This inky black stout is made with unfermentable lactose (milk sugar), adding a touch of sweetness and a subtle creamy sensation. Aromas of dark chocolate and fresh, lightly-roasted coffee lead to a sip of chocolate Girl Guide cookie crumbs, cacao and subtle roast, finishing on a long, dry note. Try it with hearty stews, roasted red meats or chocolate lava cake.
Yellow straw-coloured with green herbal hoppy and nutty malt aromas, lightly sweet citrus and malt flavours, finishing with stiff jolt of hoppy bitterness. Will appeal to those looking for a lighter but heavily-hopped beer.
Reddish amber colour, with aromas of dried fruit and gentle nutty malt. Rather sweet with plum cake spicy fruit, a suggestion of molasses and a subtle hit of bitterness on the finish.
I like to stock up on easy-drinking, lighter flavoured lagers to serve to family and friends who favour the style. At 4.0%, guests can enjoy this one without sweating the ABV. Clear and pale gold, there are aromas of crackery malt, light florals and a bit of lemon. It’s a crisp, clean, and refreshing lager sure to please the Christmas-party masses.
This IPA pours an orangey-gold sunset hue with a fluffy, long lasting head. Woodsy pine tree aromas intermingle with grapefruit rind, and on the sip there’s a bit of toasty and caramelly malt backbone to offset the robust citrus and piney notes of the hops. Pro-tip: Always check the date on the can. Hop flavour and aroma degrade quickly, so for optimal freshness, try to buy hop-forward brews like IPAs 2-4 weeks after they’re canned.
Tucked away in the Carolinian forests and farm fields of Norfolk County is Charlotteville Brewing Company, an estate brewery which grows 4 acres of hops adjacent to the former horse barns that make up the handsome brewery and tasting room. Local 519 is all about balance: the light amber, toast malt backbone melds seamlessly with hop aromas of tea, peach and lemon basil on a light body.
Pouring a bright, brassy gold, this farmhouse-style ale bursts with aromas of zesty lemon-lime and grapefruit. With a medium body and lively carbonation, the ale has spicy and lightly earthy notes. Cellar it away for a few months in a cool, dark place — the bright hop notes will fade while the funky, rustic character will come out.