The Big Smoke Redux - Polkapolooza 2.1 Day 2 in Toronto

 

   Day 2 of Polkapolooza 2.1 dawned and we slept in a little after the epic 800 plus km. journey of the day before. How could we sleep in with another 8 breweries lined up on this trip? Simple, the huge amount of new craft brewers that had opened in one of my favourite cities made it easy to take our time and still hit all of them with a good chance of being home for dinner. Toronto day is a staple of any tour, but much to the dismay of many of my crafty friends, their would be no Bellwoods, as we tried to give another perspective on the trip to the Big Smoke.

  We each choose one old favourite to visit that had something for both of us and we started at a brewery we go to almost every time we hit Toronto, Muddy York Brewing. We met up with beer pal Dave Lee and had a good chat with Jeff and Susan as always. We related stories of the previous day up north and heard a few suggestions for the stops to come, it's always good to ask the folks who live in a city for tips on where to go, park and eat. Securing a resupply of great MY beer, we hit the road for a quick trip down to Godspeed, opened by Dieu du Ciel alumni Bim Fontaine.

  While we had hoped to partake in their Japanese inspired menu to pair with our beer, the kitchen didn't open until 4, so it was a quick "pickup some beer" stop and a pin was put into the dinner plans for another day. It's an open and airy setup that we promise to explore more.

  The next stop was just minutes away and once again we were faced with a beautiful space and decided to stop for a few samples before continuing on. Rorschach Brewing is a relative newcomer but their tap/bottle list is already very impressive. Kat was immediately drawn to their Systematic Desensitization, a horchata dessert lager. Bursting with notes of vanilla and cinnamon, it did taste like rice pudding and was a hit. I tried the Absolute Truth Double IPA and came away impressed at what was being done here. Balanced with a juicy and bold bitter grapefruit, orange citrus, the oats added to the smooth texture. Grabbing 4 pack to take home of a few we hadn't tried, we scooted across the city for a bit to find the most unusual stop of the day.

  Saulter Street Brewing is located down a narrow street and tucked in behind a row of townhouses in an alley. Its' bright and open doors invited us in and I was struck by how much it resembled a neighbourhood bar, perfect for the place it was situated. They have one core beer, a Pilsner brewed with some dark malts and I was pretty impressed with the pint we decided we needed to have.

They also have one rotating tap and on this day it held a Common style brew that Kat enjoyed as we talked and rested before the final sprint. As the conversation went on, we came to find that our old pal Tanner, of Brock Street brewing, had moved on and landed here at Saulter Street. A pleasant surprise and a reminder that as the business of craft beer grows, we will see such movement while the people in it find new and exciting opportunities for change and growth. Informed that our next stop was only a few blocks away, we decided to enjoy the beautiful October day and walked on down to Eastbound Brewing to see what was our 5th stop in only three and a half hours.

  A big and open space, they were busy preparing for the evenings food service when we arrived but took the time to stop and talk about not only their beer but the scene in Toronto in general. We lingered for a while sampling and chatting before making some purchases and heading back into the sunshine for the walk back to the car. It's never long enough when we are doing these trips and we can't wait to come back here to try some of their food inspired and made with their beer.
  The day was more than half over and we were moving at a good clip...for Toronto. Although this day's trip was about a quarter of the kilometres of the previous one, it was a little more draining as the traffic was intense and packed. But we kept our spirits up and enjoyed the sights of a busy city while we turned to a spot located in the middle of a bustling and proudly multi cultural market.

  Kensington Brewery has molded itself into a very unique neighbourhood and added to the community with their take on the industrial chic that other Toronto brewers have embraced. It feels airy and open and while we only had a few moments to peruse the site, the folks working there were happy and informative. Another day to spend just hanging at the shops along the way is in order, post haste. Our time in the city was at an end but there were two more stops as we turned the Fiesta toward the Hammer and Casa de Polk.

  I'm an unabashed fan of what Great Lakes Beer does and with 3 new beers in the fridge on this day, it was an easy choice as my old fave stop of the day. We made our way out of Toronto to Etobicoke and the familiar GLB tap room. We grabbed the beers we came for and while I looked longingly at a few more Audrey hopburns, we had to stick to the budget... A quick hello/goodbye sent us on our way to the final stop of the day, western legend now open in 2 different spots in the GTA, Big Rock Brewing.

  Located down The Queensway from Great lakes, it can be found at the back of a full industrial plaza featuring many different importer and exporter wholesale distributors. A massive facility made for large scale production, it was not exactly the most inviting of space and had an almost corporate feel to it. The taps were decent, but the bottle list was almost devoid of anything that sparked our interest. We bought a few we haven't had because I am always willing to explore deeper, we left with a tired but happy outlook on the overall scope of the day.
  As hard as it was to pass buy so many amazing craft breweries in Toronto, Left Field, Bellwoods and the like, it was important to us to be able to see what was going on in different corners of the city and help break the routine we find ourselves in when it comes to this city. There are so many places we didn't get to and I am making a promise to myself that we will continue to make it our mission to go to each and every one as this journey continues.
  For the record, day 2 was 7 hours on the road, 195 kilometres, 8 breweries and over 30 new beers. It was a whirlwind, as this day always is and we went to bed knowing the next day was a longer drive but to quite a different setting and environment.
  Get out of your rut and try adding a new to you brewery on your next run to Toronto, you'll be glad to you did.


Raise your glass and your standards,
One beer at a time.


Cheers!
Polk

Head North Old Polk - Polkapolooza Day 1

Go North, Old Polk

  We kicked off this shortened version of Polkapolooza with a goal of visiting and highlighting craft breweries that people may not know much about and are off the radar a bit when it comes to our usual beer runs. Taking to the road in pursuit of adventure (and beer) is always a fun way to spend a few hours and Kat and I were very excited to add to our list of Ontario Craft brewers we have visited.

Heading north because who could resist the changing colours and bucolic scenery as we pursue some tasty pints, we first stopped at South River's Highlander Brewing Company and kicked our day off in style. Greeted warmly by the team out front, we were soon joined by Brian, chief of all things in the brewery as the owner and head bottle washer. He was an enthusiastic host and took us on a walk to proudly show off their new facility.

You could feel the energy as we talked about his beer, the state of craft beer in the north and our mission to get people outside their comfort zones when it comes to travelling around visiting breweries. He surprised Kat with a bottle of last years' Winter stout from his personal stash and upped the cool quotient when he let us pour some samples right off the fermenters. Unfiltered and delicious, we were so happy to experience such a treat.

As we chatted about market share, the local economy and trying to change people's perceptions about what is happening north of the GTA, Mike from New Ontario Brewing happened to show up and joined the conversation. The comradeship between these northern brewers rivals anything I have seen in the south and they took some well aimed jabs at each other that resonated with respect and love. Hearing about both Brian and Mike's decisions to pursue this dream of making beer and helping their respective small northern towns by creating decent jobs was another reason that I was glad to have made the trip.

It gets lost a lot of times for those of us in the south but these small towns are often devoid of good jobs and that forces people to move or spend long hours commuting for work. The small town Canadian friendliness was in full effect as we tried to say our goodbyes and even that took another half an hour.

  Earlier that morning, we heard the news that stopped so many Canadian music fans in their tracks that Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip had passed away Tuesday evening after a battle with brain cancer. Tears flowed and the soundtrack of our lives was with us for the entire 13 hour round trip as we passed through the Canadian shield, huge towering rock formations that we cut through and made part of our drive. The fall colours were in bloom as the Hip's music played on every radio station and we sang with sad hearts at the loss of such an icon. I have been a fan of Gord's since the beginning and have a Hip song for almost every major moment in my life, I wrote about it last year with The Tragically Hip - Their Music, My memories and it holds true today. I would like to think that taking a road trip through Northern Ontario was a good way to honour the man who loved this country so much and wanted it to be better than it is right now.

  Back on the road, we headed for a plethora of quick stops and hellos as the day wound on. The distance between some of the breweries provided a time to reflect on the days events and talk about our own lives. It was a happy sight to finally make it to Lake of Bays and Kat was super excited to see that they had just released their soon to be LCBO bound Oatmeal stout. We had a wee taste but couldn't stick around as time was pressing and the road long.

   We turned a little more north to go round the beautiful forests and lakes that populate this cottagers dream to stop in at the tiny but mighty Boshkung Brewing in Minden. Located underneath the Rhubarb Restaurant, it has a small town feel to it as you look out the front door to a scene right out of a travel book, The lake sits feet from the brewhouse and there are some spaces for you to enjoy a pint as nature just happens right in front of you. Picking up the two beers I've never had before, we made our way back towards the route home and a few old friends we haven't seen in a while.

  Heading home down Highway 11 means stops at Muskoka Brewing, a happy place for us and one that has had a significant facelift since our last visit. The patio was hopping and the new taproom was beautiful as we picked up some old faves and new brews. We even ran into Mike, another friend we just hadn't met yet and made plans to meet up later that night when we stopped in Barrie for some dinner. I love this community so much!

 Next up was a short drive down the road to Gravenhurst and the legendary Sawdust City. I could have spent all day in their tap room but again we were just in this time for a quick hello and to fill up a couple of mix sixes with some new to us beers and a returning favourite or two. Princess Wears Girl pants and last year's 11.05 collab with Nickel Brook were the two must haves for me so this was a happy, albeit short, stop.

We next turned our attention to Barrie, a favourite stop of ours anytime not just because of all the great stuff coming out of this entrance to the North. We have a lot of friends we've met through beer up here and joined a few of them for a pint at Barnstormers Brewing. Verena and Rich were joined by new pal Mike as we talked about the scene in town as well as the province at large. The pizza was outstanding and we left with full bellies and even more beer as our friends gave us some of their stash just because they are awesome!

  This left us with one stop on this 13 hour, 800 plus kilometre day trip to the north. Redline Brewhouse yielded a few more new to us beers and as we looked longingly at the tap room, we knew it was time to turn home. A return trip and multiple pints and flights is indeed in order as Redline has been killing it with their releases this year.

 So there you have it, a big old road trip tinged with sadness at the loss of a Canadian legend, the most beautiful scenery in the country and a whole lot of great beer. We made new friends, discovered places that we can't wait to come back to and visited some we missed a whole lot. Do yourself a favour and head up past Toronto when the day gives you an open road, there is a whole lot going on that will delight and surprise you!


Raise your glass and your standards,
One Beer at a time!


Cheers!
Polk


Polkapolooza 2.1 - The Remix (Not feat. DJ Khaled)

Yes I do.

The world turns, days pass into weeks and the months fly by. 2017 has been an interesting year so far and despite my best intentions, this summer didn't turn out quite as I had planned. A promotion at work meant I couldn't take any time off until after Thanksgiving and thank the beer gods, that time is now! The second Polkaroo road trip of 2017 commences Wednesday and will continue for  4 days with stops at as many new to us Ontario Craft brewers as we can find. This should bring the skip back into my step and the bulge back to my depleted beer fridge. As always, the routes are planned using the awesome map from Ontario Beverage Network, an invaluable tool for any trip in pursuit of great craft brewery, distillery or cidery. So get ready my friends, Polkapolooza 2.1 - The Remix (Not Feat. DJ Khaled) gets under way tomorrow!

Look for the Fiesta filled with Polks this week!

Wednesday October 18th
 
  As the dawn breaks, we will head out on the road for a single day trip that should approach over 800 kilometres and take us as far north as I've ever been. Why do we do this route to start? Because our first stop has been so inviting and I couldn't pass up the chance to finally visit South River and Highlander Brewing Company. Ever since we met some of them at a beer festival and they were so fun and kind to us, we have been itching to check them out in person. At almost 350 kilometers, it is easily going to be the farthest we have gone for a beer and that alone makes for a great story. The drive through Ontario's north should give us some spectacular views and after we make our way to Highlander, we will turn our sights home, with several more stops along the way.
  Heading down the road another 100 klicks is one of my favourite Ontario brewers and one who's been hitting new heights this year with a rebrand and some seriously good new beers. Lake of Bays Brewing Company has long been part of my journey into better beer and I am especially excited for a pint at this one. The day will be turning to late afternoon but we have miles to go before we sleep still.
  Next up and only about an hour away is relative newcomer Boshkung Brewing. I have been wanting to make this type of trip for a while and it is exciting when I see so many new to me breweries "close" together and I can't pass up a chance to explore more of what small towns in Ontario's north have to offer. We will be stopping for some food along the way and supporting local when we do it. Lucky for us, only 10 minutes away is another craft brewer so we can get a few more treasures at Haliburton Highlands Brewing before turning our attention to the drive home.
  While we are focused mainly on those places we have never been, if time permits and the road is kind we will be popping in to say hello to some old friends along the way. Looking wistfully at my OBN map as the drive back to the homestead takes us past Muskoka Brewing, Sawdust City Brewing and the 3 giants of Barrie, Redline Brewhouse, Flying Monkey's Craft Brewers and of course, Barnstormer Brewing.
  Ambitious? Yes. Doable? Probably. Bringing a serious smile to my face to be able to even think about it? You know it.
  Heading home and pulling into the driveway close to midnight will leave us tired but happy and the next day will be a much closer to home journey with even more new breweries to cross off the list.


Thursday October 19th
 
  Say what you want about living in Hamilton, it leaves me close to so many great options for a quick craft beer road trip that I am always ready to explore or return to one I love. Day 2 of this Polkapolooza finds us headed to Toronto and at least a half dozen brewers that have eluded us so far this year. Up first is the highly anticipated Godspeed Brewery, with it's Asian inspired menu and a great place to lunch up before the jaunt across The Six (Mrs. Polk hates when I say that...hence it's inclusion here.).Rorschach Brewing will allow us to plumb the depths of our psyche with great beer and lead us to stop 3 just up the street, Radical Road Brewing. An invite always gets a positive response and it will be a nice time to take a break, have a pint and talk shop with some good folks. One that caught my eye as I scanned the OBN map was Saulter Street Brewing, a stop I will be happy to make to see what comes up in this neighbourhood next. Almost across the street, more like around the corner but you get the idea, is Eastbound Brewing Company and stop #5 within a very short distance as this city's beer scene continues to explode. As tempting as it will be to stop in at all our favourites, we will refrain and make our way to 2 more stops before heading home for the day. Kensington Brewing Company will be sixth on the list and we will be finally hitting Big Rock Brewing as we make our way back down the 401 home to the Hammer.


Friday October 20th
 
  Every Polkapolooza has an overnight trip built in and this time is no different, albeit the towns are smaller and the beer just as amazing. Another early start, this time with some luggage and a cooler or two in tow will begin the second last day of this rebooted road trip tradition. The smallest number of breweries visited because we really wanted to enjoy an evening at one of them, it will start off with a 200 km. trip west to Stone House Brewing, Huron's original craft brewer. The eyes then turn to the small but mighty Half Hours on Earth. While I visited here last year, Mrs. polk did not and I couldn't miss this opportunity to help her sample some of the finest in a province filled with great beer. We then head a little north and finally arrive at our destination of the night, Blyth, Ontario and the newly opened Cowbell Brewing. A big fan of their beer, their story and their commitment to being a responsible member of the community made this an easy choice for us to hang our hats and with a great recommendation from a friend, we found Queen's Bakery only a short walk from where the beer is made. Walking distance there and stumbling distance back as they say. This will be a fine way to end any trip but we still have the drive home and a few more gems to be uncovered.


Saturday October 21st


 For a lot of people, heading home from a vacation is a hard thing to do. For this family of craft beer lovers, the drive back to Hamilton is just another opportunity to visit a few more new to us breweries and bring home some treats for further "research". First up on the long way home is Shakespeare Brewing Company , which combines my love of the Bard with my love of small batch craft beer. A stop I should have made a while ago, but life never goes in such straight lines for me, Bittes Schon Brauhaus is a New Hamburg entry from the fine people that brought us Descendant's in Kitchener.  A turn southeast and we find ourselves at a couple of Cambridge breweries my retail schedule has kept me from getting my paws on. North Works Brewing and the elusive and only open 7 hours a week Barncat Artisan Ales. The journey continues as we slip into the west end of Hamilton and the latest addition to a burgeoning scene sure to keep growing. Grain and Grit Brewing is just around the corner from our pals at Fairweather, so why not have two and then call it a day, this Polk will be done.

No doubt a time will come when Mrs. Polk takes the wheel.

  The 4 days will be filled no doubt with some quick in and outs and others will be spent lingering over a flight or a pint and talking beer with brewers and new friends alike. We choose to try to hit up many new to us breweries to help illustrate all the growth in the industry in just a few years and to show you the world is an amazing place if you just take a leap and head into the unknown.
  I hope to inspire others to do the same, this entire journey has been an homage to the beer that helped save my life and it is a small thanks I can give to be able to help showcase as many of them as I can. Hit the road, have some fun and remember that it's always about having a good time.
 I'm setting the trip counter to zero, it's time to go!


Raise your glass and your standards
One Beer at a time.


Cheers!
Polk

Polk's 2017 Pumpkin Picks

  Every year the cooler weather signals a return to school, routine and the coming of fall. It also means the endless debate picks up where it left off on a seasonal beer that never stops dividing the craft beer community with its spicy, pumpkin goodness. As you can tell, I fall on the pro gourd side and have boldly set off to rank all the LCBO available Pumpkin beers in 2017 as a public service to my friends. Because as the self appointed Ambassador of the Pumpkin Ale, it is my duty (again, self appointed) to try and quantify what we find as this spiced up fall treat hits the shelves. There are many different options available at your local breweries, so be sure to check them out as well. I had quite a few not in the LCBO but have left them off the list as they are not as easily obtained and I wanted to showcase what most of us have available.
  I know all ratings are subjective, so feel free to disagree with me and come up with your own list. As always, I try to rate to both style and what the brewery has told us about their beer. I've included a snippet of my Instagram review for context. Raise up your goblet and embrace the continuing Pumpkin apocalypse!

1. Saison DuPump - Great Lakes Brewery ($5.95/650ml Bottle)Polk's Rating - 4.25/5

 Pouring a cloudy but brilliant orange, it has that fluffy white head we associate with all GLB beers. Smells of light pumpkin, banana and clove. On the sip, crisp and fruity with banana, orange, bubblegum and clove up front before the pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon come calling. It's super well balanced and it is easy to see why my friends who don't like pumpkin beers love this beer. Sticky with more citrus on the finish, it lingers banana, orange and once again a light spicy pumpkin. Grab this one if you really want to see what a genius can do with Pumpkin beer. ABV - 5.2%

2. Paranormal Imperial Pumpkin Ale - Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery ($4.95/473ml Can)

Polk's Rating - 4/5

  This one is a big old slow sipping beauty. It pours a orange caramel colour with a thick and long lasting white head that lingers the whole way through. Smells spicy with a pumpkin kick. On the sip, smooth toasted biscuit cracker malt body that is loaded with nutmeg cinnamon, allspice and of course, delicious pumpkin. Sweet notes and a bit of a boozy finish with more spicy cinnamon and pumpkin rounding out this unique and delightful seasonal treat. Find one for yourself and get your freak on! ABV - 10.0%

3. Pumpkin Ale - Great Lakes Brewery ($4.95/650ml Bottle)
Polk's Rating - 4/5

 Pours a deep orange with a white head that fades to a wisp on the surface. Smells of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and pumpkin. On the sip, it has a smooth biscuity toasted malt body and loads of pumpkin pie flavour that I almost wish I had whip cream. A tonne of pumpkin, spicy cinnamon, allspice, clove and nutmeg with a dry pumpkin and clove finish. Lingering with a mishmash of all those great fall flavours, finishing with a spicy cinnamon kick. Props to Great Lakes for keeping this one real and bringing it in at the same price every year. Legendary! ABV - 5.5%

4. Highballer Pumpkin Ale - Grand River Brewing ($3.25/473ml Can)

Polk's Rating - 4/5

  Pours a brilliant orange with a white head that fades but lingers on the sides. Smells of pumpkin, nutmeg and cinnamon. On the sip, a graham cracker crust malt sweetness in the body, balanced pumpkin pie and spices with allspice, clove and nutmeg before the spicy cinnamon and pumpkin on the backend. Easy going and smooth with a lingering mix of the gourd and spice. Stepped up this year! ABV - 5.2%

5. Wild North Pumpkin Ale - Lake of Bays Brewing ($3.15/473ml Can)

Polk's Rating - 3.75/5

  Pours a clear amber with a white head that lingers a bit. Smelling pumpkin, caramel and spices. On the sip, smooth bready toasted malt body with a nice caramel gent, pumpkin and then the allspice, nutmeg and spicy cinnamon backend. It's sticky and sweet with a nice vanilla note that gives it a pie like finish. ABV - 6.0%

6. Sour Harvest Saison - Collective Arts ($3.75/473ml Can)

Polk's rating - 3.75/5

 Pouring a cloudy orange with a quickly dissapating but fluffy white head, it smells of sour fruit and light pumpkin. On the sip, tart and spicy with a nice dour lemon front, pumpkin, clove, nutmeg and cinnamon. It's got a citrusy and spicy finish with a lingering tart and pumpkin pie flavour. Enjoyable and not your average pumpkin beer. ABV - 5.0%

7. Tales From the Patch Pumpkin Porter - Big Rig Brewing ($2.95/473ml Can)

Polk's Rating - 3.75/5

  Pours black with a light tan head that fades to the side. Smells sweet, chocolate and spicy with some subtle pumpkin. On the sip, smooth roasty body with a nice creamy milky texture, sweet chocolate, pumpkin, nutmeg, allspice, clove and a spicy cinnamon that is giving some heat to the finish. I wasn't a huge fan last year, but I think I understand it better this year. Nice and not your average pumpkin beer. Like a slice of spicy chocolate and pumpkin pie.  ABV - 5.8%

8. Pioneer Harvest Pumpkin Ale - Black Creek Historic Brewing ($3.25/473ml Can)

Polk's rating - 3.25/5

 Pours clear amber with very little head, smelling of pumpkin, allspice and cinnamon. On the sip, smooth bready malt, pumpkin, allspice, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon. The finish is more allspice a little heat from the cinnamon and a lingering sweetness mixed with pumpkin spice. ABV - 5.0%

9. St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale -  Brassarie Mcauslan ($2.90/473ml Can)

Polk's Rating - 3/5

  Pours a deep copper colour with a thick off white head that fades quickly. Smells of pumpkin, clove, allspice and nutmeg. On the sip, smooth bready caramel malt body with a heavy clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice combining with a sweet pumpkin note for a heavier feel. It's a spicy and sticky backend that has some heat from the cinnamon and lingering clove, nutmeg and pumpkin finish. Heavy on the spice, not my favourite but I could see someone liking it for its bold use of spices. C'est La vie!  ABV - 5.0%

  There you have it. Love or hate them, pumpkin beers have become a staple in the seasonal craft beer rotation and I imagine we will see more of them as the industry continues to grow.

 If you want to know more about how/why I rate beers and a little more check out Rating & Reviewing (My Take on the Numbers)

Raise your glass and your standards,

One beer at a time!

Cheers!

Polk

Polk's Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving

 

Ah Thanksgiving. That time of year when you either enjoy a wonderful meal with loved ones or a hellish time with unloved ones. There is nothing like seeing people you've missed and perhaps a few of the ones you've been avoiding. I hope it's a lot of the former and none of the latter but we all know there's one in every family...If you don't know who it is, it's probably you. There's a slippery slope when we get together and the booze starts flowing, so it is my pleasure to present you with a little guide to help you navigate your way through the evening. Every one needs a little help and with some wonderful Ontario Craft beer that you can find at the LCBO, you just might survive the weekend!
 (Feel free to substitute something you can get at your local brewery, it's the thought that counts.)


Pre-Drinking - Not a great idea  to get hammered before you even leave the house, but it doesn't hurt to loosen up with a crisp lager, ale or pilsner. Just remember not to drink and drive, get a cab or your funny Uncle Larry to pick you up on the way. Either way, these can be a good choice to start the day.

Side Launch Mountain Lager - ($3.00/473ml) - Easily one of the best lagers in Ontario, crisp clean and your father won't ask if you're going to finally drink a real beer when he sees you.

Steamwhistle - ($3.00/473ml) - Iconic and easy going, this one is probably the only craft beer most people in your family know. Buy a 6 pack of bottles ($14.15) and be a hero to your cousin who forgot to buy his own and was looking forlornly at your green bottle of grassy, Czech inspired brilliance.

Collective Arts Stash - ($2.75/473ml) - An almost crushable and retro feel to this ale from the Hammer. It'll impress your brother who thinks all craft beers have fruit in them. Easy there Justin, have another Coors.

Beau's All Natural Lug Tread - ($9.95/4x355ml) - This one is made for taking in your purse for the Uber ride over while you try to come up with a way to deflect from all the "Why haven't you settled down yet?" questions from your aunt. If there are a lot of those types of questions coming, maybe go bigger with the 600 ml bottles (4/$16.65)


Before Dinner - Arriving finds you perhaps exchanging hugs and kisses with people you love and missed or maybe it's an icy hello and a turn of the heel. Either way, it's time to step it up a bit with some pale ales, slightly bitter...like your sister.

Great Lake's Brewery Canuck Pale Ale - ($2.80/473ml) - Gordie is rugged, outdoorsy and a good bargain. All things your Grandma likes. Ask her to tell you a story about when she was little, the beer tastes even better when your talking to someone you love.

Maclean's Pale Ale - ($2.90/473ml.) - It's a classic Pale in a red can that may throw off your annoying uncle who likes to "tease" you but really is a jackass with a sadistic side. Sip it slowly and walk away when you can.

Descendant's Brewing Harbinger Pale Ale - (3.15/473) - The wicked label can be used to illustrate what wonderful opportunities there are in the world when the questions about what you are going to do with that fines arts degree start.

Collingwood Brewing Downhill Pale Ale - (3.00/473ml) - Remember that one time your parents took you to a resort and you got sick on the slide...they do and now your new girlfriend will too.


Dinner Time - At least now you can either A) Enjoy a warm meal made with love and shared with those you enjoy spending time with or B) Stare at your plate while that weird silence and the scrapping of utensils fills the air as everyone secretly wishes they'd stayed home plays out over the kinda dry turkey. Either way, it's time to start bringing out the big IPA guns.

Railway City Double Dead Elephant - ($4.25/473ml) - A maltier kick in the ass, but still better than listening to your uncle tell that joke that used to seem funny but now you know is just sexist and/or racist.

Collective Arts Ransack the Universe - ($3.35/473ml) - The beer from Hamilton that you can use as you try to explain why working on your Master's degree isn't like trying to avoid getting a real job.

Amsterdam Brewing Fracture - ($4.00/473ml) - The skull on the can could serve as a cool conversation starter about how much craft beer has changed your life or an apt metaphor for how your family is really getting along now...

Flying Monkey's Brewery Juicy Ass - ($3.25/473ml) - A great beer and a sure fire way to start an argument with your mother about table manners.

Muskoka Brewing Twice As Mad Tom - ($3.50/473ml) - Yes there's 5 on this list, dinner time makes me thirsty. Plus it's not like anyone's counting my beers and are going to send me a DM on Facebook with the number to AA in it...are they?


Dessert - The dinner is done and either the laughter has continued and the stories along with them or you're looking at the clock as it feels like it's started going backwards. You deserve a treat either way, time for some dark beers.


Innocente Brewing Charcoal Porter - ($4.35/500ml) - The moment your pour this, someone will ask you if it's Guinness. Sigh.

Collective Arts Stranger Than Fiction - ($3.25/473ml) - The ever changing art on your CA cans catches the eye of your quiet nephew and he saunters over to talk about art, life and why you're his favourite family member.

Clifford Brewing Porter - ($2.95/473ml) - Another can that harkens back to a simpler time...but don't let Grandpa get started about how things all changed when woman started wearing pants. We're trying to have a nice family moment Robert.

Hockley Brewing Dark - ($2.75/473ml) - Because you like living where you do and yes you know about the weird people that live in that part of town...you're one of them.

After the dishes are done - Now we can all relax in the den or family room and tell stories about days gone by. This is a good time to break out a stout, slow sipping while you either follow along or inch your way toward the door after calling a cab while everyone thought you were going to the bathroom. If you're making a break for it, this is the only time I suggest perhaps a little crusher instead so you can chug it as you mumble your goodbyes.

Sawdust City Brewing Skinny Dippin' Stout - ($3.25/473ml) - It looks black as night and prompts your aunt's new friend who seems a little too into you and does that weird hand on yours every time he talks to you to try and discuss that time he went to England and how you should totally come over and see his glass collection. WTF Linda?

Muskoka Brewery Shinnicked Stout - ($3.25/473ml) - "Yes the guy on the can is cold Nana. No I don't think he died, they probably got him a sweater or something. I don't know what kids are thinking these days."

Walkerville Brewing Easy Stout - ($2.95/473ml) - Time for the easy questions of the night. "Why no, we haven't thought of adopting, what a great idea."

Beau's All Natural Brewing Tom Green Cherry Milk Stout - ($5.45/600ml) - This should spark a conversation about your sister's husband's Gambling problem, terrible movies your dad likes or why you just have to drink so much every time you come to a family event. Either way, delicious.


Home - It's late and you're tired, full and perhaps even a little tipsy. Have some water and hit the hay if that's the case. But if you want to have just one more, I'm thinking its time to go to the cellar or fridge and break out something special. You survived/enjoyed another family event and there's only 77 days till Christmas!


Happy Polksgiving everyone!


Cheers!


Polk

From the Bottom of the Bottle...

  Hitting the road on a beer run used to mean a trip to the store to pick up a 24 or three of whatever macro lager was on sale. I didn't really care about what I was drinking outside of how drunk I could get and lived in that darkness for almost 25 years. I drank to fight stress, I drank because I was happy or sad, I drank because when the darkness fell I didn't have to care anymore. I could black out, disappear into my self and leave my problems until the next foggy morning. They wouldn't be gone and the pattern would repeat itself, a daily return to the well of self hatred and ignorance.
  Drinking for the sake of drinking was a way to cope with a life I hadn't planned and didn't think could get better. There wasn't any satisfaction in consuming Brava Light, I drank it with relish because I knew that as each bottle landed back in the box, I was one step closer to escaping to oblivion. Parties were planned because drinking alone made things worse and at least with people around I didn't feel like such a loser. The need for a beer became so overwhelming some days that I would find myself drinking in anger because I hated needing it so much. The ability to consume a dozen plus beers in one sitting each day was a point of sick pride and being able to finish a 24 a high mark in a dreary existence. It never went to hard liquor mostly because it meant more work; mixes, ice and glasses were too fancy for this guy. Just twist off the top and pour it back. I cannot bring back the days lost, the moments of sheer terror when I would realise I was heading into a dark space and couldn't stop myself. I look back to not so many years ago and cannot imagine what was in my head day after day as I plunged the bulk of my energy into snuffing out my life, one gulp after another.
  The rise of craft beer is not only responsible for the change in my beer drinking habits, it is the entire reason I am able to write these words today. What started out as a competition to see who could get the most check-ins on Untappd has led me to rediscover my love of the written word and a life I thought was long gone. The very act of writing has opened up a well of emotions and thoughts I had buried deep within myself and every time I review a beer, make a video or write a longer post here, I am reclaiming my very self. The guy who looked toward the future with such relish at 16, turned bitter, depressed and empty at 40 and now halfway to 50, is finding salvation. The beer isn't the issue, it was a means to an end and now that end has changed.
  I drink now to enjoy what is in my glass. I want to open a few beers not to escape but to belong, to be part of something bigger than myself and contribute to its' larger story. I don't spend a moment of my day wanting a beer to get hammered, but I do think about the story I will tell when I pour it in my glass. I care about every beer I have now because each one is a singular moment that adds joy to my life. I don't want to look at my fridge as a way to lose myself but as the source of inspiration. The narrative has been altered and the time remaining in my life  is made better by the beer not destroyed by it.
  Can I truly say I have left the old ways behind? I would love to say yes but know better. Moments in time come to me and beckon with the siren call of so many empty promises. I only now have come to grips with my own problems and make sure I try to confront issues troubling me rather than hiding behind a veil of bottles emptied in vein. I work hard to ensure I don't drink in anger or sadness but rather with an awareness of my past and my weakness in self control. I try to always approach each beer with a curiosity and open mind so that the review or story that follows helps show people that you can change and my life is proof.
  I will always have to remain aware of what I drink, no doubt there will be mistakes and I will have to own that. But the reason I can look myself in the mirror again and not hate the person looking back is due to a choice I made to say no to pounding macro beer in a race to the bottom. I am very lucky to have been able to discover a way out and while I am still a person who has to drink with purpose to remain in control, being aware of just that gives me hope for my continued rise from the ashes. It's not a perfect story with a happy ending but then again, real life is messy and the mistakes we make help shape the direction we go. I will keep raising my glass and my expectations, One beer at a time.


Cheers!


Polk