Lions Winter Ale — Granville Island Brewing

Bloody hell it's cold out there.  I know we're still north of 0*C in Toronto, so it's only going to get colder, but the morning walk with the Beagle down to the beach was a frosty one.  And while I'm the first person to defend drinking any style of beer, any time of the year, there is no doubt certain styles appeal more to people during certain seasons.  Come winter, people are looking for warm roasted malt flavours, sometimes spices, dark jammy fruits and even spirit-like qualities.  Granville Island has kept west-coasters satiated and happy through winter for years, serving up their Lions Winter Ale.  With the distribution channels of Creemore Springs Brewing supporting them, it's no surprise to see this classic will be available in Ontario this winter.

[caption id="attachment_2659" align="aligncenter" width="540"] Lions Winter Ale — Granville Island Brewing[/caption]

From a 341ml bottle, Lions Winter Ale pours a deep mahogany brown, brilliantly red when held to a bright light. Aroma is a huge hit of vanilla off the top.  Dark sweet malts fill in behind, hinting at molasses and cocoa. Taste is quite nice, and basically the same.  A big hit of vanilla up front, with rum, molasses and cocoa as the vanilla fades. Finish is lingering vanilla and sweet malts.  I get a bit of drying hops, but they don't cut through the sweetness.  They really just add a layer of depth to the profile.  Mouthfeel is a bit thin, and really my only criticism.  With the fullness of the vanilla and malts, I would like  at least a medium to heavy-medium body, and this is on the lighter side of medium.  That being said, Mr Average drinker probably would be a bit freaked out by a big chewy ale.  Still, a very nice beer, complex and roasty, definitely perfect for cold Canadian nights.  I'll be drinking more of this as winter closes in.

Buy This Beer

Granville Island Lions Winter Ale will be available in Ontario mid-November. LCBO will be carrying tall-boy cans of it while, while The Beer Store will have bottles, as well as Granville's Winter Mingler 12-packs, including Lions Winter Ale, Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale, English Bay Pale Ale and their original brew, Island Lager.  It will also be available on draught across the province.

Drink It With

Dessert, for sure.  Perhaps something chocolate, like a tart, with a sweet caramel drizzle?  My package of beer included a recipe card for a Pan Roasted Pork Chop with Creamy Wild Mushrooms.  They also suggest clam chowder with bacon, which I could see working well. If that sounds like your kind of thing, check out http://granvilleislandbrewing.com/beer/lions-winter-ale/ for information on the beer, and some recipes.  For cheese, a nice creamy sheep's milk cheese could go perfect with this.

About The Brewery

Established in Vancouver, BC in 1984, Granville Island Brewing (GIB) is Canada's first microbrewery offering a variety of award-winning beers. GIB is dedicated to crafting only the finest premium beers to provide consumers with the ultimate tasting experience. In celebration of its West Coast heritage GIB names each beer after iconic Vancouver locations that embody the local lifestyle. GIB's English Bay Pale Ale, Robson Street Hefeweizen and now seasonal favourite Lions Winter Ale are three of the brand's West Coast inspired ales available in Ontario. For more information, visit www.gib.ca

Tagged: Bc, Granville Island Brewing, Winter, Winter Ale