The 2017 Polkies - Into The Darkness (Porters and Stouts)

 

We hit the midway point on this year's Awards and it's getting dark and roasty in here. Porters and stouts were my first loves when it comes to craft beer and it is perhaps my hardest choice each year to pick my favourite 5 in each style. This year I have chosen to split stouts into 3 categories because of the sheer number of amazing ones Ontario has produced. I may have to do something similar with porters next year if the style continues to evolve. It is time to go to the Dark Side but fear not, it's where all the good folks are.
  Here we go!


Porters


1. Silky - Fairweather Brewing

 
A brewery in it's first year isn't supposed to be this good. But damn it, Fairweather Brewing is doing amazing things and this smooth, roasty gem of a porter is just the tip of the iceberg. Silky was just that and more! Making multiple appearances in my reviews as I couldn't resist spreading the word about this hometown brewer who was doing what was thought couldn't be done. From the review :
"Pours smooth with a tan head that lingers on the surface and rings the glass. Smelling roasted coffee, dark chocolate. On the sip, it lives up to its name with a smooth roasted malt body, textured and sticky with a delightfully bittersweet dark chocolate, bitter black coffee, a nutty kick  and a lingering darkness that fills your heart with joy. Not a high ABV slow sipper, but it feels like one."
  A tough category that could have a whole lot of top choices, Silky is deserving of the praise it has received.


2. Bourbon Barrel Porter - Shacklands Brewing

  A little late to the party but in just under the wire to take top spot in an increasingly competitive category. From the just over a year old Shacklands Brewing in Toronto comes this Bourbon Barrel Porter which gave both myself and Mrs. Polk pause as we slow sipped it on Christmas day. The balance of boozy bourbon and dark roasted malt flavours was so good. Ageing one, so this may come back for another shot in 2018. From the review :


"Pours deep and black with a tan head that lingers for quite some time. Smelling a nice vanilla oak bourbon and dark chocolate. On the sip, smooth and roasty with a warming alcohol and bourbon backing containing a lovely dark chocolate, vanilla, oak and some lingering bourbon heat."
  Very well done, bringing the porter to another level.


3. MVP - Cowbell Brewing
4. Porter - Clifford Brewing
5. Porter - Muddy York Brewing


Stout


1. Sweet Jesus - Left Field Brewery

  As foretold by the good book of roasted malts comes this year's favourite stout. Sweet Jesus from Left Field Brewery was a revelation when it first poured into my glass in January. Subsequent research provided more proof that this was my favourite stout in 2017. From the review :

"Pours deep black with a tan head that lingers on the surface. Smelling cocoa and coffee. On the sip, creamy and smooth toasted malt body with a big cocoa and black coffee note. The lactose adds to the absolutely delicious texture and I can't get enough of its dark and bittersweet chocolate and coffee flavours. The finish is dry, but sticky and filled with the roasted bean and more cocoa."
  The best part of this one is that when it gets released in 2018 you can order online and make sure not to miss out on this amazing stout.


2. Starry Night - Bobcaygeon Brewing

 A real surprise as the year winds down and that is a good thing. From Bobcaygeon Brewing comes Starry Night and it shook up my stout rankings right at the finish line. From the review :
 "Pouring black with some light bleeding through around the edges, it has a tan head that fades to the sides. Smelling dark chocolate with a hint of coffee. On the sip, smooth and roasty with a beautiful bittersweet dark chocolate front that leads to a nice coffee note and a sticky but sweet chocolate finish. I really like the balance in this between bitter and sweet, it's an excellent addition to my evening."
  It was so smooth and roasty, I can almost taste it now....

3. Friendly Confines - Left Field Brewery/Bellwoods Brewery
4. Stork Derby - Muddy York Brewing
5. Skinny Dippin' Stout - Sawdust City Brewing






Imperial Stouts


1. Long Dark Voyage to Uranus - Sawdust City Brewing

  My favourite Imperial Stout from 2015 makes a triumphant comeback this year and reclaims top spot with its bold and roasty goodness. Long Dark Voyage to Uranus from Sawdust City Brewing makes me smile with it's name and be joyful with it's contents. I had it in early January and still feel its siren call 11 months later. From the review :
"Pours thick and dark with a tan head that lingers on the surface. Smelling chocolate and coffee.  On the sip, smooth and creamy with a whole Lotta chocolate love going on. Coffee, cocoa and a sharp, bitter and very dry backend.  A beer whose name makes me laugh and whose contents make me break out into a smile from ear to ear is something you need in your life. Lingering bittersweet dark chocolate and bitter hops make this an early contender for favourite stout of 2017."
  Oddly prophetic and true. Look for it when it and order online, you will be so very happy!


2. Inkwell Imperial Stout - Muddy York Brewing

 If there is one constant of my countdowns every year, it is the inclusion of great beer from Muddy York Brewing. A late in the year entry, Inkwell Imperial Stout is deserving of its spot in the top of the style for 2017. From the review :
"Pouring thick and dark, it has a tan head that fades to the sides. It smells of dark chocolate and roasty coffee. On the sip, smooth and bold with a full on roasted malt dark chocolate, some light tobacco, coffee, warming but not boozy and a sticky backend that lingers with some heat, coffee and finishes dark chocolate. An absolute gem and as usual, the epitome of the style."
  If you haven't been to Muddy York, that is a deficit you must correct in 2018.


3. Blood of Cthulhu - Sawdust City Brewing
4. Bottle Imp - Beau's All Natural
5. Winter - Highlander Brew Co.


Imperial Barrel Aged Stouts


1. 2016 Double Tempest - Amsterdam Brewery

  When you put a bottle in the cellar, it is with all the hopes and dreams you can muster. When that bottle returns to lay claim to everything you think it should then you know it's a winner. Imperial Bourbon Barrel Aged 2016 Double Tempest from Amsterdam Brewery has done that and more. Patience is rewarded and then some with this amazing roasted beauty. From the review :"Pours slick and black with a tan head that lingers a bit before fading. On the sip, age has leant a balance and smoothness to an already excellent beer. Big roasty dark chocolate, vanilla, oak, bourbon and coffee with a nice warming backend. It finished with a little heat, more big  roasted malt notes of dark chocolate and that amazing boozy vanilla and bourbon flavour. Damn. This one is worthy of waiting over a year for."
  The best things in life are worth waiting for...that's for Dam sure!


2. 2016 Kentucky Bastard - Nickel Brook Brewing

 

  The most simple way to describe Nickel Brook Brewing's 2016 Kentucky Bastard is delectable. Even at this young age early in 2017, it had the chops of one of the best. I have one waiting for early 2018 and I have the feeling we will be discussing this beer again a year from now, one spot higher. From the review

"Pours black as night with a deep tan head that lingers a bit before fading. Smells dark chocolate, fruits, coffee and an oaky vanilla. On the sip, smooth, dark and bold. Dark chocolate, cherry, fig, coffee, plum woody oak and vanilla on the tongue with a big, warming and boozy backend. Lingering bourbon and chocolate, this is a beer that demands, nay deserves your time to truly enjoy."

  Not sure what else to say except it's good to be a Bastard.

3. 2016 Café Del Bastardo - Nickel Brook Brewing

4. Solstice - Great Lakes Brewery

5. Fortissimo - Tooth and Nail Brewing

  This one wasn't easy but together we survived. Look for my Least Favourite beer of 2017 later today and then tomorrow we get
hoppy!

Cheers!

Polk

2017 Polkies - Sours. Saisons/Farmhouse Ales, Belgian Styles and Gose'

 

I guess I should explain why I group these styles together.
  I don't know.
  I just do.
  With that out of the way, today we move on and will be talking about some of my most favourite beers from 2017 in the Sour, Saison/Farmhouse Ale, Belgian Style and Gose categories. There is some blurring of the lines with sours and farmhouse ales in my books but as always, I will fall back on their definition on Untappd to help me decide. As for Belgian styles, I have purposely omitted the originator examples from Belgium as I am only looking at my favourites from the Ontario Craft beer scene today.
  It's a great day for a beer no matter what so let's get going on today's lists!

Sours

1. 2017 11.05 - Nickel Brook Brewing/Sawdust City Brewing

  The annual release of the collaboration beer between birthday twins Ryan Morrow (Nickel Brook) and Sam Corbeil (Sawdust City) is eagerly awaited by beer lovers because they always come up with something new and delicious. This year was no different as this Imperial Fruit Sour with Soursop flew off the shelves and was greeted with great joy. An amazing beer all around and one I wish we could see again. From the review :
"Pouring a cloudy straw gold with a white head that fades quickly, it smells of lemon, sour and a touch of the Funk.  On the sip, smooth citrus body with a juicy orange, apricot, lemon and strawberry front.  It has a nice texture to it, sour and tart but so not showing that ABV. Dry and sour on the finish, lingering tropical and tart. Slow sipper warning because this one has an easy going crushability that could be dangerous."
  This is their birthday present to us and I can't wait to see what next year brings!

2. Yalla Yalla (Mosaic) - Half Hours on Earth

    The good folks at Half Hours on Earth continued their rapid rise to the top of the "most wanted" list in 2017 with amazing sour beers like the Yalla Yalla line. The ones I tried were all amazing and could almost be their own category. Topping my HoHE list is the Mosaic version but from my experience it could have been a half dozen others easily sitting here. From the review :
  "Pours a cloudy gold with a fluffy white head that fades. Smells of tart grapefruit, funky citrus. On the sip, sour and delicious with a big grapefruit, apricot, lemon and a funky tart citrus finish. Easy going and refreshing,  it belies that ABV."
  Worth a drive or order online, this brewery needs to be in your life.

3. Yalla Yalla (Vic Secret) - Half Hours on Earth
4. Passionfruit Sour - Rouge River Brewing
5. Razzy Star - Half Hours on Earth

Saisons/Farmhouse Ales

 1. The Thaw - Block 3 Brewing

  A stop I love to make whenever I can, Block 3 Brewing has consistently been putting out amazing farmhouse ales since the beginning. The Thaw was a big 6.8% but went down so smooth. An amazing beer that had me wishing I had more. From the review :
  "Pours a hazy orange gold with a thick white head that stays with you all the way though. Smells  of funky peach and white wine. On the sip, surprisingly smooth with a loaded funk that has an oak note before the delicious apricot and peach flavours. Hints of orange and lemon but make no mistake, it is the stone fruits that are the tart stars here. Dry on the finish with a lingering funky peach that makes you want another sip...and another...and another. It is super crushable despite the high ABV and it is a beauty right to the last drop."
  The great news is that Block 3 now delivers and you can order online. I know I will be looking for more great beer in 2018 from this St. Jacob's brewery.

2. 2016 Farmageddon - Bellwoods Brewery

  Toronto's Bellwoods Brewery is ranked near or at the top of so many people's favourite Ontario breweries because they just keep releasing amazing stuff without a break. It's not just their much sought after IPAs that caught my taste buds this year, everything they made seemed to become gold. This gift from a friend was a welcome sight as the summer dawned, the slow sipping 6.8%, the 2016 Farmageddon Barrel Aged Wild Farmhouse ale was superb. From the review :
"Pours a hazy gold with a white head that fades quickly to the surface. Smells funky with some fruity notes. On the sip, tart and slightly sour with  light cherry, Farmhouse funk, oaky spice and a dry, grape lemon backend."
  A few other Bellwoods releases will undoubtedly make their way into this year's Polkie Awards, they just keep making stuff that has me driving back to the big city whenever I can.

3. Ezra : Cider Barrel Aged Farmhouse Ale - Great Lakes Brewery
4. 2017 Motley Cru - Bellwoods Brewery
5. In the Beginning - Barncat Artisan Ales

Belgian Styles

Tripel

1. St. Barbara's Tripel - New Limburg Brewing

 
  A fantastic tribute to Belgian beer from the good folks at New Limburg Brewing and their continued pursuit of that perfect pint. Always looking to grow and improve, they work hard to emulate and even someday surpass the originators of this style. St. Barbara's Tripel was a beautiful beer that I wish I had far more of in my fridge. From the review :

 "A 9.0 % slow sipper, it helps to bring focus to the day and engage my senses with its banana, yeasty spiced smell. On the sip, crisp Belgian style beauty with banana, clove, bubblegum, orange and a peppery coriander spiced backend. Warming alcohol on the finish it more spicy banana and orange lingering."
  A trip to this school house brewery should be in your 2018 road trip planner. It is an experience and the beer is worthy of its' heritage.

2. Tomorrow's - Merit Brewing

  The hometown love kicked off back in may as Merit Brewing opened their doors here in Hamilton and came out swinging with the Earl Grey Tripel they called Tomorrow's. It signalled the start of a great year of beer and even more promise for the future. From the review :
"Pours a hazy gold with a white head that lingers with some lacing. Smelling citrusy, orange,  lemon and floral. On the sip, big as it was last night but that ABV is so well balanced that it almost feels #crushable. Orange peel, apricot, lemon zest, floral and funky notes abound. The backend is dry and had more stone fruit and citrus with that Earl Grey making itself known and leaving you a bit of a spicy kick on the finish."

  We hope to see more people coming to Hamilton in 2018 and Merit is an absolute must stop when you come for a visit.

3. 2016 11.05 - Nickel Brook/ Sawdust City Brewing
4. Huronic Tripel - Side Launch Brewing
5. Rube Goldbeer - Henderson Brewing Company

Strong Golden Ales

1. Sour Goldie - Block 3 Brewing

  A gift from brewmaster Kevin from Block 3 Brewing, this 9.0% Barrel Aged Golden Ale called Sour Goldie was among the best beers I have poured into my glass this year. I was blown away and it  still resonates today, 7 months later just as amazing. From the review :
"Pours a hazy and deep orange with a white head that fades but clings to the surface in a wisp. Smells of funky orange citrus and stone fruit notes. On the sip, sweet jebus this is an elixir from the beer gods.  Tart and sour but with a balanced juicy citrus kick. Orange, brett funk, lemon, apricot and peach, in a dry wine like body that is somehow still super juicy.  The finish is dry and sour with lingering orange, lemon and apricot to go with the funky wine.  Seriously, I am stunned a little by what is in my glass right now."
  It behooves me to remind you that Block 3 has online ordering. make that a priority and then enjoy stuff like this whenever you want.


2. Aggressive Jazz Hands - Redline Brewhouse

I am a lucky guy to have friends who help get amazing beer into my hands. From Barrie comes the 8.3% Golden Strong Ale/Double IPA hybrid that was oh so good. Redline Brewhouse's Aggressive Jazz Hands was a beautifully made beer that transcended both styles and balanced so well. From the review :  

"Pours a cloudy, hazy gold with a thick, long lasting and delectable white head that laces the glass like a champ. Smells of tropical citrus, mostly pineapple and Belgian yeast. On the sip, loaded with big flavour right from the front. Citrus notes of orange, grapefruit and pineapple combine with that candied sugar, banana and slightly spiced backend to give you potentially one of my favourite beers this year. Sticky with some warmth on the finish, it lingers with pineapple, pine and a little spice. Beauty."

.   This isn't Redline's last appearance on my lists, they had a very, very good year.

3. Legendary Oddity - Muskoka Brewery 

4. Bonne Faim - Kensington Brewery

5. Tuque De Bruges - Tuque de Broue

Quadrupels 

1. Through the Quad - Block 3 Brewing

  Are you sensing a pattern here? Once again from the genius brewers at Block 3 Brewing comes a Belgian style category winner, this time the defending champion Through the Quad, a 10.0 % beauty slow sipper. It found its way into my glass on many occasions and I know it will again. From the review :
"Pours a deep amber with an off white head that fades. Smells of dark fruits, plums and raisins. On the sip, it has a smooth body with a dark and sweet maltiness containing cherry, plum, molasses, burnt sugar and figs. Warming but not overly boozy on the finish, it is the very embodiment of slow sipping."
  It's like Belgium came to live in St. Jacob's, maybe they have a tiny Monk stashed in the brewhouse...


2. Strongman - Railway City Brewing

  An outstanding Quad that caught me by surprise at a beer festival and then found a home in my cellar for a few months before I gave in to temptation and just had to have it again. Strongman Belgian Quad from Railway City Brewing was a delightful gift and one that gave me great joy. from the review :
"Pours a deep amber with a light tan head that lingers on the surface before disappearing.  Smells of dark fruit, cherries mostly and sweet malt. On the sip, smooth and warming alcohol with a molasses, candied sugar and dark fruits like plum, raisin and cherry in the body. It's a serious slow sipper with loads of flavour. Heavy and bold with a sticky backend that lingers fruity and sweet."
  It may have been my toughest decision, this was a fine damn beer.


3. 30th Anniversary Barrel Aged Belgian Style Quad - Great Lakes Brewery
4. St. Arnoldus Quad - New Limburg Brewing
5. Quads & Rockers - Beau's All Natural Brewing


Gose


1. Duplicitious - Nickel Brook Brewing

 

  Maybe it was the dry hopping with citra or the play of citrus and salt but Duplicitous from Nickel Brook Brewing was an absolute must this summer as the humidity went up and the sunshine kept us in the pool and Grotto for hours on end. From the review :

 "Pours a cloudy straw colour with a fluffy white head that fades but lingers on the surface. Smells of lemon orange and some funk. On the sip, sour citrus notes of lemon, orange and grapefruit with a salty kick and a slight peppery spice on the finish. Sticky on the backend with more citrus and spice lingering. Refreshing and different with a real delightful punch of bright citrus."
  As part of the Summer 4 pack, it completed a quartet of great summer beer. Funk Labs is bringing us some amazing things!


2. Blood Orange Gose w/Lactose & Vanilla - Bellwoods Brewery

  A category I couldn't have imagined a year ago has come to the fore through a lot of excellent releases and this Blood Orange Gose from Bellwoods Brewery is right up there with the best of them. Brewed with lactose and vanilla, it was a gift from some beer pals that was drank while floating around the pool in early July. I can still taste it now...From the review :
  "Pours a cloudy peach colour with a white head that fades quickly. Smelling a vanilla citrus and salt scent. On the sip, smooth texture but tart kick with blood orange, lemon sour, big vanilla and a salted dry citrus backend.  Tart and lingering citrus and vanilla on the finish."
  Easily the beer style that surprised me the most this year and this one was so unique that I cannot forget it.


3. Between Us - Merit Brewing
4. Gose - Collective Arts Brewing
5. Ceres Cucumber Lime Gose - Nickel Brook Brewing


  There you have it folks, another 6 categories that contain some of my very favourite beers from 2017. Come back tomorrow for the Darkness of Stouts and Porters.


Cheers!


Polk

The 2017 Polkies - The Grab Bag

 

 In a year dominated by hazy juice bombs and big barrel aged roasty beauties, there were some other styles that caught my eye and warrant a little "Hazzah!!" for their contribution to the world of craft beer in 2017. As I combed through my reviews (over 1000 this year), I found some hidden gems in oft forgotten styles that some brewers made a real impact on my beer life in 2017. I'll be sharing my reviews from the times I actually was drinking them for the first 2 of every category to keep this manageable. Many are available year round but some you will have to keep your eye out for as 2018 dawns and the yearly releases kick off. Let's get this party started!


Barley or Wheat Wines

1. 2012 Beard of Zeus - Great Lakes Brewery

 

  Enjoyed while participating in a beer writers brew day at Great Lakes Brewery in early February, this cellar gem was shared among some of my most favourite people in Craft beer. it was a slow sipper that capped an amazing day. Beer and a great time makes for a memorable experience and this remains in my mind long after that day ended. From the review :

 "Pours smooth with an off white head, and smelling of dark fruits and sweet malts.  On the sip, plums, raisins, toasted malt body with a sweet but boozy backend. Creamy feel with a load of dark fruits and smooth toffee malt notes."

  A day I will never forget and a beer that lives in my memory forever.


2. Cat Reactivator - Barncat Artisan Ales

  A beer saint gift from my pal Adam, also known as The Brew Head, this 10.9 % slow sipping Coffee Barley Wine from Barncat Artisan Ales still resonates even though it appeared in my glass late in February. I'll turn it over to Polk on that night to let you know what I was tasting...

  "Pours a deep amber colour with a light tan head that sticks around for a while before heading to the sides of the glass. Smells of coffee and toasted caramel malts. On the sip, smooth body with a sweet caramel, toffee, raisin, plum and brown sugar combining with the coffee kick to make a deliciously dangerous slow sipper. A sticky, coffee and caramel backend with a finish that lingers warmly and softly."

  There are a couple more Barncat beers in this countdown and if I could get there more often, I have little doubt that they would take many, many more spots. Thanks to Adam for this one, it was sublime.

3. Where The Buffalo Roam - Cameron's Brewing
4. Two Tonnes of Fun - Beau's All Natural/Gigantico Brewing
5. World Weary - Block 3


Brown Ales


1. (Extra) Terrestrial Imperial India Brown Ale

 
  A hybrid brown ale that took the style to another level late in 2017, Wellington Brewery's (Extra) Terrestrial India Brown Ale brings a verve and boom to this often overlooked ale. A big beer in a big bottle, I bought a few more and enjoyed them immensely. from the review :
 "Pouring dark and black with a thick tan head that lingers for some time, it has a big pine scent with roasted notes of dark chocolate and coffee all around. On the sip, it continues in this vein with a resinous pine and citrus grapefruit front and a bitter coffee and dark chocolate backend. It's got some booziness with a nice sticky hopped up backend. It lingers sharp with more resinous pine and darkness."
  Not your usual Brown ale and that is a good thing!



2. Brown - Anderson Craft Ales

  The reigning champion drops one spot this year, but loses none of what makes it the best straight up Brown Ale in the province. An underrated style that should get more attention, Anderson Craft Ales continues to bring their best to your glass every time. From the review :
  "It pours a lovely copper colour with an off white head that lingers a while. Smelling toasty chocolate and a nutty aroma that captured my heart so long ago. On the sip, crisp toasted malt with milk chocolate, a biscuity nut flavour and a slight bitterness on the finish."
  As always, spending time with the Anderson clan is another bonus to their great beer, good folks indeed, 


3. Nut Brown Ale - Black Oak Brewing
4. Eeephus - Left Field Brewing
5. DeForest Kelly - Forked River Brewing

Dark Lagers/Dunkels


1. Svenchenko 9 - 4 Father's Brewing

  A surprise this fall when I found it at a local LCBO, 4 Father's Brewing Svenchenko 9 cruised into the top spot of this dark beer style. From the review :


  "Pours a deep mahogany with a thick light tan head that is worthy of its own review. Thick and long lasting, it lingers forever with a solid lacing. Smells of roasty goodness with a cocoa and nutty note. On the sip, a delightfully bold and slightly bitter roasted malt body with dark chocolate,  lightly bitter coffee and a clean nuttiness before the dry and dark malty finish."
  I loved it so much, I went back and bought a few more. One to keep your eye out for, it was excellent and should be in your fridge.


2. Dunkel - Beau's All Natural Brewing

  

  Part of what makes Beau's All Natural such a favourite around here is their always changing lineup at the LCBO. A beauty Dunkel that is available now and should find it's way into your glass. From the review : 

"It pours a deep mahogany with a thick, lacing and long lasting light tan head. Smells of dark malt and fruit. On the sip, smooth and bready toasted malt body with fig, raisin, coffee cherry, caramel and a slightly warming bitter finish. Sticky and spicy with more dark fruits lingering."

  Once again Beau's gives us insight into a style of beer many people haven't experienced before. Lovely.

3. The Black Lager - Silversmith Brewing
4. Different Days - Merit Brewing
5. Prost - Muddy York Brewing


Hefewiezens

1. Wag the Wolf - Beau's All Natural Brewing

  A beer that grew in my eyes as my palate changed and matured in 2017. Beau's All Natural Wag the Wolf brings the wheat goodness together with a bright citrus grapefruit. Just delightful and no hint of that 6.8 % ABV. From the review :
 "Pouring a hazy golden orange with a thick and lacing white head, it smells of grapefruit and orange. On the sip, smooth toasted malt body with a thick wheat feel, loads of citrusy, juicy orange and grapefruit with a peppery coriander backend. Lingering dry and lightly bitter with more citrus, it's so damn good, it went down like a summer crusher."
  A definite winner and one I can't wait to see again.


2. Haberdasher Hefeweizen - Muddy York Brewing

   Once again Muddy York Brewing hits a style smack on the nose and that's a beautiful thing. From the summer comes Haberdasher Hefeweizen, a fantastic pool beer that had me easing into relaxation. From the review :
  "Pours a cloudy orange with a white head that lingers on the surface. Smelling banana,  orange and some spice. On the sip, crisp and refreshing with orange, lemon zest, clove and more banana. The finish is dry and spicy with more of the same fruity kick."
  Even Mrs. Polk got on board with this one, a hefe for the people!


3. Summerweiss - Muskoka Brewery
4. Wheat - Side Launch Brewing
5. Field Dreams - Fairweather Brewing


Wet Hopped Ales


1. V Bines Wet Hopped IPA - 5 Paddles Brewing

A gift from a friend and what a gift it was. 5 Paddles Brewing V Bines took The Crease by storm with it's juicy hop notes. This Whitby brewer had a lot of great stuff in 2017, but this was one of their best. Showcasing fresh hops done exquisitely. From the review :

  "It pours a clear copper colour with a thick white head that lingers a long time and leaves behind a solid lacing.  Smells of orange, grapefruit and pine.  On the sip, big old hop bomb with loads of orange, grapefruit and resinous pine. Some vegetal hops in there to with a balanced toasted malt body barely containing the awesome that is this beer. Perhaps the best Wet Hopped IPA I've ever had, simply outstanding. Dry and bitter on the finish with a lingering resinous pine and grapefruit." 
  I can't think of a better way to experience the impact fresh hops can have on a beer. A category sure to grow in the fall of 2018.


2. Chinook Wet Hop - Sawdust City Brewing

A surprise to be sure, this Chinook Wet Hop Pale ale was a great addition to my evening. Bold and a little dank, Sawdust City Brewing had a great year and this was one of their most underrated beers. From the review :
  "Pours a cloudy gold with a white head that fades to the surface but lingers. Smells of peach and orange. On the sip, a surprisingly hit of dank,  herbal notes with orange, grapefruit and lemon rounding out the front. It has a lingering dankness on the finish with more orange and grapefruit lingering,  dry and bitter. One of the best wet hop pale ales I've tried this year, bolder and more aromatic than most."
  Not the last time you will see this Gravenhurst, Ontario brewer in this year's Polkies.


3. Whitney's Vintage Wet Hopped Ale - Collingwood Brewery
4. Wet Hop - Collective Arts Brewing
5. Wet Hop - Nickel Brook Brewing




And now for the categories where I had less than 5 outstanding entries (rated 4 or better)


Alt Bier - 3 Knocks - Beau's All Natural Brewing
English Pale Ale - Retronym - Great Lakes Brewery
Extra Special Bitter - Bob's Best Bitter - Grain & Grit Brewing
India Pale Lager - 12 Mile - Cameron's Brewing
Lager - Gaslight Helles - Muddy York Brewing
Lagered Ale - Lug Tread - Beau's All Natural Brewing
Pilsner - Unfiltered Pilsner - Rainhard Brewing
Red Ale - Remembrance Red Ale - Royal City Brewing
Winter Ale - Winter Ale - Great Lakes Brewing




  Day one and we have first 14 winners of this year's Polkie Awards. It was a an excellent year and tomorrow sees even more great beer and memories coming back. See you then!


Cheers!


Polk

The 2017 Polkies - A preview

  As 2017 draws to a close it is time once again for my most favourite/dreaded time of the year. The Polkie Awards started in 2015 and are meant to celebrate the great beers I experienced in the previous 12 months. The first year saw me name 1 favourite beer a day for 10 days, while last year was a plethora of posts separated by style with a culmination on New Year's Eve of My 10 most memorable beers from 2016. As with everything I do, I am always looking for a way to change it up and keep it interesting for myself and by extension, hopefully you.
  This year I have decided to keep the categories but slimming down from the barrage of last year with a little combining and trimming. Using my ratings on Instagram and how I wrote about each beer combined with my (often hazy) memory of the experience of said brews I have compiled various Top 10's in the following posts, with their publishing dates :


Dec 27th : The Best of the Rest (A Grab Bag of styles)
Dec 28th : Sour, Farmhouse Ales/Saisons and Belgian Styles
Dec 29th : Porters, Stouts, Imperial and Barrel Aged Stouts
Dec 29th: My Least Favourite Beer of 2017
Dec 30th : Pale Ales, IPAs and DIPAs
Dec 31st : The Ten


  I've left a few styles that got their own posts last year to the opening Grab Bag post simply because I either didn't try enough of the style to warrant an entire column or I didn't find a lot standout versions to be able to write about. It was a very interesting year that was heavily dominated by Milkshake and North East IPAs (both of which may need their own category next year) with barrel aged stouts and porters coming hard and sours and Farmhouse Ales growing in my estimation.
  Over 1000 reviews gave me pause to consider what I had tasted, experienced and wrote in 2017. I looked back and hope to see a year filled with growth, experiences and new friends and found myself getting nostalgic for some of the great times and beer from the last 365.
  I hope you've had a great year of beer and look forward to a 2018 that is even better. Things are looking up for Craft beer despite some naysayers out there and I have little doubt that we will be back here next year talking about all the great things we did and drank.
  It's going to be a busy week and I am sure some folks will take umbrage with my picks but such is the life of a fat guy who drinks beer and tells people about it. Every post was put together to reflect how I felt about that particular style and the beers I found included in it. My favourites may not be yours but at least we can agree that there has never been a better time to be a beer drinker and that is the best news of all.


  Let The 2017 Polkies begin!


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


  Cheers!


  Polk

Yes, I am.

   Let's talk a bit today about something I hear a lot of as I wander through life, one beer at a time.
  Am I an alcoholic?
  The short answer is yes, I am most definitely a booze hound, albeit a very functional one who works 50 plus hours a week and knows when and where it is appropriate to drink up. But nonetheless the truth is what it is.

  The long answer is also yes, but much more complicated and involves going back and then forward in my life. My first exposure to alcohol was like most kids with sneaking sips of my dad's beer and finding it skunky, bitter and gross. Mind you, it was probably Labatt's 50 or Molson Canadian and I was a kid who lived for Coca-Cola in my glass, so it was a very typical reaction. Moving to my later teenage years, it became about the most bang for your buck and for me that was hard liquor, the stronger and cheaper, the better. When splurging I would go for Jack Daniels, but to be honest, we would drink anything we could get someone older than us to buy and that meant discount beers, wine or even Baby Duck "champagne". Seriously, we didn't care as long as it got us destroyed and made the party's better.  Well, drunk better, which often involved puking in the sink on a load of clean dishes (Sorry about that) or wandering off into the night at full tilt to drink in the wild like a bunch of hobos if no ones parents were going away for the weekend. It wasn't something we did all the time, mostly because of access and lack of money, but we looked forward to pounding alcohol any time we could in order to look cool or grown up. If 17 year old me could see my beer fridge or liquor cabinet in the house I own now, he'd be pretty damn proud of what we have. He was also sometimes a self centred arsehole who did whatever he wanted most of the time too, so take that with a grain of salt.

I still have no idea what the hell I was doing in this photo

  Experimenting with drugs was never really a big thing for me, I tried a bunch, did not like them and couldn't afford or be bothered to seek them out most of the time. So it was with the Beer Store and occasionally the Liquor store that I found my joy. Even as my paycheques went up, my ability to drink better booze didn't. Buck a beer came to Ontario and that was good enough for me as I hit my prime drinking years. The occasional case of MGD or Stella to feel fancy as the years went on I just kept buying the cheapest beer I could find until I hit the very bottom with a multiple year run of Brava Light. It was the most flavourless beer I have ever had but I could chug 6 of them very quickly and it did the job. It was never about anything but getting hammered, so it did what it was supposed to do.

Fancy beer at Christmas 2014

  As I grew older and acquired the trappings of adult life, the car, house, marriage and the like, beer was always there. Mixed drinks because we wanted to try something new, Polar Bears a particular favourite as the crème de Menthe and crème de Cocoa gave you a peppermint patty kind of taste and the booze got you drunk. Parties almost every weekend, big ones, small ones, celebrations, commiserations, birthdays, pre birthdays and Drunksgiving or any other reason I could invent to get other people to drink with me so I wouldn't feel alone in my stupor. We would pack the yard and house with people and let the libations flow. Good times and bad were had but in the end it always came down to that next beer and the blackout that followed.

Look at all the class in this sink

  This pattern existed for a long time, almost 2 decades before everything changed and I've already documented (many times) how craft beer and social media have altered the course of my life and given me a way to be creative again with writing, videos and photos. But in the truth of my growing and letting go of the ways of my 24 crushing younger self is the fact that I still like to drink a few pints every day. It has become increasingly rare for me to over indulge and I don't like when it happens, so I work hard to keep it in control. But still, I love that first sip, the changing styles I can have and the fun in talking and sharing beer with the world. The parties are done because I can't go back to who I was and people often don't understand the change but mostly because those situations always seem to drive me back to a place where I can't stop. It's a lot quieter but the beer is better and I can wear my sweats.

A much better beer fridge in 2016

  I imagine I got off topic as we went along today but it is the destination I am after and I usually take the long way round. Drinking every day, even a pint or two, shouldn't count as being an alcoholic and I am sure my friends who drink a glass of wine 5 or 6 times a week understand that. The changing nature of what beer is as craft gains market share will hopefully help to switch the perception from party to enjoying and if we treat it as such, that will help matters greatly. But it isn't that I have a pint every day that makes me an alcoholic, it is the fact that I want to have more, a lot more, every time and it is only because I make the conscious decision to not have more that I don't go backwards again. I acknowledge that I have an issue and I actively work to keep myself in check. It is easier now that I don't go out much, crowds make me nervous and I turn to multiple pints to calm my anxiety and I hope as I keep learning about myself I can even get that problem under control.

 I live my life in a quieter way now and try to be a kind person to all I meet. I do indeed enjoy a few pints every night and that one thing brings me joy no matter the day that proceeded it. Excessive drinking is all but a memory and I hope to keep it that way, but I must remain aware at all times what I am drinking and why. I don't drink because I am angry or pissed off with someone or something, that negates the enjoyment and takes me where I don't want to go. So I will admit to my alcoholism and remain comfortable with who I am, life is too short to worry what other people think anyway.
 I need a beer...

Cheers.


Polk

On Christmas

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


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


Cheers.


Polk


 

The 12 Beers of Craftmas

 

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


Cheers and Merry Craftmas!


Polk