Everyone thinks that Guinness is like mother’s milk to us Irish but not so. At least it wasn’t when I was entering the drinking age. Instead, we served a palate apprenticeship on “˜easier stuff’ such as Smithwick’s ale. It was a big night when you could go right through on Guinness. You became a man in the eyes of hardened drinkers. I remember the experience well as I tried to impress Dennis Friel, captain of the school football team, and a ten-pint-on-a-week-night man. I waited till he’s left the bar before falling over.
It may sound odd but getting into wine heightened my fondness for ale. Probably because it delivers the same nourishing feeling as red wine, along with as many delightfully confusing styles ““ and you just never know if it’s going to hit the spot.
English ales used to be tops but most have been commercialized. Of the twenty-some ales I tried over the Holidays my favourite was Liberty from the Anchor Steam brewery in San Francisco. Long-time readers will know of my fondness for this beer and I’m delighted to report that it is as good as ever. Modeled on the English style it could be likened to a really well-made food dish where all the components delight individually and, as a whole. Big time nourishment and~ contentment ““ shades of the fireside in the tavern of The Red Lion Hotel in Stockbridge in Mass. Ya know the place.
Beau’s Brewery, outside Ottawa, is producing some of the best local beer I’ve ever tasted. In uber-cool packaging that delivers the all-natural message. Look for the Lagered Ale, 4-bottle- package at your LCBO. As you’d expect it’s a cross between the refreshment of lager, and the nourishment of ale. The wine parallel would be an everyday Chianti ““ rustic and satisfying.
BEAU’S LAGERED ALE 169334 4 x 600ml/$15.60
LIBERTY ALE, Anchor Steam Brewery, California 580217 650ml/$3.80
Gotta look up where Beau’s is in eastern ON. Thanks for lead.
Billy;
Great perspective and a wonderful tale to inspire all of us pub goers and ale drinkers.
I quite like Beau’s. Do you know why they aren’t selling through the beer store?
aargh Billy, wish you would tell us in the hinterlands how we could access this nectar, aargh!!
Long-time Beau’s fan.
The Beau’s brewery is located in Vankleek Hill, a roughly 45-minute drive east of Ottawa. The directions on their webpage say, to get there from Ottawa:
– Take the 417 to Highway 34 North (turn left)
– Turn right on Main Street (Highway 10)
– Turn left on to Terry Fox Drive (We’re #10 Terry Fox Drive)
As for why they don’t offer it through the Beer Store? It’s slightly cynical, but it may have something to do with the fact that the Beer Store is owned by Molson (now owned by Coors), Labatt (now owned by InterBev), and Sleeman (now owned by Sapporo).
For smaller scale and craft brewers it’s often not worth the hassle of getting their product listed, particularly if they’re already selling through the LCBO.