So, as I missed round one of this great series of events, I made sure I got to round two, and not only that, but got there about an hour after it started. The format is simple, pit a variety of Ontario Cask IPAs and Pale Ales against each other in a head-to-head knock-out style tournament, where the winners are as voted by the patrons. Today nine beers were being served blind (okay, one group was head-to-head-to-head). I settled in at the bar, with Jordan (of St. John’s Wort fame) and a group of regulars. As I had to leave by 6:30, to be home for dinner, I was game to get down to some serious IPA tasting. I discovered they were only serving halfs and full pints (no quarters), and I not only needed to be home for dinner, but be home *sober* for dinner, so I knew at that point I wasn’t getting through all nine. I decided there was nothing to it, but to start from 1 and see where I got to (just to relieve any suspense, I got to 5). I won’t go into tasting notes (because I didn’t take any), but I’ll give you my scores:
- 39/50
- 44/50
- 31/50
- 37/50
- 38/50
Not an earth-shattering set, to be honest. I’m curious to see what five of the nine I had, because at least three of the list are IPAs I regularly drink and love, so I’m hoping #2 was one of them, and the other two I missed.
Anyways, as I was getting my fifth half, Doug, a Volo regular brought out the big guns, and cracked a bottle of Les Trois Mousquetaires Weizen Imperial Grand Cuvee 2009. Oh hell yes. Not even remotely an IPA, but such a nice dessert for a quintet of Casky goodness. I’ve actually got tasting notes about that, and will post my review shortly. Thanks, Doug! Awesome brew.
But my sipping joy was not over yet, as I made my farewells, Tom was drinking something that looked unfamiliar. I asked what it was, and was pleased to hear it was an early taste of the Saison Ralph and Beirgotter brewed in Volo’s shiny (for now) new brewhouse. I can’t say too much about the taste (I’d just had five IPAs and a glass of Imperial Weizen), but it was bright, with a nice bit of yeast (though it was still unfiltered, I think). Nothing beats two desserts!
Great chatting with the usual suspects, awesome getting to talk a bit with Ralph about the brewery, and cheers to Catherine for pumping out heaps of cask on a hot sticky Toronto afternoon. Thanks to Volo and everyone there!
