My least favourite Beer of 2016

I don't want to do this post ever again.  I hope my last favourite beer in 2017 is at least decent enough that I can discontinue this category . But for now, Molson Coors tries to ruin IPAS with this abomination of a "beer"...From late January and my shame is still present...It's a Polkaroo set against himself on a Chilly winter night...

Okay. I get it. Put down your pitchforks. It's for science that I do this and also so you don't have to. May the Beer gods forgive me. I got a gift card to the Beer Store for Christmas and when I saw this I just had to know.  Molson Canadian 67 "Session IPA". Seriously, this is a real thing. Stop it,  I am not screwing with you.  It wasn't my cash, so I figured what the hell. Pours a clear amber with a thin head.  Lots of active carbonation.
(Don't make me drink it, I'll be good)
Small, thin white head that rims the glass.
(I will do all the chores, just make it stop)
It smelled a little hoppy when I popped the top, but as I poured it, I found that mutated into a peach like scent. (Come on man, I am a human being)
On the sip,  it's not a beer.
(Now we are in hell)
I mean it has the characteristics of a beer, but come on. It is like drinking an IPA through a cheesecloth.  Muted citrus notes do some sort of weird dance on my tongue and leave an odd kind  of peachy coating there. It is an odd flavour that doesn't match anything I've had before. Not much of an aftertaste , or any taste for that matter.  Finishing this is just punishment at this point. It became more syrupy as it warmed up. (I hate you sometimes)
I asked Mrs. Polkaroo to try it, she is not an IPA fan, but she takes a sip of most of my beers so she knows what one tastes like and she was very adamant that this tasted like peaches. I don't want to be a beer snob, but this 3 % ABV marketing gimmick is just wrong. It's just so bland and inoffensive that the people who drink it will be even more turned off by a true IPA than ever before.  I get that this is a low calorie beer (90), but the cutting out the citrusy grapefruit, mango and pineapple juices makes this a barely there brew. I am sorry I subjected you eyes to this. I am frantically looking in the fridge for something to redeem myself. Mea Culpa. Pray and hope for better things. .25/5 ... Thst was a quarter of one star...Ladies and Gentleman,  the worst beer of 2016. Cheers?

2016 Polkie Awards - Lagers

When contemplating my favourite beers from the last year, I must admit there are times when it seems to be all Porters, stouts and IPAs. But there is always a place in my heart and fridge for the well made and humble, yet often daring styles that can come from the simple lager. A straight up beer is not something I indulge in often, but with the variety and quality that I have found, it makes it fun to be able to share my favourite 3 picks for the 2016 Polkies in a few categories.
 Lagers make their appearance today, Ales have been pushed to tomorrow, there were just too many for one day. I know, what a wonderful world I live in when my problems are that I had too many great beers this year. See you back here tomorrow for the top fermenting lovelies.

Lagers

This bottom fermenting style of beer is the most popular on the planet. Long the only kind of beer I drank, I didn't know they could be made so flavourful and with such impact on the senses.

1. Muddy York Brewing Gaslight Helles

My visits to Muddy York are truly some of my favourite moments from the last year and now that Mrs. Polk loves their beer, its even better. This 5.2 % Lager brought me joy when I had it in early April with its caramel, cereal and malt sweetness followed by a light bitterness. Eminently crushable yet a delightful sipper too. It has become a must buy whenever we go to the brewery and one you should get into your glass.

2. Muskoka Brewery Craft Lager - A lovely crisp and clean lager that often is found in their various Survival Packs as well as in singles. Hints of lemon, grassy notes and sweet malt with a slight bitter on the finish.

3. Hockley Valley Brewing Classic Lager - A new label this year for the Classic lager but the same clean grain, sweet corn, grassy and lingering bitterness means it's one to enjoy with anyone.

4. Cameron's Brewing Captain's Log Lager

5. Old Flame Brewing Vienna Lager

6. Sawdust City Brewing Little Norway

7. Amsterdam Brewing 3 Speed

8. Elora Brewing 3 Fields

9. Nickel Brook Brewing Lux Lager

10. Beau's All Natural Brewing Vienna Lager

Dark Lagers/Swarzbier

For most of us, these two styles are one in the same. Dark roasty malts in a lager that are less aggressive than a porter or stout, which are ales. More carbonated generally and a bigger feel than a standard lager.

1. Silversmith Brewing The Black Lager

One of the first stops I made early in January, Silversmith Brewing in Virgil blew me away with this dark, roasty lager. Dark chocolate, coffee and a hint of dark fruit make this a contender to be in the top ten of the year. A repeat visit to this beautiful brewery to get more is a must.

2. Rainhard Brewing Dancing with the Devil - Big in the ABV at 8 %, this Swarzbier brought real balanced dark chocolate, coffee and a crisp hopped up finish to my life in March. Smooth and balanced, not a hint of that booziness in this one.

My first experience with Rainhard and I was an immediate fan.

3. Spindrift Brewing Abyss (Nova Scotia) - A gift from the east, this 4.2 % crushable beer drank bigger than it's ABV. Dark chocolate, nutty, coffee and a hoppy presence on the backend. It's only shortcoming is distance...Something I will fix when we hit the coast this summer.

4. Beau's All Natural Brewing Dark Helmut

5. Hop City Brewing 8th Sin

6. Cameron's Brewing Black Forest

7. Side Launch Brewing Dark

8. Grand River Brewing Enigma

9. Waterloo Brewing Dark

10. Brooklyn Brewing Insulated (USA)

Bocks/Doppelbocks

Traditional brewed in winter for consumption in spring, these strong, usually dark beers are a favorite of mine for their slow sipping smoothness.

1.  Silversmith Brewing Chubocka

It was by luck and happenstance that I stumbled upon the last bottle of this rich, bready caramel and toffee beauty. I had stopped in for more of The Black Lager and couldn't resist a new beer. Creamy, smooth and a toasted malt dream. Big at 6.3 % but not boozy at all. Hope to see it again someday, I'd buy many, many more.

2. Cameron's Brewing Deviator Doppelbock 2012 Single Bourbon Barrel - Released late in the year, this classic Doppelbock was taken to new heights when aged for 4 years in a bourbon barrel. Dark and rich, with plum, raisin, molasses and an oaky bourbon note to bring it all together.

3. Northwinds Brewery Nighthawk Bock - From cottage country and a wonderful brew house that makes outstanding food, a 6.5 % Bock to warm the insides. Chocolate, plums, nuts and a lingering cocoa and coffee with a warming backend.

4. Ayinger Celebrator (German)

5. Lake of Bays Midnight Bock

6. Schloss Eggenberg Samichlaus Classic (Austria)
7. Cameron's Brewing Deviator Doppelbock Oak Aged
8. Tree Brewing Captivator

India Pale Lagers

A relatively new style to me this year, the IPL is a hopped up lager that brings the best of both worlds to my glass.

1. Redline Brewhouse Kollision Hoppy Lager

A trip north resulted in meeting new friends and sharing beers. This is a very crushable 5.3 %, 35 IBU hazy grapefruit, pineapple and pine kicker of a beer. Toasted malt body for a balanced and juicy beer. Glad to have more of this in the fridge right now.

2. Cameron's Brewing 12 Mile IPL

Available in the Summer Brewmaster's Selection Pack, this 5.2 % crusher was a mainstay in the fridge for me. Balanced malt body with lemon, grapefruit and a dry but clean bitter finish. Every fans dream is to see this as a single next summer.

3. Amsterdam Brewing Pale Rider IPL - Another mix pack available beer that has Hop heads clamouring for a single release, this fall release was a very refreshing, 4.2 % crushable treat with orange, grapefruit and a toasty body that smooths out that bitterness just right.

4. Spindrift Brewing IPL (Nova Scotia)

5. Yuengling Brewery IPL (USA)

Whatever your drinking today, I hope you are enjoying it with your friends and family. May your Christmas be merry and the memories you make all joyous.

Happiness is found when we share our love and beer with those around us.

Raise your glass and your standards,

One beer at a time!

Cheers!

2016 Polkies - Sours, Farmhouse Ales and Saisons

It's that time again and we kick of the 2016 Polkie awards with the Sours, Farmhouse Ales and Saisons that caught my attention this last year. My favourite part of doing this has been reminiscing not only about the great beer, but the fun adventures we have had in 2016. With so many beers, I had a tough time picking a favourite, I do tend to love the beer I'm drinking right now the most. I hope you had the chance to try some of these and look for many of them to return in 2017. The countdown to my most favourite 10 beers of 2016 begins today and I am so happy to share it with you.
I put these beers into the categories they best fit in for my palate and tried to match the style descriptions from the breweries. But all is well because amazing beer is a thing unto itself.
Raise your glass to the Drunk Polkaroo's favourite Saisons, Sours and Farmhouse Ales.

1. Bellwoods Brewery Jelly King and variants 

 Bellwoods Brewery pounds the competition with Jelly King, Their unique take on the sour beer had me running to Toronto every time the original or a variant was released. For me, the Apricot was the winner of a Polkie for sheer deliciousness. With a new location up and running and another on the way, Bellwoods is poised to bring some real big things to bear in 2017.

2. Indie Ale House Dead Spadina Monkey - Indie Ale House has captured the essence of genius in a bottle and despite a hefty price tag, this big sour beer is worth every penny. Little comes out of this Toronto brewery without some praise and I will attest to the food matching the beer for its amazing composition.

3. La Barberie Apricot Sour - Maybe it was being in the middle of Quebec City sitting on a patio surrounded by people and enjoying an afternoon with nothing to do but drink craft beer, but this sour from Quebec institution La Barberie still lingers in my mind. I had it in my flight an immediately ordered a pint. Tart and delicious, I wish I could go back and drink it all over again.

4. Half Hours on Earth totally - They

may be tiny but Seaforth's own Half Hours on Earth took the Ontario Craft Beer world by storm. Their unique take on sours drove many craft beer nerd into a frenzy but that was alleviated by their very accessible and simple to use website for online ordering. Outstanding beers and a definite must see if you are headed to western Ontario.

5. Bellwoods Brewery Grandma's Boy - Tart and funky, this one took me away from the everyday in early June. It was one of the first wild Ales that made me stop and think about what I was drinking.

6. Block 3 Brewing Fickle Mistress (Raspberry/Ginger)
7. Nickel Brook Raspberry Uber
8. Royal City Brewing Berliner Weisse
9. Half Hours on Earth yalla yalla (citra)
10. Lagunitas Brewing Aunt Sally

Farmhouse Ales

1. Folly Brewpub - Invented Tradition

 Bottle #31 of only 200. This barrel aged beer showcases why I loved Folly so much this year. Their funky brett beers made the Beer Illuminati take notice and it wasn't a coincidence that the first Beer Saints (more on that in 2017) meeting took place in their brewpub.

2. Nickel Brook Brett Farmhouse Ale - The transformation of Nickel Brooks Burlington location into Funk Labs is a very significant development that may have been underplayed in 2016. This brett farmhouse ale was amazing. Hope to see it again in next year.

3. Niagara Oast House Brewers Sweet n Sow'r - A biere de mars that stopped me in my tracks. Tart and funky, I am never disappointed by this Niagara brewer. If you can sit on their patio next summer, you will understand true happiness.

4. Rainhard Brewing Mass Hysteria - A collab with Folly Brewpub, this was a funky lemon and orange peel Gem. While Rainhard is better known for their IPAs (trust me you'll see them on another few lists this week), this is a beauty.

5. Beau's All Natural Brewing 5000 - Another hit from one of Ontario's most successful and yet still experimental breweries. Tart and funky with brett, I could have aged it to see what happened, but when you only have 1, you drink it up. Amazing.


6. Block 3 Brewing The Legend
7. Folly Brewpub Rhizome VIII - Palisade & Comet
8. The Commons Brewery Fleur de Blanc
9. Folly Brewpub Saudade
10. Bellwoods Brewery Farmhouse Classic

Saisons
Long passed over by me as too weird, the Saison now occupies a special place in my heart as one of my favourite styles. Banana, clove and peppery coriander were never in my wheelhouse back in the Macro days. Now I can't get enough.

1. Nickel Brook/Sawdust City Brewing 11.05

A collaboration beer between Burlington's Nickel Brook Brewing and Gravenhust's Sawdust City Brewing, 11.05 is brewed at alternate breweries each year to commemorate the birthdays of the respective brewmasters. First tried at the Polkapacolypse in a growler, this 11 % Imperial Saison kept coming back into my fridge all year. Big and bold but it hides that ABV behind the candied fruit, apricot, lemon zest and orange deliciousness. Lucky enough to find a few cans last month and they were still so amazing.


2. Folly Brewpub Praxis New World Saison - As summer began it's hot and humid descent, I found Praxis. With stone fruit, orange peel and a light peppery backend, this one was smooth and refreshing.


3. Left Field Brewing Anniversary # 3 - One of the first saisons to catch my eye with its popping lemon zest and funky kick. A taste of summer in the late spring. Can't wait to visit these guys again.


4. Block 3 Brewing Stratus Fear - Tart and funky with the brett, this 6.3 % barrel aged saison was a hit near Thanksgiving. Balanced with lemon zest, orange peel and a subtle peppery coriander kick.


5. Folly Brewpub Flemish Cap - A low 4.5 % ABV captured my eye but the flavourful lemon zest, orange and a dry apple note captured my heart. Smooth and refreshing with that peppery kick, it was a crusher that slow sipped a beautiful sunny day away.


6. Amsterdam Brewing Bord du Lac
7. Halo Brewing Tokyo Rose
8. Sawdust City Brewing There's No Way of Knowing
9. Brooklyn Brewery Sorachi Ace
10. Nickel Brook Brewing Le Paysan Saison




I'll be back in this space on Christmas Day with my favourite Lagers and Ales from the past year.


Merry Christmas from the Drunk Polkaroo, Mrs. Polkaroo and Jinx too!

2016 Polkies - A preview of My Favourite Beers this year

Last year I had only begun my craft beer journey and was able to name my favourite 10 beers with little difficulty. I had tried perhaps 400 different beers in 2015 and to be honest it was only the last 3 or 4 months where I was starting to make a conscious effort to really try and experience everything that was happening in my glass.
That is not this year...this year is when everything has changed and with it, so go the Polkies, the 2nd Annual celebration of my favourite beers.

To commemorate what has been an absolute gem of a year in my life, I want to try to and give you, my friends in beer, a glimpse into what made it so damn special. My criteria is simple, the beers I pick are ones I would buy again, want to share with friends or those that have made the biggest impression on my beer life in 2016. There could be 10 beers on each list or less, depending on how each category plays out.
I hope many will be ones you can find over the next year to try for yourself and I will be looking for them myself to see how much I've changed since all of this started.
 Starting on Festivus, December 23rd, I will release a post every other day with two different styles. I put them together for convenience and will list my faves in each separately. It will culminate in My favourite 10 beers of 2016 on New Year's Eve.
I had so much fun this year and while I look forward to an even better 2017, this look back most certainly brings a smile to my face. The "research" was just this side of heaven and I can't wait to share the results with you.


Cheers!
Raise your Glass and your standards
One Beer at a time.
 

Sunday December 23rd - Sours & Saisons

Tuesday December 25th - Lagers & Ales

Thursday December 27th - Porters & Stouts

Friday December 29th - IPAs & Pale Ales

Saturday December 31st - The Polkies - Favourite Ten of 2016

Bonus Post - Worst Beer of the Year -December 25th


2015 Polkie Favourite 10

2015 Polk's Fave

1. Lake of Bays Old North Mocha Porter
2. Great Lakes Brewing Pompous Ass
3. Sawdust City Brewing Long Dark Voyage to Uranus
4. Forked River Brewing Riptide Rye Pale Ale
5. Sierra Nevada Torpedo Extra IPA
6. Flying Monkey's Coast to Coastless Imperial ESB
7. Beau's All Natural Brewing Farm Table Marzen
8. Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
9. Nickel Brook Brewing Kentucky Bastard
10. Grand River Brewing Curmudgeon

The Goalie Years - My 5 years in Net

1985 was a good year.

I was, many many years ago, a hockey player. A goalie to be precise and while I only played for 5 seasons, I look back with great nostalgia on those days. I can remember strapping the pads on for the first time at age 12, nervous and scared, I could barely skate. Growing up as a bookworm who caught the hockey bug late will do that and wobbling out onto the ice, I probably spent more time on my ass than on my feet. But I was in love from the first scent of those musty, heavy leather pads and I persisted, getting back up every time. The first moment I took my place in the rectangle to guard the net is fresh in my mind and the whack of the puck as I made my first glove save brings a smile to my face even now.

That 1985/86 hockey season was eye opening for our whole family. We had been part of a 10 pin bowling league but were not prepared for the close knit and sometimes political minor hockey world. But for that first year, it was pure joy. Early morning Saturday games, snacks at the concession stand and a big lunch afterwards of fresh crusty buns and deli meat are the things I wish to recreate when I close my eyes and reminisce. Tournaments meant a weekend spent at the arena with the real treat for us kids, lunch or dinner at a McDonalds's, something that was very rare for our family back in those days. Car rides to the arena and spending time together when we didn't realise we'd eventually grow up and long for those easy days again are but two of the things I wish I could have realised. I know we lost more games than we won that first year, but I was dutiful in trying to get better. I turned to books for help and had a battered copy of legendary NHL goalie Jacques Plante's book that was my everything. His passion for the position was matched by my own and I will always be a fan for his knowledge and wish to spread it to anyone who wanted to improve.

My first team picture

I had been dropped down to a younger division in my first season because of my obvious lack of skill and figured to play the next year with my friends of the same age, but that was not to be. For whatever reason, a lack of goalies, my own bravado and confidence, I skipped right past the PeeWee (12/13) league and into the much tougher Bantam (14/15) division. Looking back, I think I must have been crazy, but it proved to be the greatest season of my very short career. 

Winning with these guys meant everything to 14 year old me.

It was on this team I encountered the man who would influence my later decision to coach and become a leader instead of sitting back. Sid Nelson was a brash, loud guy who was first and foremost a motivator of young men. He taught me about the psychology of the game, instilling a passion that forever remains with me. He believed in me, even when there were times I struggled to keep up with my older teammates or the stronger shots from the other team. One player in particular, Donny Sawchuk, took me under his wing and despite being a quiet young man, was fierce in his defense of his teammates and played with such vigor, I always tried to match him. When we won the two-game, total goal Championship 9-7, I remember being mobbed by my teammates and that feeling of being the best at something, even a house league champion, is with me, warm and happy, to this day.
Our sponsor was a father of one of the other players and when we went to their place for the end of the year party, he presented us with real Championship rings. I wore that proudly for many years and to my regret lost it during those tumultuous teenage misadventures I have spoken of before. I wish I could find it, it meant so much to me. But the memories persist so clear, that I will be happy with just them.
The next few years found me realising just how little skill I had. My heart was big, but my ability could not match it. Mom and Dad even sprung for the not inconsiderable cost of hockey schools, but it was pretty apparent that I was becoming more of a teacher than a player.

The Last season, Repping Hometown hockey

Two seasons removed from that glorious run to gold, I was part of the local Rep team, mainly because there were only two of us the proper age to be on the team and it was an eye opening experience to say the least. Representing Stoney Creek in a AA loop of southern Ontario communities was a moment of pride but also when I finally started to turn my eyes towards being behind the bench instead of the ice. At this level, I didn't play much, and my lack of talent made me wonder what I was doing wrong. My goaltending partner that season, John, was outstanding in net and off the ice. He gave me tips and tried to help keep my spirits up as the goals against mounted and my playing time decreased. Particularly memorable was our playing a team from Sweden, a tie game in which John stopped almost 50 shots and I came to the very real vision, sitting on the bench,  that I was not going to play hockey very much longer.
I finished the season out and even went to tryouts the next year, but the writing was on the wall. I had been pulled aside by those running the team to talk about my future. It was put to me that while I would be on the team because there were only two of us the right age again, if I would accept being cut, a younger but infinitely more talented goalie could be brought on board. I had already begun coaching and knew in my head they were right, I didn't belong on that team. But my heart wasn't so sure and I told them I'd think about it and hit the ice for practice. Skating around, taking in the scene and trying to fight back the tears I felt brimming in my eyes, I knew I was done as a goalie. I took my place in net and finished the day with a final stop that funny enough was a glove save. I remember dropping the puck on the ice and saying a silent goodbye to my dreams of making the NHL. Not that I ever really thought I would make it, but when you are a kid, dreams seem so real. I skated off the ice, never again to strap on those pads and guard my net with my body and soul. A little bit of my childhood died that final skate but it did lead me to what was to be my focus and all consuming obsession for the next few years.


My first Head Coaching job, the 1989 Penguins of Stoney Creek

 Becoming a Hockey Coach was so much more than I could have ever envisioned and for many years, it was the path I thought I'd never get off ; until life decided otherwise. But that's a story for another day.
Game on!

The Polkaroo & The LCBO - It's Complicated

There is nothing that can match visiting a brewery to pick up your beer. The smell of brewing is intoxicating as soon as you open the door and it is always great if you are lucky enough to get to meet the folks who brew your beer. Sitting down for a flight or a pint can be a great way to spend an afternoon and when you head home, it is usually with a smile and a trunk full of awesome new craft beer.

One of the highlights of my year. Meeting Steve Innocente and sharing a pint!

But it isn't about breweries that I am here today, it is about the monolith in our lives that controls and regulates the distribution of liquor and beer in this great province, The LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). Along with the foreign owned Beer store, this Crown Corporation controls the majority of beer sales in Ontario and is viewed negatively in craft beer circles for the regulations and nanny state like distribution process. I fully believe in the earnest claims we make for greater access to all the great craft beer made here and all over the world and wish nothing more than to see more options of where I can buy them that will hopefully lead to better diversity. But the hard truth is that for most people, the LCBO is their main source of new and regular beer purchases and I will say that I have been impressed with their response to our demand in the last year.

I can remember when I would go in search of something new to fill my beer glass with, there would be little in the way of Ontario Craft beer outside of the established and close by breweries. Nickel Brook, Cameron's, Amsterdam, Mill Street (at the time) and Great Lakes. They pretty much filled the small section dedicated to the Craft and unless your LCBO beer purchaser was also a fan, it changed very little. Fast forward a single year and I can scarcely believe the turnaround. What was once a tiny fraction of shelf space has become a cornucopia of choice. I would say almost overwhelming if you are unsure of what you are looking for and that is pretty amazing. Responding to a changing public demand isn't easy for a company so rooted in the past and despite many misgivings, I can be nothing but fairly happy at my choices now.

 

I have been and will continue to be a proponent of going to the source for your beer. I love a beer road trip, meeting people who love craft beer as much as I do and hanging out talking all things hops. But I also recognize the reality that most people are not like me nor do they have the free time or inclination to do that. For the vast majority, a brewery visit is a special thing, a treat and one they look forward to. The rest of their lives are busy and that means accessing beer at a LCBO. Maybe I am just lucky, but the people who work at the ones around me are enthusiastic about craft beer and are always there to help you find something new or different if you ask. Picking a beer can be a daunting task when you have no idea what you want and they have been more than happy to answer my questions, even going so far as to check on things or let me know when something new has come in. I do perhaps treat the people who work there with courtesy and respect because I have spent a lifetime working retail and understand what the public can be like, especially during the holidays. The people who work at the LCBO are just that, people and I always try to bring that with me when I visit.

  While time has come for the government to let us have a greater access, perhaps an Ontario Craft Beer store, run by the membership of the OCB themselves or at least some more privitization and greater competition, we must deal with the reality of the day to day in our province. Online sales are increasing at the breweries themselves and indeed, the LCBO's own online delivery program was launched to great fanfare this year. But we must continue to push for better access for our Craft brewers, more choice and a spot at the table for the smallest of producers without onerous fees and over regulation. The problem we have should remain with the powers that control the situation and not the people who work at the LCBO, they often share our passion for great beer. Try to remember that the next time you stop in for something to celebrate the season with. Happy shopping, be patient and remember that great beer will always be waiting for you, no matter where you buy it...

But go the brewery when you can, it's the most magical place in the world, trust me!

Where the Magic Happens!

Raise your Glass and your standards, One beer at a time!

Cheers!

National Lager Day 2016

National Lager Day is a celebration of that bottom fermenting brew that remains the most popular style of beer in the world. While I don't indulge in a lager very often, there is something to be said for a well brewed, classic beer. Not the easiest style to create, requiring precise temperature control and a longer storage time (lagering is German for storeroom or warehouse), this accessible beer is the staple of many a holiday party as December rolls along; and it is pretty tough to say no if someone offers you a drink under the lights of the Christmas tree. But there are far better options than a Canadian or Budweiser out there.
Back when I was pounding macro beer in search of the darkness, the lagers I found were the cheapest available and lacked anything in the way of true flavour, having to be consumed as cold as possible and without thought. Craft beer makers have not abandoned the lager, despite the fact that you rarely see it in your social media feeds. Brewed properly and with only all natural ingredients (no rice or added sugars), a good lager can be as flavourful and enjoyable as any other beer and it doesn't hurt to have something "regular " to share with your non Crafty friends when they stop in for a visit during the most festive of seasons. While I always offer to sample any of my IPAs, stouts or porters, I think it is important to have something that will be able to be enjoyed by anyone who just wants a refreshing beverage and maybe hasn't started on the road to better beer. Think of it as being a good host and being able to help spread the gospel of better beer at the same time.

So head out to your local brewery, The Beer Store or LCBO and grab a few these underappreciated gems. Share them with the folks who think craft beer is all hoppy or bitter beer and bring them to the good side of life.

Happy Christmas partying and remember to drink responsibly.

I'm only listing lagers I have tried the past year, you may have a craft brewer in your area that offers one I haven't had.  So head on over and give them a try, you'll be surprised at how good this beer can be.

Side Launch Brewing Lager

Lake of Bays Rock Cut Lager

Grand River Brewing Tailgate Lager

Amsterdam Brewing 3 Speed Lager

Muskoka Brewing Craft Lager

Cameron's Brewing Captain's Log Lager

Hockley Valley Brewing Classic Lager
Muddy York Brewing Munich Helles Lager
Shawn & Ed's Lageshed Original 

Pilsners are another great gateway to craft beer, not overwhelming and always a good option as well. Again, only listing the pilly's I've tried and enjoyed this year.

Stonehammer Pilsner

Hop City Polly Wants a Pilsner

Double Trouble Prison Break Pilsner

Steam Whistle

Flying Monkey's Mythology Canadian Golden Pilsner

I Want to Believe this Christmas

Excited for Christmas, 1975

I have a recurring fantasy about Christmas. It doesn't involve presents or anything that can be bought. It doesn't require money or time and could bring hope to those who have been searching for the holiday spirit. It's a little radical and not where I thought I'd find myself at 43, but it has captured my heart.


I  wish to simply and truly believe in Santa Claus for a few hours on Christmas Eve.


I know it sounds silly but I don't care. If only for a short time, that pure anticipation, joy and sheer wonder were part of my life again; I couldn't imagine a better feeling. I can still catch flashes of what I felt when I was a young boy, waiting for Christmas to get here, hoping and praying that I had been good enough for the Big Guy to stop by and give me a present. But like I said, this isn't about stuff, it's about that feeling one more time.

Santa and I circa 1973

I want to feel like there is something good in an increasingly hard world. I want to sing the carols louder than ever before. I want to celebrate with an abandon only felt when you are a child. I want to watch the specials on TV with people who share popcorn, laugh or cry together and know all the lines. But most of all, I just want a break from being a grown up. I want a brief respite from the never ending worry, bills, work and constant motion my life has become. I want just a moment to believe in something so wonderfully magical that it makes my smile genuine, my hugs tighter and my joy unabashed.

I do my best to remain positive at this time of year. I see so many people struggle with the burdens we have come to believe we must carry to make Christmas perfect. From the parties to the presents, we have become encumbered with expectations of what this time of the year is supposed to be. Encouraged by the visions of perfection we see on traditional and new media, we are caught in a stream of worrying if we are doing enough or if we can ever measure up. This anxiety and strain over Christmas has become a bigger part of the season than ever before and I think it is time to say

  "Enough."

You are wonderful the way you are. Your family are what matter and however you choose to spend this holiday is the right way; regardless of what anyone thinks or says. Don't want to keep doing the same things every year, stop and do something new. Traditions had to start somewhere and if yours are not what you want, discard them and discover what makes you happy. The only thing that makes sense when you're unhappy is to seek a better way. There is not a rule saying you have to do anything because it is Christmas;
in fact I think the season is meant to be a celebration of all that is good in your life, your home and the world.

Late 1970's, take me back!

So this Christmas Eve I will look out the window and search for the sleigh. I will leave milk and cookies out with a note for Santa. I will have a hard time going to sleep because I will believe that I hear the reindeer up on the rooftop. I will let go of the resentments and fears that hold me back from the joy and happiness Christmas used to bring and I will embrace my inner Claus, whole heartedly and with everything I have.

I will believe in Santa, one more time.

Merry Christmas!

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

Has it been a year already?

On Saturday November 21st, 2015 I came home from work, had dinner and watched a little TV. Pretty standard night for someone who works the weekend except for one little thing...it was the last day I didn't drink or review a beer. It wasn't my intention at the time to drink a beer every day and talk about it. Indeed, I had been doing Instagram reviews sporadically for many months beforehand and I had been toying with the idea of doing a blog to talk about my life and how craft beer had impacted it. I had several posts saved up and waiting for my anxiety to pass so I could put them out in the world. But at no time did I have an idea of what changes would come from the simple act of opening a beer and adding my thoughts to a picture on the internet.

The scope of what I was embarking on was not evident to me at the time and while I can look back and marvel at what the last year has brought me in terms of experiences, people and of course, great beer. I was not planning any of it. To some extent, I still don't really plan anything. I open the fridge every day and try to decide what I want to drink, why I want to drink it and even how I want to remember it with my picture or video. I still do it for myself and to share with my friends and family, but now that group of friends has changed and grown and I am always talking beer with someone, every day.

I still usually only have 1 or 2 beers most of the time and have noticed a drop in my desire to have any more than that. My fridge is usually full of singles and that means I don't want to waste one that I could share. I love to tell stories and the beer has given me a platform to do so. Exploring beer has led me down many paths and the experiences are changing me every time I go out. So while there are still 39 days left in Project 366 and I will proudly write about everything that has happened in 2016 in January, I am more than pleased to have made it pillar to post with amazing craft beer here at the end of November. I understand it maybe isn't up there with life's biggest accomplishments, but given that I used to get blackout drunk several times a week and only didn't drink when I was too hungover to do so, this one makes me feel good about myself. I have no intention of stopping any time soon and will continue to be honest, straightforward and maybe even more adventurous with my personal challenges. Moderation and mindfullness took me a large portion of the year to fully grasp and I continue to pursue the perfect balance between indulgence and temperance.

Here's to many more interesting experiences, great nights with friends and of course, amazing Craft Beer.

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

Cheers!