer. Now I try to understand and take my time with my beer to help me slow down and appreciate all the great flavours available from Craft Beer.

My advice to you is to find all your favourite Ontario Craft Brewer on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and give them a follow. Share your thoughts on their beer with them and you will be surprised at how often they respond. Play in their contests, most of the time it is as simple as liking a post and commenting on it. For this win, I just had to tell them my favourite beer that they make, on a post about the Brew fest.. It is the Dry Hopped Tripel by the way and it is delicious.

Before I forget, I just got tickets to Cask Night tonight at Collective Arts here in Hamilton. Only $20 and it is going to feature 6 breweries and some really unique and one off beers. You still have time to get some for yourself. Hope to see you there!

This is shaping up to be a great weekend.

Cheers!