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

Head West with The Polkaroo...and Craft Beer Too!

Not a bad way to spend a day off. 6 Ontario Craft Brewers and a whole lot of fun.

I am as guilty as the next person of being a little myopic when it comes to Ontario Craft Beer (OCB). For many, it begins and ends in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the breweries outside of that sort of expanded suburban context tend to get lost in the mix. The fans of these small town breweries, however, are legion and as passionate as any I have encountered. Inspired by the current Golden Tap awards that recognize the best in OCB and being a little out of the mainstream myself, I decided to visit some breweries that fall outside of that invisible boundary and talk about the great things happening there.


Bell City Brewing


Their slogan game is on point!

Located in Brantford, Bell City has been stepping up their beer game with new releases almost weekly and you could spend all day in their beautiful taproom. Always a welcoming place, they are fans of all craft beer and have time to talk to anyone who stops in. We grabbed a few bottles of the new wheat ginger beer and sampled the famous Breakfast with Tiffany, which was made with 57 boxes of captain Crunch. An ever growing list of awards dot the brewery and their new Flight Club on Wednesdays is a great way to get over the hump of the work week. Only a little over a half hour from my house, I always head here when there is a new brew to be had.

I really like Captain Crunch!



Kevin was a wonderful host!

Grand River Brewing

Lots going on when we got to Grand River Brewing just outside of Cambridge in Galt. Getting ready to can some more of their LCBO releases, this almost 10 year old brewery is a favourite of mine for their Curmudgeon IPA, one of my first craft beers that became a regular in my fridge. I had to get a sample of the pumpkin beer and was impressed with it. We grabbed a few bottles of Curmudgeon and some other tasty treats and hit the road again.

Together We're Bitter

TWB was a place we had visited on the Brew Donkey tour back in the spring. A co-operative brewery that is filled with enthusiastic and friendly folk who love their community and a good pint. We were greeted with open arms and even Kat was pulled in by their pure joy. Trying samples of everything and taking a few fun pictures, we grabbed a growler of the delicious IPA for sharing this weekend. A must stop in the area if you want to see how people can come together for the love of beer. When I told them about how I used one of their smaller growlers to store my home brew (I know, not a good idea, but we ran out of bottles) and the bottom had popped off, they offered a replacement even though its demise had nothing to do with them. I politely declined and told them I want to pay for my stuff because I know every dollar counts when you are growing. We will be back and you should make the trek yourself.

TWB let us have a little fun with the mash paddles

She's the best!

Descendant's Beer and Beverage Co.

Our next stop was a place we have been to many times. Descendants just opened this year and it is a huge space that gets better every time we drop in. An open bier hall concept has led to many new friends and interesting discussions. Not only do they have great beer, but they also offer several beer cocktails which I think we will be returning to try on a less hectic travel day. The new Sugarman's stout was just bang on and I bought 4 to share and sip at my leisure as the weather turns to fall. Once again we experienced people who love what they do and that is infectious. Great spot in Kitchener for a break from your day.

We love this space!

Flights and my favourite person

Block 3 Brewing

Hitting the road to beautiful St. Jacob's, we arrived at Block 3 to meet up with my friend I just haven't met yet, Scott. We have exchanged messages on social media for quite a while and when he heard I was coming to his favourite local brewery, figured it was a good time to meet up. The building is one of the most unique I've seen and the taproom was hopping with people when we arrived. Greeting my new friend, we settled in for a flight and some beer talk. Brewmaster Kevin was there and he joined in the discussion as well. Personable, excited and again, passionate, everyone we encountered at Block 3 was exactly why I love to head out and visit my OCB. You can combine a trip to this quaint town, perhaps a stop at the local Farmer's Market and several pints of a growing list of amazing beers. I left with 12 bottles, some for me and a bunch to share with my friends who've never been here. What a great time we had, but there was one more stop and we had to say goodbye for now.

Love this entrance

Flights once again. The Noon on a Weekday IPA was my jam!

Getting to meet new friends and sharing our stories. Thank you Scott!

Innocente Brewing

I have been to Innocente many times. Their Two Night Stand Double IPA is not only award winning, it is one of the best beers I have had this year. No trip to the KW area would be complete without a stop in this beautifully set up brewery.

We were lucky enough to arrive on brew day and founder and brew master Steve was working hard on a new beer. Our friend Craig was hard at work as well, but stopped to say hi and talk about their new Berliner Weisse (we even got a sample right from the tank! Thanks Craig!). Steve came over and we chatted about the future of Craft Beer in the province and the realities of getting your beer into the hands of consumers. He is one of my real joys to talk to in this industry because of his honesty, passion and vision. They have a few releases in the LCBO right now and it would be an even better thing if they had more. We have discovered that Kat loves porters, so we grabbed some of their amazing Charcoal Porter, 4 bottles of  the Conscience IPA to share with my fellow hop heads and made our way back to the highway for the trip home. The Two Night stand will be ready in a short while, so I will be back soon.

One of my fave logos in Ontario.

First full beer of the day and Conscience is spot on.

Home again

At the end of the day, the GTA is the dog that wags the tail of brewing in this province. By sheer numbers in population and breweries alone, it will always dominate the social and news feeds of beer lovers. But you would do yourself a great beer injustice if you didn't step outside your normal routine and explore all this provinces' brewers have to offer. The people who are setting up shop in small towns all over the country are bringing great beer to places where often the only choices are dominated by the tiny local liquor or beer store.

We love to find new to us breweries, meet the people who create them and their fans. There is nothing better than sitting in a small town craft brewery and sipping away your afternoon with people who would love to share a story or two about their journey.

Remember to vote for all your favourite Ontario Craft Beer, people and other categories for this year's Golden Tap Awards. Show your appreciation and love and make your voice heard for your local brewers.

Vote Here and then get on the road for a day of adventures in Craft beer, you will not regret it.

Maybe we will meet up and you can share your story of discovering better beer and leaving macro behind. I would love to hear it.

Cheers!

Raise your glass and your standards, one beer at a time!

The Evolution of Mindful Drinking

When I started this blog in December, I had little idea where it would take me. I was doing daily reviews on Instagram, trying to write something here every day, beer related or not, and attempting to regain my life. My depression and anxiety had reached fever pitch and I was grabbing at anything I could to help pull me out of that morass. I wasn't fully conscious of what I was doing, I only knew my life could be better and I wanted good beer to be part of that.

What has happened in the last five months has astounded this cynical old man.

It has been with a concentrated effort that I banished macro lagers from my life. Acquiring and trying new craft beers has become such a joy in my life that it is the anticipation of getting new beer that I look forward to more so than the consumption. I love the first sip of my brew every day, regardless of style, and it often takes me a little longer to choose a beer because of what I have come to think of as the Polkaroo Doctrine of Mindful Drinking (PDMD). It's a bit of a joke for me to label what I do as such, but inside my little acronym happy life is a real truth for anyone who wants to slow down and enjoy beer without giving in to over-consumption and alcohol abuse.

It started with trying to chronicle what flavours and textures I was getting from each new beer and keep track of what I was drinking. It has evolved into a way for me to express myself on a larger platform, bring my life into focus and meet new friends. It usually takes from 10 minutes to an hour to choose what I will be drinking on any given night. Without the release of downing 10 or 12 beers a night, I needed a way to slow down and this is the first step. Once I pick my beer, I need to figure out my picture. Since my main review platform is Instagram, the visual is as important as the words that accompany it. Before I pour a beer, I usually read up on it, the brewery that makes it or something that jumps out at me about it. It has lead me down some interesting paths, from history to microbiology. It also helps me to understand what I'm tasting, as my palate wasn't the most impressive when I started. I will try any style of beer and do my level best to find something to appreciate about it.

I always write my review as I make my way through the beer. Sometimes it can change as it warms up, so take your time. Part of becoming more present is simply sitting and exploring what makes each beer a unique experience. Most nights I have time for only 2 beers and without a fridge full of empty flavour macro lagers, I don't seek the darkness anymore. The light of good craft beer has found me and I am a better person because of it. Finding something to write about along with the beer is the best way for me to keep myself present and not slide back to the ways of the past.

I know not everyone wants to put so much effort into describing and capturing their beer. What works for me isn't necessarily the best plan for all beer drinkers. But elements of what I do can be applied to any situation and help you gain control of your experience. I do believe that an app like Untappd or Beer Advocate is essential to the process and would encourage you to get one of them. I personally like Untappd because of its easy to use interface, but whatever you use, make it count. Rating your beer and making some short comments on what you're tasting will be beneficial to helping you slow down and enjoy every beer. Mindless cramming of macro beers brings nothing but emptiness and we deserve better. I always try to pair my beer with what I am doing and you should consider what you are after before you pop the top or crack the can. Look, smell and sip is a good way to begin. I think you can see that gulping a well crafted beer is pointless if you are truly trying to experience life in a more mindful way, so sipping and tasting is the way to go. Subtle changes in the beer often appear as it warms up and this can be how you make your way to being more present with your beer.

It seems so simple to me now, but it has taken almost three years for me to reach a point that I feel comfortable in my own skin again. The abuse of beer was part of the downfall that I experienced when I almost lost everything. I used it to escape from the walls crashing down around me and that only made things worse. I have been baptized in the fires of macro lager hell and come out the other side preaching the gospel of what great craft beer can do. Without it, I am not sure I would be here today to write this. I'm not being facetious. It exists in my mind the path I could have taken and it is lonely, cold and dark. So while PDMD (Copyright pending, haha) is funny, it also means so much to who I am becoming. There is no way I would be going out, meeting up with new beer friends or planning new adventures without it. So it is with happiness and gratitude to those who make such wonderful beer that I encourage you to support your local small breweries. Go visit them, try new beers and open yourself up to the possibilities of where  your imagination can take you. Be present, mindful and aware of everything in your life and use beer to enhance it, not hide from it.

Raise your glass and your standards, one beer at a time!

Cheers!



10 Thoughts on Craft Beer for a Tuesday Morning

1. They treat you right - Responsive, human and accessible. Craft beer makers are truly one of the best businesses when it comes time to interact with their consumers. It can be a wonderful back and forth when you take time to engage your drinkers. Thanks for listening.

2. They'll push the envelope - The big boys of beer may not understand it, but we love that our craft beer guys and gals take chances on new and innovative styles. Are they always a home run? No, but we never question their motives and applaud their ingenuity. Molson 67 Session IPA is a sad, desperate attempt to trick macro beer drinkers into not going Craft. Shock Top or Blue Moon? Just no.

3. Drinking local - Getting fresh beer and being able to sample different ones is such an awesome feeling. Supporting a local business is a wonderful thing. There is no better way to spend an afternoon than in your local breweries' tap room.

4. Discovering something new - Flavours, styles and aromas make up most of my beer experience. Finding out that banana and candy can be a beer note and that I could come to love and understand it was just amazing. Lagers are great but there is a whole wide world of beer styles out there.

5. Their events are about tasting and hanging out, not getting drunk. - Any event I attend for craft beer usually involves many different companies. It is always about getting to know the brewers and meeting up with fellow enthusiasts as much as the beer. The Coors Light Mystery Mansion probably isn't going to be about trying something innovative, just getting hammered on shitty beer.

6. Collaborations are the norm and not the exception - Ontario Craft brewers work together to create new beers, host events and generally support each other. They will drink each others beer and be open about it. I doubt you'd see the CEO of Molson's drinking a Bud or helping them out. Craft brewing is stronger because they stand together and while they each want you to try their beers and become a fan, they also realise that we want new and different things all the time and encourage us to be fans of all their friends as well.

7. Growlers - Big 1.89 litre jugs of my favourite beer. Fresh, refillable and cool looking. I keep buying one at each brewery I visit and sometimes I get two. If I live close enough, I can get something different every week. Awesome.

8. Seasonality - Bringing different beers out as the seasons change is a wonderful way to celebrate the year. I love waiting and anticipating the next release. Bring on the spring beers!
9. The Names - There are times I laugh so hard at a beer name (Long Dong Pilsner), that I just have to tell everyone about it. Craft brewers can have some fun with their branding and will push the line in naming them sometimes. It is always a treat to see what they come up with next.
10. The art of the label - Many craft brewers use local artists to decorate their offerings. Two of the best are Collective Arts and Great Lakes Brewing. As a guy who love to use his beer bottles and cans as decorations, it is great to have so many unique and amazing choices.


There you have it, 10 things this Tuesday morning to think about when you go looking for a new beer. Try something different today, your taste buds will thank you.
Cheers!

 

Ode to My Lake Effect

 From the moment I pop the top and catch a whiff of the tropical notes, to watching the beer cascade down into my glass...the anticipation builds.

  I know what is coming, but still I wait. Swirl and sniff, smell it again, for the first time, the last time. Take a sip. Not a gulp, just a taste and get that pineapple, grapefruit and crisp citrus rolling around your head.

  Juicy, bitter and oh so good. I won't rush, savour and sip till it is almost gone. 

 And then comes that final moment. The one I love and dread at once. The last taste comes too soon and then I am done. 

 Until I grab another one.

Protect your Beer - Bottle vs. Can

Yesterday was National Beer Can Appreciation Day in honour of the first sale of canned brews by New Jersey brewer Krueger on January 24th, 1935. I did not know that until now and it got me to thinking about my preferred method of purchasing my beers. When it comes to my American Craft beers, I usually have to buy brown bottles, since that's what most of the offering in the 6 pack for $9.99 deal at Wegmans comes in and I will take what I can get. It is not that I don't like bottles, I drank out them for the better part of a quarter century, but there is something to be said for a Tall can and its possibilities for art. I would say well over 85% of my Ontario Craft beer comes from that style. They are as different as you could imagine, from Collective Arts use of rising artist to illustrate their brews to the simple and elegant green can with blue logo from Steamwhistle. I am always drawn to unique attempts at grabbing my eyes. Give me a visual cue that you are different and I will place your beer on the counter for purchase. Some of my most favoured brews are from Great Lakes Brewery in Etobicoke and their resident artist Garnett Garry. He has a style for character design that is unique and stands out from the ordinary. Sir Fuggled Double Bottom on the Pompous Ass can is my personal fave and combined with the beer inside drove my love of this local brewer.

I hope most of us understand that the darker the container and more protected from light it is, the better your beer will keep. Clear bottles are death to the brew if not kept out of the damaging effects of the light.(Beer with little or no hops are the exception) This is what can cause that skunky smell/tastes and should be avoided at all costs. Next up are green bottles. Originally used in place of brown bottles during World War 2 because of all the brown glass being diverted to the war effort, they are better but still let more light in than the next option. Green glass became prevalent in many European breweries because of its low cost and accessibility during this time and when their beer began to be viewed as exotic imports, unfortunately it led to the green bottle being viewed as classier than the brown.
That brown bottle, be it long neck or stubby, is the choice of most brewers. Especially the industry standard bottle that the majority of them use in common. This reduces costs and makes it easier and cheaper to return the empties to the various bottling plants for re-use.
Craft brewers have taken a different tack and as they grow, many of them veer away from the industry standard to make unique and wonderful variations on that bottle. Logos, bigger, smaller or different shapes abound to try and catch your eye as they shuffle for space in the LCBO.

I will finish with the cans. I am a fan of these for a couple of reasons. One is their completely shutting light out from my beer. That is a key selling feature. Number two is portability. Less chance of accidentally breaking one than with bottles and are great for camping or any other outdoor activity. Finally, their larger and uniform surface make for a wonderful opportunity for the breweries to go a little nuts with their artwork and this is great for guys like me who have a wall of beer.



But I will once again ask you, ever so politely, to please put your beer in a glass. Drinking from the bottle or can is best reserved for Macro lagers that have no real scents to speak of. Putting a craft beer in a glass allows all the aromas to come to you and the visual of that beer pouring into the glass or swirling around as you sip and contemplate life is just wonderful.
Treat your beer right and keep it away from the light. A cold cellar in your basement is best, but the fridge or any dark cool place will make sure your beer is free from the damaging ultra violet rays that will turn it into something best left to attract slugs in the garden.
Cheers!

Shooting Videos with the Drunk Polkaroo

I've often said I have a face made for radio. The older I get, there are fewer people that get the joke. "What's radio?" they say, slowly back away from my ancient technology. But as I continue my Year of Beer, I want to try new ideas and expressions, so it with that in mind I am starting to make short beer review videos on the YouTubes. I know there is no "the" at the beginning or an "s" at the end, but that's how we tell us old timers apart from the rest of you.

When posting a photo and write up on Instagram or the blog, I have the ability to rewrite and polish my work. Sometimes I do edits later on if I notice something is just not working or spelled wrong. With video, that is a little harder. You can only open a beer one time and in the case of many of my brews, I only have one of them to drink anyway. But I like the rawness that video provides. It pushes me to focus on every aspect of what I do with the beer, from the opening of the bottle to the last drop in the glass. Yes. A glass. Every time. Come on guys, it's not hard, but please stop drinking out of the bottle. You are missing so much. I wrote about it twice, here and here.  Check them out. They both will explain why I always pour my beer into a glass. That subject is becoming like the 1993 Leafs for me, I just can't give it up.

Back to videos. I started with a few simple pour videos, using an old digital camera until I realised my phone has better resolution. I don't have a stand for it yet, so I made my own out of some scrap wood I had lying around in the basement.

A little crude, but it gets the job done.

I think it is time to step it up in the camera department and will venture forth to find an affordable but good webcam. That will make editing a little easier and probably improve the quality.

I use my Wall of Beer as the backdrop, but will eventually be filming all of my reviews and video blogs at my bar, which after 10 years I am actually going to build. For my "research". Man, beer is pretty awesome when it motivates you to get projects done. Just make sure you drink after you build or it might be a little lopsided.

That's a whole lot of fun on one wall.

I really want to capture all the sights and sounds of opening, pouring and tasting a beer, so playing with some different formats and techniques will be something we can do together. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, here, and follow along as I talk about beer and no doubt so much more. I can only promise that I will keep searching for the Perfect Beer and with that a better life. I am not going to lie, watching a video of myself is a little odd, but I do love all my Fat Guy shirts and am glad they are finally getting the exposure they deserve.

Happy Monday to you all and I'll see you later on the Internets.

(Again, I know there is no "s". Just testing.)





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(Now I'm just messing with you)

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Thanks again for the support and Cheers!



Cameron's Brewing - A Quick Visit and an Amazing Deal

Mrs. Polkaroo and I had an appointment in Burlington on Thursday and I figured since we were only 15 minutes away, why not drop in to Cameron's Brewing Company and check it out. They only do tours on Saturday, so we were out of luck for that, but I had a beer to drop off for a friend from Instagram and he had one for me, so at least there was some fun to be had.  When we got there, I scoped out all they had in their showroom at the front while I waited for the ladies in front of us to finish their purchases. I had already decided to get a Growler ($6), which is a refillable 64 ounce glass container with the sweet Cameron's logo on it, and have it filled with their Dark 266 lager.

So damn good.

When I saw the deal they had, I got two (the 266 and a Tripel). For $55, you get 6 growler fills. That is a savings of over $25 and who doesn't like a bargain when it comes to beer.  The next time you come in for a fill, just present your card and they'll use the hole punch to mark it off and give you a refill. This is ideal for me, since Kat works nearby and can grab one for me whenever I need it, without having to pay for anything else. Just remember that this is fresh beer and you need to consume it within 4 or 5 days unopened and within 24 hours once you crack it open. Sharing is caring!

Get one today! Great deal.

I also bought a Cameron's pint glass with a logo for $5 and should have bought all of the styles. I am such a sucker for different shapes and sizes in my beer glasses. So that is something I will be getting next time I am in. Plus, they will look great on the shelves.

Great logo.

The service was friendly and quick. Very helpful people who clearly love what they do. This is going to be a recurring theme I imagine. It seems that this industry attracts a certain type of personality and it shows in their dedication to helping people understand their products. Being passionate about Craft Beer has changed my life and as I go forth on my journey around the province and the Year of Beer, I am so happy to meet other people who share my love of a well made brew.
As for the beer, The Dark 266 lager had a roasted malt flavour that combined chocolate and coffee notes with a crisp and refreshing texture. Not heavy and low in ABV (4.5%) this beer is an easy drinking, but flavourful, alternative to your regular choices. I finished my first growler last night and will be getting a refill soon. The Tripel (7.5%) will have to wait until the weekend.
I will find a way to get back for the tour as well. I work most Saturdays, but when I do get one off, my travels will take me where the beer is made. I have only been on one brewery tour (Steamwhistle) and as it was back in my binge drinking days, I don't remember much about it. This time, I plan on being present and learning all I can about the process of making great beer.
I endeavour to drink local and hope to make Cameron's a regular in my fridge. You should too. They have a good selection of different styles and seasonal offerings that will delight and challenge you. Here is a link to their website, check them out. The next time you are driving around and see a sign for a local brewery, do yourself a favour and stop in for a taste. It might change your opinion and as in my case, save your life.
Cheers!

Treat your Beer Right. Put it in a Glass!

That looks delicious!

Do me a favour, won't you? Put your beer in a glass. It's not hard and you will thank me for it. I can do it for you or show you how if you are unfamiliar with the process. It's not that I want to be "that" guy, but you are really missing out. Beer is not just meant to be tasted, it is meant to be smelt, felt and dealt. By that I mean smell the aroma, feel the texture and deal with the flavours as they come. Don't force yourself to decide your love or hatred for a particular beer based on one sip. Relax and enjoy the journey.

One of my first posts was about whether the glass you use to drink beer matters, check it out here. It was a pretty simplistic view of what a proper beer glass means but had one central theme : Don't miss out on the wonderful aromas that the brewers intended you to have as a component of the beer by chugging it straight from the can or bottle.

If your having a Macro lager like Coors or Canadian and all you are after is a little refreshment or that sweet oblivion that only many beers can bring, you should ignore what I am saying and keep tilting them back. Maybe shotgun one and speed up the process. These beers are only "good" if they are served ice cold and flavourless. The less time you spend trying desperately to find some flavour, the better.

However, if you are like me and really want to get into your beer, grab a glass, something clean and big enough to hold your beer. Try to avoid novelty glasses or plastic. They will do in a pinch, but for best results a  glass appropriate to the style is best.  If you can find all six of the glasses below, you have all you need to really drink your beer. They are available at the Bay here in Canada and while they are not cheap, I love them for drinking beer. German glass maker Spiegelau has teamed up with well known brewers to design glasses that are ideal for every style of beer from IPA to Stout. Here's the link to the glasses available online here.

I hope someone got to drink all those beers.

I only have the IPA glass on the far right so far, but am anxiously saving money to get all of them. They'll run you $29.99 for two of each, so you are paying a little more for the quality. The glass feels thin but they are quite sturdy despite that delicateness. I am not gentle by any means and they stand up to a night of citrusy Pale Ales very well. I think it is the fact that they are designed with brew masters that makes them perfect. These guys get what you need when you want a beer, so they really tried to help deliver the whole package in a glass.

If you don't want to spend more than $200 on beer glasses, then any pint glass will cover 90% of your needs. I have several that I love to use on a regular basis and would encourage you to get a couple that you can really hold on to as you drink your beer. If it feels good in your hand, the vessel becomes an extension of you. I am not conscious of the glass when I drink my beer if it feels right and that is fantastic. Nothing should get between you and that delicious lager or ale you have been waiting to try all day.

I have an cabinet built into the wall of my basement and it acts like a cold cellar. This is where I store my glasses until I need one. I always rinse it out before I use it to ensure there is no dust or residue left from washing. A clean glass is imperative for a good pour. Tilting your glass at a 45 degree angle as you start the pour will allow the beer to flow without building up a crazy huge head that, for the most part, you don't want. As you pass the halfway mark, start straightening your glass, this will help create the right amount of head and really release the aromas. Pour at a slow pace to start, there is no hurrying a good brew. Not all beers have a head that lingers. Depending on the style you will see very different results. My Saison last night had a big 2 finger foamy head that lasted the whole time I drank it, but the Barking Squirrel lager I drank after was just a thin off white one that dissipated quickly to the rim. There is nothing better for me than the creamy thick head a stout gives you. It adds to the complexity of the brew and it looks cool too.

Take a moment when you have poured your beer to admire how it looks. Damn that's nice. Give the beer a sniff and a sip. Dig into your senses and use them to really experience the whole beer. Swirl it around (gently, don't spill) and give it another smell. You will get something every time and as your beer warms up, the flavours will change too. Sometimes becoming stronger or weaker depending on what you have. I am always surprised as new notes emerge and combine to create something special.

But do this one small thing.

 Pour your beer into a glass.

 It's worth it every time.

Cheers!

Saisons are still growing on me.
But Dougie will always be my favourite!



Beer of the Week - December 27th to January 2nd

Back to my favourite subject. Beer! This was a crazy week for us here at the Polkaroo household. Post Christmas border shopping, work and a very fine New Year's Eve party combined to wear a fella down.

First up was our soon to be annual drive down to the Queenston bridge and a visit to our neighbours to the south. I love going over and shopping for beer in the States. The Wegman's has an unreal selection that we can only dream of here in the frozen tundra. I bought 46 new beers, so for me that was a pretty successful search.

One half of the haul

The ease of access and amount of choice available at an American supermarket surpasses that of even my own beloved LCBO. While I always try to support local craft brewers, I find it acceptable to also try beers from anywhere in the world. I wish we had access to more choices from all different countries, but we are limited by what is imported to the local LC.

So many new beers!

Working at a grocery store that is in a mall during the holidays is always a treat and I love the rapid pace and crazy busyness that run rampant through our store as we near the end of another year. A little more than a month until Super Bowl and then maybe I can look forward to a little vacation time.

Finally, New Year's Eve was a blast. Spending time with friends and family was a goal of mine during the Christmas season and I tried my best. We spent NYE with Mrs. Polkaroo's sister and her family. Lovely people and such a good time. I managed to keep my wits about me and did not go crazy as I would have in the past. Although I think next year I wont go with so many big beers. I went a little heavy on the stouts and porters. Lesson learned and when the calendar turns over next year, I will have a few lower ABV beers in the old cooler for refreshment, But I am proud of not cramming macro lagers at a ridiculous pace in pursuit of blackout drunkenness. Tasty beers made for wonderful conversation and a delightful New Year.

All of this leads to my Sunday morning ritual of trying to pick the beer that stood out among the pack this week. It was a unique week with all my new acquisitions and some old favourites making an appearance. That doesn't happen very often as I am pursuing my perfect beer, as I usually try to go for new beers every day. Bit despite all the beauties I tried this week, it is a local brewery that grabbed me by the throat and made my eyes bulge out.
Mill Street is a Toronto brewer that was bought by Labatt's last year but remains a quality beer maker and I hope retains some independence. I struggle with buying their products only in the sense that my love for craft beer means I need to make sure my dollars, for the most part, make their way to support the little guys. But a well made and tasty beer is what it is and I wont turn my back on anyone unless they let their commitment to quality brews lapse.
Having said all that, I saw a gift pack at the liquor store that contained two Tankhouse Ales and something called Bierschnaps. Reading a little on the box, I discovered that the schnaps is distilled from the Tankhouse ale and they compliment each other. Sounds great, different, but that's the spice of life.
It took me a week or so to build up the courage to try this little bottle that is 45 % ABV. But with the encouragement of my partner in crime, we dove in. When you poured it into the tiny mug-like shot glasses, you are smacked in the face with a grain alcohol smell. It is quite overpowering, The flavour is that of a paint thinner with a hint of malt sweetness in the back. But when we sipped on the beer with it, you could feel that punch slide away as it combined with its predecessor to create a warming feeling in your belly. It took the usual bitterness out of the Tankhouse and together made a pretty unique experience. We only did a small portion of a shot, so rest assured I will have some for you to try if you drop by Merle's for a pint in the next little while.
Just bring your sense of adventure and an open mind. But no open flames, this stuff is boom city.
Cheers to Mill Street for trying something new and the innovations we see hopefully mean they are going to stay true to their roots.
A truly different winner of the first BOW of 2016, but that is what I am after. Entice me and lead me to challenge what I think I know about beer and you have a fan. This is going to be an interesting year.

First BOW of 2016 and it packed a punch!