Pale yellow, slightly hazy. Very fruity nose of lime, juniper and hops (lime and juniper berries were added to the brew). Quite acidic (think lemonade), light taste; extremely refreshing with noticeable bitterness in the finish.
This New England–style IPA crafted by Barrie’s eclectic Flying Monkeys took home gold at the Ontario Brewing Awards this year. Pouring a hazy peach hue with a lasting mousse-like head, aromas of pine, pineapple and pink grapefruit flesh burst out to the nose and carry through to the sip that balances baguette-like sweetness with plenty of judicious citrusy hops before cresting to a long, bitter ending of grapefruit pith.
Aussie expat Phil Brian is nurturing Alberta’s craft beer scene by bringing lively ales and new brewing techniques to the province as operations manager at four brewpubs in the province. At Calgary’s Last Best he plays with new ingredients, like lupulin powder, in his one-offs, and turns out a solid lineup of staple brews. The Porter is trim-bodied with notes of medium-roast coffee, cacao and whispers of toffee.
Opened last March by 3 former home brewers, this Calgary outfit has an impressive lineup of 3 year-round brews. The 5% ABV hopped-wheat ale is one of Canada’s best takes on this wheat beer spinoff. The nose swirls with apricot, melon and light citrus giving way to a bubbly, prickly hop sip on a light but creamy, mouth-filling body with a firmly bitter finale.
An explosion of mango and spicy florals erupts on the nose, priming the palate for a judiciously hoppy sip of pineapple and spicy bitterness with a nearly imperceptible malt backbone. This session ale is laser-focused on its bright, Galaxy and El Dorado hop profile with a dry, lightly bitter finish and a soft, delicately bubbly body.
This 3-year-old Calgary nano-brewery turned out 40 beers last year and is one of the most creative breweries in the province. Its Grisette, originally designed as a one-off, has won coveted year-round status (they only produce staple products). This quaffable, light-bodied straw-hued ale is made with rye and a French Saison yeast. The nose has delicate aromas of apple and pear leading to a lightly sweet grainy sip with a quick, crisp finish.
Nine Locks in Dartmouth was dreamt up by 2 cousins around a late-night campfire, and a desire to bring more locally made craft beer to the provincial market. Their cream ale is well balanced between spicy hops and sweet grain, with a light, refreshing body. Aromas of grassy hops and light apple, followed herbal hops, light honey and crispex cracker on the tongue. An all-around well-made cream ale.