The weekend is a time to relax and recuperate from the long work week, and what better way to do so than with a beverage in hand. Here is a short list of beers that I have come to associate with the weekend and relaxing with friends.
1. Steam Whistle Pislner
The Steam Whistle Brewery’s motto is “5 o’clock is beer o’clock”. With such a mantra one can conjure up images of Fred Flintstone running out of work at the sounding of the shift whistle, heading home to a good meal and a cold drink. Steam Whistle is a smooth pilsner that is full of flavour without being hard to enjoy. Largely available in pubs and bars across Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia it is also a good bet when you are out with friends or at home with your feet up.
2. Beau’s Lugtread Lagered Ale
The Beau’s Brewery is located in Vankleek Hill Ontario, just under an hour outside of Ottawa. Since opening its doors in 2006 the brewery has operated under strict organic guidelines and produced a constant supply of its flagship beer Lugtread along with many other seasonals. Lugtread is a smooth amber ale with lots of body behind it without being very heavy. Sold in 600ml bottles through the LCBO and earthenware growlers from the brewery itself Lugtread can be enjoyed both inside in the winter watching hockey as well as on the dock at the cottage.
3. Cooper’s Sparkling Ale
Cooper’s is the largest Australian owned brewery that produces multiple varieties of beer from a Pale Ale to a Stout, to the Sparkling Ale. Unfortunately the Sparkling Ale is the only beer from Cooper’s that is available in Ontario at the LCBO. Full of fruity hops balanced with a strong malt. As a bottle conditioned beer it is important to ensure that the bottle is rolled before opening to distribute the yeast throughout the beverage. Alternatively, if the Sparkling Ale is poured into a glass be sure not to roll it and leave the sediment in the bottle.
4. Unibroue’s La Fin du Monde
Brewed in Chambly Quebec Unibroue produces many types of bottle conditioned beers from a white (Blanche de Chambly) to an Belgian-style strong dark ale (Maudite). Translating to “The End of the World” in English, La Fin du Monde is a Belgian tripel bottle conditioned golden ale. Less bitter than a typical tripels, it is very flavourful featuring coriander and orange peel that allow for it to be enjoyed despite the 9% ABV.
5. Garrison Brewery’s Black IPA
Located in Halifax Garrison has only recently become widely available in Ontario at the LCBO. Different from many IPAs I have had before a black IPA combines the roast and chocolate flavours that are common in a stout or porter with pine and citrus from American Hops. Drinking a Black IPA is quite an experience as the flavours you taste are not commonly associated with the colour in your glass.
