Springbock — Amsterdam Brewing Co.
Despite the fact that we are again in the throes of a polar vortex (which I suppose is better than a Peruvian Sharknado), spring is just around the corner. Hiding like a sadistic child wearing a planet of the apes mask, …
Rebecca — Amsterdam Brewing Co.
Well, despite assertions from major beer-writers in Toronto (I'm looking at you, Ben), this is the perfect beer for Valentines Day. Even if it doesn't hit shelves till tomorrow It's at the retail stores now! Get it on …
Coors Banquet — Molson Coors
Another foray into the world of what we sometimes call macrobrewing, today I'm checking out Coors Banquet. My understanding is that the original Coors beer brewed way back when was known as "The Banquet Beer". This is a …
Dinner Jacket O'Red IPA — Arch Brewing Co.
Hey, did you read my post yesterday, about the explosion of new brewers out there? Well, Arch is in that cohort, but is definitely one doing things well. Partnered with Paul Dickey, and making their beer on contract at …
On wells and ambition
Hey, I'm back. Before I start kicking the hanging homes of stinging insects, thanks for reading! I know I've been off the grid for a while. I just moved, and the lead-up and unpacking totally sapped any time I might have …
Left Field to open new brewery
Hey, remember last spring when I shared news about a new brewery in the east end? Left Field was being started by husband and wife Mark and Mandie Murphy, and they would be contract brewing their amazing three beers, …
New Year's Eve at Amsterdam
Maybe it's much too early in the game But I thought I'd ask you just the same What are you doing New Year's Eve? So, got any plans for NYE? I do, I'll be at a cottage, drinking beer and heating a sauna for the …
The Hunger Games — 2014
Hey, ever give up something for Lent? I know people who've given up facebook, eating sweets, alcohol, caffeine, and a variety of other "vices". Well, I'm going to give up food. For reals. [caption id="attachment_3824" …
On Beer and Babies
There has been a few articles written recently, about drinking while pregnant. There has also been good accompanying discussion (and no shortage of less than good shouting-type reaction, as would be expected in an issue …
On Deadlines
"I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." — Douglas Adams Yup, deadlines are a tough one, especially when they're self-imposed deadlines. I set myself one, and watched it fly by this past …
Friday Beer Break with Fearless Fred — Highlander Blacksmith Smoked Porter
This week, Chris and Fred drink Blacksmith Smoked Porter, from Highlander Brewing. Now available at the LCBO (#362772)
Barrel Aged Double Tempest — Amsterdam Brewing Co.
You know those imperial stouts, that are like, double imperial stouts?....... So lots and lots of people really like Amsterdam's tempest Imperial Stout. Like, it's pretty normal to hear descriptions like "Best Imperial …
The Canadian Craft Beer Cookbook by David Ort — Reviewed
I own a lot of cookbooks. I'm a chef by training and I've been given a great many. It's funny, though, as I — like many other professional cooks and bakers I know — don't really "use" cookbooks. We read through them with …
Bellwods 3 Minutes to Midnight vs Amsterdam Sour Cherry Imperial Stout
Despite to much evidence to the contrary, I love it when somebody proves me totally wrong. Such was the case with this pairing. I know Bellwoods' 3 Minutes to Midnight well. We got the first ever cask of it at Castro's …
Friday Beer Break with Fearless Fred — Bellwoods Farmageddon
Today Chris and Fred drink the ohmazing Farmageddon from Bellwoods, a Saison aged in barrels infected with brettanomyces, making it funky and dry. Also, the usual hipster-jokes ensue.
Great Lakes Etobichoker vs Indie Alehouse Instigator IPA
Okay, I'm the first to admit it: today's match-up is a totally uneven bout. Indie Alehouse's awesome Instigator IPA is a rock-solid American-style IPA, and a constant crowd-pleaser at the brewpub. Etobichoker is a new …
Bellwoods Hellwoods vs Amsterdam Tempest
Day two of the battle royale. Today it's a shaolin vs grasshopper kind of day, with Bellwoods Hellwoods Russian Imperial Stout matched against Amsterdam Tempest Imperial Stout. You should probably know that both Luke and …
Great Lakes Lake Effect vs Bellwoods Cat Lady
So here starts the head-to-head battles between beers. Before I address the two contenders, let me make something clear: The four breweries involved are absolutely top brewers in Toronto. None of these matches are likely …
The Gang Fight
Nothing beats an old fashioned rumble. The good news is, nobody is calling the cops. For the rest of this week, I'll be blasting through eight beer reviews in a new format. A street fighter format, but with less …
D. G. Yuengling and Son Inc — Book Review
Pop quiz smarty-pants: What's the oldest operating brewery in the USA? It must be those makers of Budweiser, Anhueser-Busch, right? Founded in 1852, they are definitely old, but not the oldest. Okay, then it's Miller, …