August 18

Barking Squirrel Lager

Barking Squirrel Lager

Barking Squirrels?!

This one sure had something good to say. Nice smooth flavor, dark in color and with a slight nutty flavor.

I’ve always been a fan of Hop City Brewery and they made yet another tasty beverage. I definitely recommend this one.

August 17

Worthingtons White Shield

Worthingtons White Shield

The English!

They sure know how to brew beer. This is the second beer from a collection I picked up from the LCBO.

Dating back to 1744 Worthington’s has been brewing beer of the utmost quality. This particular selection is absolutely outstanding. An IPA with a wonderful taste and finish. I definitely recommend it the next time your looking for something good!

To be honest it’s the sword and shield that got me 🙂

August 16

Hops & Bolts

Hops & Bolts

I had the evening to myself and decided to cook up some excellent food. That also meant I needed some good beer to go with it. So I headed over to my local LCBO and picked out a few choice samples.

We’ll get to the rest later. For now I want to focus on the Hops & Bolts by Creemore Springs. I’m a fan of the Creemore Springs Brewery – but I was a tad bit skeptical of their bitter concoction.

On the label they claim it’s a

… a riveting beer that bolts the best components of a lager and ale to build an intriguingly bitter, yet malty, hopped up brew.

Has it lived up to that claim? I think so! I enjoyed this beer very much. From the can to the glass it was very pleasant. A nice sharp smell and lovely thick head finished the pour. Once in the glass it had a beautiful bright orange color too.

Finally, the taste. Whoa! It’s a nice beer. Very nice bitter and as they claimed – hoppy and malty. It also has a slight sweet texture to it and a nice bitter finish. Just the way I like it.

Would I recommend it? Hell Yah! Pick this one up at the LCBO for your next adventure. You won’t be disappointed!

July 13

Brooklyn Local 2

Brooklyn Local 2

So I picked up a well-designed, cork-topped bottle of Brooklyn Local 2 on a trip to Minnetonka, MN (don’t you always go to MN to pick up a NY brew?!).

Sounded delish, honey and citrus peel are a great combo and I love a strong beer (it’s 9.0%). The brewery calls it a Belgian-inspired dark abbey ale.

Pouring it filled my glass with a deep amber brown, cloudy bevvie with a light fizz and high head. It’s a pretty pour, no doubt!

Sweetness in the form of strawberry and raspberry flavours are prominent, with some spiciness and bitterness on the finish. It’s well balanced, and you wouldn’t know that ABV is so high if you didn’t read the bottle.

It’s good, and has very admirable qualities, but not outstanding enough for me to put it on any “must try” list. I’m biased a tad, as I love a darker, less fruity beer. If you’re Belgian style / abbey ale fan, you probably want to put this on your list to try.

For me, if reminded me of a bar staple, rather than a unique brew. I’ll give it a pass next time, in favour of finding something that stands out a little more.

July 9

Undead Party Crasher

Undead Party Crasher

This beer ain’t no joke – Clown Shoes or not.

Deep, rich, smokey and thick, Undead Party Crasher, from the folks at Clown Shoes, is a brew worthy of gifting to a beer-loving friend or saving for a special occasion.

It’ll kick your ass at 10%, but with no strong alcohol undertones. It’s both smooth and bold… I know I’m sounding pretentious and I don’t care. This brew is kinda fantastic.

On the pour it is dark and rich, with little head. As someone who doesn’t like overly smokey beer, it gave me some big flavours without being overpowering. Malt and a touch of chocolate came across as well.

Two bottles are going in my suitcase to bring home from this trip. No question.

Recommendation – get it. Thank me later.