Beer Reviews

I always feel badly when I have to write something nasty about a beer that's almost good, but only just OK.  It's one of those "you guys did OK, but ya could've done better" moments... One of those constructive criticism moments, except, I'm not in elementary school anymore aaand I'm drinking.  So, Saranac Pale Ale (Classic English Style Ale) is not that great.  Aroma of maple candy and canned tuna (I'm not kidding, this was confirmed by someone less drunk than me).  It's not that hoppy, not that malty, but it is a little sour.  Hmm, weird.  It does not come across like any English ale I've had before.  Unfortunately, it’s just not that good at all.  Sorta OK try guys.

BeerSnob Rated 1.5 out of 5

Location/Contact

Saranac Brewery © Matt Brewing Company 811 Edward Street Utica, NY 13502 Website

 

 

I had always thought it would be nice to try VB for the first time in Australia, but seeing as I’m not going there anytime soon (booo) and they’re selling it in Ontario now (yahhh) I thought I’d pick one up.  Well, as sorry as I am to say it, I’m glad I didn’t travel to Australia only to try this beer.  My honest to God first reaction to Victoria Bitter was, “Ugh, Labatt’s Blue!” 

The VB has little aroma to speak of and not a lot more flavour.  It’s somewhat bitter on the finish, but I can’t imagine calling my beer “Victoria Bitter” if it was only this bitter.  The VB’s relatively easy to drink - a little malt in there, mild hops - and I wouldn’t say it’s terrible per se, but I definitely wouldn’t say it’s good.  Please, someone who’s had VB in Australia tell me if it tastes the same there as it does here. 

Dammit!  I like Australia and have enjoyed every Aussie I’ve ever known, but please tell me you brew better beer than this.  Tell me and point me to it!  Better yet, come to Canada and let's drink it together!

BeerSnob Rated 0.5 out of 5

Location/Contact

Foster's Group 77 Southbank Boulevard Southbank Victoria Australia 3006 Website

 

 

A few days ago I stopped by my local LCBO to, of all things, pick up some wine, when a display caught my eye. Sitting among a sea of different style king cans was a stack of 600ml bottles that had a tag with a beaver on it. Immediately the teenage me that still lives in my head thought “Hu hu huh huh huh...they said beaver”, the beer loving adult in my head said.... well basically the same thing, prompting me to purchase a bottle.

The beaver river is not for everyone, but I really like it. It uses very mild malt typical with lighter IPA offerings and pairs that with strong enough hops to really add some kick to the flavour. That said the hops are not overly bitter and as with many North American style IPAs Beaver River has a nice hint of citrus to it. Considering this is an organic, unfiltered, dry-hopped beer it has a remarkably clear copper color with very little cloudiness. Beaver River is not the type of session beer where I’d be able to polish of 8 of them on the dock at the cottage, but I am regretting the fact that I have only one in the house right now.

BeerSnob Rated 4.0 out of 5

Location/Contact

10 Terry Fox Dr. Vankleek Hill, Ontario (map) Toll Free • (866) 585 BEER Email • ohyeah@beaus.ca Website

 

 

Typically I stick to beer reviews however, I went out for St. Patrick’s Day and I had some good craft beer so I thought what the hell I might as well right about it. I never do full beer reviews when I’m out for a full night of drinking because after 4 pints everything tastes a lot more awesome.

Most years I don’t bother to go out for St. Patrick’s because frankly I’m sick of the “I’m just out to get shitfaced crowd” and crappy green beer. This year we decided to head out to Morgans on Danforth because they have an awesome burger and some great craft beer.

Every week Morgan’s runs a new cask conditioned ale. This week’s feature is Arkell Best Bitter by Wellington Brewery It’s a decent smooth beer that is way less bitter than the name led me to believe. After a couple of Welly’s I was in the mood for something a little different.

Unfortunately I’m pretty familiar with the taps at Morgan’s so I thought I was out of luck, until Chris the bartender suggested a SmashHouse. It’s a drink that he concocted by mixing Flying Monkeys SmashBomb with Mill Street Tankhouse . Surprisingly enough it was pretty good. I found that the TankHouse helped smooth out the SmashBomb while keeping a lot of the punch that the Flying Monkeys intended. Not a drink that I could have a lot of but defiantly going to make the rotation as a once in a while things. After my SmashHouse (we decided a TankBomb was not as good of a name) I settled in with some Mad Tom IPA for the rest of the evening until it was time to stumble home.

All in all a good night of craft beer, and I’m happy to report I did not see one Green Beer!