So, I know it’s BC Beer Week here on the blog and all, but I’m neck deep in press releases, and need to dig out before I drown or get a paper cut. Hopefully you’ve noticed that ad on the right side of the page. The one for OCB Week. Maybe you’ve even clicked it. Maybe, if you’re really geeky, you know that OCB Week starts on Father’s Day weekend. Hopefully you remembered this weekend is Father’s Day. See where I’m going? Also, if you’ve been following along, you’ll know that the Canadian Brewing Awards happened about a week ago. These things are a big deal. So let’s get on it:
You should probably just book off work
Indeed, Ontario Craft Brewer’s Week is upon us. Or at least, nearly. The “First Pour” Launch is Friday at Noon, and from there, the events seemingly just don’t stop. Seriously, it’s kind of crazy. When I started this blog two years ago, OCB Week sort of floated under my radar. I’m not going to say it was a bust, but the only event that I seemed to attend was Troy and Cass’ pub crawl. Which was a warm-up for Toronto Beer Week. So last year, I was pleasantly surprised when OCB Week was really well done. Great events that were well publicised. Obviously, this year I have great expectations. I can’t tell you about all the events that I think are worth while, because I would have carpel tunnel syndrome, and besides, they are all listed on the OCB Week website (it’s http://www.ontariocraftbrewers.com/craftbeerweek/). That being said, I would be remiss not to mention a couple near and dear to my heart:
Beer and BBQ
A mainstay for Father’s Day/OCBW is the Beach BBQ and Brews Festival. Despite not actually eating meat, I love BBQ cooking, and seeing the pros is always pretty cool. Add to that a great beer tent and live entertainment, and you’ve got a great way to spend a warm afternoon. In addition to that, it’s about a 15 minute walk from my house, which makes it all the better. It’s also a family friendly event, with rides and bouncy things for the groms and a good vibe all around.
http://www.beachbbqandbrews.com/
Run Walk Crawl, whatever
What’s a beer week without a good pub crawl? A bad one, that’s what. So it’s good news that there are at least 3 pub crawls during OCB Week. Troy is once again hosting the east end Danforth Crawl. With folks from Beau’s, Muskoka and Great Lakes, it’s a great chance to drink with the people who make our beer. Wednesday, Michael and the crew from The Monk’s Kettle are hosting a way-west-end crawl, hitting up Bryden’s, Monk’s Kettle and ending at Black Oak Brewery for the Ken’s Still Bitter party. I know for a lot of us, that’s pretty far west, but it will be well worth the ride. Lastly, the renowned Walk to the Ballpark as hosted by Nick Pashley will be on Friday. It’s not listed on the OCB Website, and I don’t know any of the details, but it’s usually an afternoon/evening event that should (theoretically) end at a ballpark. It never does though. Last year I tagged in at about 10pm, just in time for the discussion about who the MVP was, and the Rookie of the Year. I won neither. I did have a nice pint of Black Oak Pale though. I’ll post details when I have them.
Session 99
This really could be under it’s own main heading, but it is during OCB Week, so whatever. This is seriously one of my favourite festivals. An amazing selection of craftbeers from Ontario and across the country, in a great setting (indoors and outside), with a wonderful crowd of people, and great food and live entertianment. This year they have arranged for a one-cost admission, so no need to buy tickets for samples (which was a complaint last year; it could get pricey quick). It’s $45 in advance, or $50 at the door. Just go. When you don’t attend Session 99, the terrorists win. There’s two sessions, one from 1-4pm and one from 6-9pm. I suggest you go to both. Full details at the website.
Hardware
So I mentioned it before, that the Canadian Brewing Awards happened. Incidentally, so did the World Beer Cup. And I’m so proud to say, many GTA brewers scored some serious hardware. At the World Beer Cup (which is literally global, brewers from 54 countries entered), King won a Silver medal for their Dark Lager, Cameron’s won a bronze for their Dark 266 and Amsterdam won a bronze for their Framboise. This is a seriously big deal. Many geeks knock Canadian brewing as being far behind the US and European craft beer scene, but awards like this remind us that we’re actually doing quite well. The CBAs also broke down some preconceived notions about Ontario, as compared to other, sexier brewing regions. I won’t rehash it here (Troy has a full list of winners here http://www.greatcanadianbeerblog.com/2012/06/2012-canadian-brewing-award-winners.html), but suffice to say, a bunch of CBA awards crossed into Ontario from PQ last week. Well done to all the participants, those from the GTA and all across the country. We’ve definitely got some awesome breweries that we should be proud of.
Father’s Day
Yup, it’s this Sunday. And what better way to tell Dad you love him, than beer? Maybe with a card telling him you’re taking him on a pub crawl or to a festival next week? If dad has a pulse and likes beer, get him a couple of Thornbridge Kipling Pacific Pale Ales. And get yourself a few too. You won’t regret it. Mmmmmm, Kiwi hops……..
Toronto’s Own Willy Wonka
I’m not even sure if it’s still happening, but I did get a note a few weeks back from our friends at Steam Whistle. Every year, around this time, they include a bottle opener in their 12 packs. Partially to make sure you can open your beer, and partially as a thank-you to their customers. I have a mini-collection of these. This year, though, they upped the ante somewhat. A few cases had a golden opener in them. Finding one of these entitled you to a variety of cool prizes. Check out the full story here:
http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2012/05/29/have-you-found-a-steam-whistle-golden-opener-yet/
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