The Fireside

  Official info follows below: This is a wonderfully rich and complex single malt. Opening with rich and spicy aromas of crème brulee, heather honey and crumbled cinnamon, intensely fruity notes follow - fresh pineapple dressed with a scattering of sun-kissed lemon zest. There’s a hint of freshly-baked sponge cake too, warm from the oven, and you’ll find cinnamon again, but toasted shards this time. Citrus and vanilla notes linger in the aromatic waves of peat smoke. To create 15 Year Old Viking Heart, Gordon Motion, our Master Whisky Maker, selected predominantly sherry seasoned European oak casks to deliver warm, spicy notes and sherry seasoned American oak casks to provide a balance of sweet vanilla. Expertly adding just a few refill casks to soften and smooth the flavours, Gordon chose to bottle at 44% ABV to allow the whisky’s vibrant fruitiness and distinctive heathery peat smoke to shine through. Why a ceramic decanter? Rewind a century or two and our whisky w...

Highland Park is my favourite whisky distillery. This could be because it was their 12 year old that got me into single malts. Of course, I like other distilleries, however I think it's the safe to say that I like Highland Park. Also, I love their 'viking theme.' Recently, the third and final of their Viking Legends series has come out here in Canada: Valfather. The second one was Valknut, and the first was Valkyrie. They have done other series like that in the past: Dark and Light, and Fire and Ice. I'm not sure what else they have planned on the horizon, however of what's out now, these are the following I'd like to try: CORE RANGE 18 year (Viking Pride) Slow-burning, aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor; hand turned floor maltings, Sherry seasoned European oak casks, cool maturation in our temperate island climate and a long and unhurried harmonisation process. Like our founder, Magnus Eunson, we share our Viking ancestors’ commitment to skilled craftsmanshi...

So I wanted to do up a post about beer. I am fond of craft beer, to be precise. Now, that being said, I'm a fan of traditional styles: ales, amber, stouts, porters, etc. Those types, served in a pint glass. I'm all for experimenting and trying new things; however within moderation. Very often, I see what appears to be orange juice served in what appears to be a wine glass. And usually, the name or ingredients of that beer does not sound appealing - as BEER. For that reason, I'm going to list off some breweries, to give an idea of the types of beers that I do enjoy. I should also add that I like some UK imports, due to the type of beer. WHITEWATER BREWING CO 78 Hwy 17, Cobden, ON K0J 1K0 Beer Listing: http://whitewaterbeer.ca/our-beer/ Their flagship beer would probably be the Farmer's Daughter Blonde Ale. My overall favourite, though, is the Whistling Paddler English Ale. They are no longer 'up and coming' as their reputation is well-known in t...

OK, I tend to cover a few comments throughout the course of this blog but wanted to do an overall post about....alcohol! Drinking! Now I'm a responsible adult, and I indulge in moderation, but frequently, with 'over' indulgences occurring only a few times a year. That being said, with 'drinking' as a hobby (boy that sounded wrong...) I picked up a few things I wish to share. BEER - kept it cold (or better yet, cool) as often as you can. Never stick it in the freezer - store it vertically, especially if it's corked. If it's not corked and you need to lie it down, then stand it vertically twice the length of time it's been horizontal, just so it's not 'shaken' and everything settles - keep an eye out on the freshness and best before dates. - As stated before, keep it cool. That means fridge. don't set your fridge (if you have a dedicated beer fridge) too cold. If you can't store it in a fridge, keep it in the coldest spot you can. - wh...

Well, it's that time for year again - Beau's has announced their feBREWary 2015 lineup! Details, links etc. herein.... 

Nope...not the basic peons you fight against in Doom . Nor is it Tyrion Lannister. It's the return of "The Bottle Imp" by Beau's! Last time. I only had one bottle before it was gone. Now, Beau's brought it back. I am not sure how long it will be around for...both this year, or ever . Russian Imperial Stout • 9.0% alc/vol The Bottle Imp is a strong, dark, roasty and rich creation. This rendition of a Russian Imperial Stout is also infused with a blend of Mexican and Ethiopian fair-trade organic coffee. Complex and contemplative, and with well-integrated alcohol warmth, The Bottle Imp is best served in a snifter, sipped slowly and savoured.

I wrote earlier on when the winter beers started coming out, but I'd figure I would do up another post what with Christmas coming and all.  The type of beer that is 'in season' now is darker and heavier / heartier beers such as stouts and dark ales etc to help you stay warm during the colder months.  Here is what I would recommend to fellow beer drinkers to buy for themselves or for others. - Church Key Holy Smoke Scotch Ale 6.2% Alc/Vol 11 IBU (not a seasonal, but definitely enjoyed this time of year) A peat smoked Scotch ale. This unique brews heart is that 10% of the malt is kilned over a peat fire, giving beautiful, deep rich smoky tones to the beer. It pours dark brown with a light tan head. It is low in hop bitterness and its profile is dominated by the sweet and smoky malts. - Beau's Bogwater [winter seasonal] Eastern Ontario Gruit 6.6% alc/vol The inspiration for BOG•WATER came from the Alfred Bog, a truly unique feature of Eastern Ontario. The malt and y...

Thanks to a video that LCBO posted on their facebook page, I have discovered another beer (or brewery, rather) that I am interested in trying: St. Bernardus. The LCBO advertises and promotes the 'mixed selection' 6-pack. Inside of that, you get one of: - Wit traditional Belgian white beer developed and brewed in collaboration with the legendary Master Brewer Pierre Celis. This ale is very pale (whitish-yellow color) and quite hazy. The head is white and dense. In aroma, it has a wheaty, apple-like, tartness; herbal-spicy notes with coriander and orangey fruitness and honeyish sweetness. Very refreshing: perfect thirst quencher ! (5,5% ABV) - Pater 6 a traditional abbey style dubbel, chestnut in color, very fruity with notes of melon and very fresh banana, finishing with slight bitterness. Delightfully easy to drink. (6,7% ABV) - Watou Tripel (also exists as 750 ml bottle) traditional abbey ale brewed in the classic "Triple" style of Belgium's best Abbey...

Well, it's time of year  a change in the beer season! Herein I name some winter / Christmas beers worth checking out.

The next Game of Thrones  beer by Ommegang has been announced! The next one in the series is called 'Three-Eyed Raven', and it is a dark saison ale, and will be 7.2% alc./vol. I am still awaiting Valar Morgulis to arrive here in Canada. Meanwhile, Three-Eyed Raven will be available in the U.S. spring 2015. 

It's fall beer season - means Oktoberfest! There are quite a few great offerings available.  first and foremost, is this year's Beau's Oktoberfest Mix Pack, pictured above. It should be on sale anytime now, depending on which LCBO you go to, as well as directly at the brewery and through BYBO.ca. I mentioned previously about the beers, but here they are again: Oh, and you get one of each. 1) Happy Pilsner Bohemian Pilsner • 5.3% alc/vol The Bohemian pilsner is a staple of the German diet, and we're happy to include one for you in the 2014 Beau’s Oktoberfest mix pack! Pale blond in colour, Happy Pilsner’s light floral, herbal and honey aromas take your senses on a trip to their happy place: the ever-enjoyable taste of a crisp, clean traditional lager. Traditional to the style, the flavour has some yeast-derived soft sulfur notes. The hopping provides medium bitterness that balances the malt profile without harshness. 2) Dark Helmüt Imperious ...

Beau's is gearing up for Oktoberfest up at Vankleek Hill in a big way. To read all about it, head to www.beausoktoberfest.ca .   

Looks there's a new beer coming out from Beau's B-Side Brewing Label - Kissmeyer Nordic Saison. It will be begin availability this Thursday , and here are the details: 5.2% alc/vol Kissmeyer Nordic Saison is brewed with a bouquet of organic sea buckthorn berries and rosehips, as well an infusion of fresh local rhubarb, for a fruity and distinctively Nordic character. Pale and slightly opaque, this Nordic Saison is medium-bodied, lively and effervescent, and deliciously dry. It offers medium bitterness along with spicy, floral and fruity aromas, and finishes slightly fruity, tart and crisp. Enjoy this first-ever single-release from the B-Side Brewing Label! http://www.beaus.ca/store/beer   

    The winners have now been announced from the voting for the 2014 Beat of Beau's Mix Pack, which will be out to buy late this year. There were quite a few beers listed to vote for, but the winners were...       St Luke's Verse (Lavender Gruit) Legend has it that young maidens who wanted to know who their true love might be would sip upon a lavender brew and chant St. Luke’s Verse, imploring the saint to reveal their identity in her dreams that night. “St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me. In my dreams, let me my true love see.” Copper in colour, St. Luke’s Verse Gruit Ale offers up an aromatic herb-and-spice bouquet of lavender accented by thyme and rosemary. This is a flavourful, balanced beer that is highly nuanced but very approachable. St. Luke’s Verse was brewed in honour of Gruit Day, an international celebration of this style of beer brewed with a variety of herbs and spices in place of hops. History & Style Centuri...

I blogged about this a while ago. But, now I finally got some my self.  I've been checking the LCBO's web site often to see if locations carried Ommegang's "Fire and Blood" Red Ale...which is the third Game of Thrones beer. I haven't tried it yet but am looking forward to it.  I live in Canada, so getting a hold of American craft beer has been a bit tricky, especially since it's Game of Thrones .  Named after the motto of House Targaryen, Fire and Blood is inspired by Daenerys Targaryen and her three dragons, Drogon, Rhaegal and Viserion. To celebrate the rebirth of dragons, three different labels were created by the Game of Thrones visual effects specialists, each depicting one of Daenerys' feared dragons. If you live in Ontario, check to see if they have it HERE: http://www.lcbo.ca/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=381947 For those who live in Ottawa : Go to 275 Rideau St or 222 Richmond Road . As yo...

The weather has gotten warmer, and we are now well into June, which most people seem to think summer is here! Even though summer begins June 21, and ends in September...either way, for a beer drinker, this is good news. The summer seasonal beers are now here. First up, from Mill St is their summer seasonal sampler mix pack.   Inside this year's pack, you get: Palomar Ale, 100th Meridian Organic Amber Lager, Belgian Cherry IPA, Belgian Wit, Tankhouse Ale, and Organic Lager. I haven't tried the 100th Meridian, Palomar, or the Belgian Cherry, so I'll definitely pick this mix pack up at some point.  Now, onto Beau's. It is time again for Festivale, their summer seasonal. They describe it as: Festivale Altbier • 4.7% alc/vol Festivale is based on a rare German style of ale, know as Alt (German for old, referring to how long this style has been in existence.) It originates from the northern part of the Rhineland, and is something of a cousin be...

    Earlier today, Beau's has posted that voting had begun on selecting which four beers will go into the 'Best of Beau's 2014' Mix Pack. To vote and see the eligible beers, go here: http://www.beaus.ca/vote     My ideal mix pack(s) would be:   "The Seasons of Beau's" Beaver River, Festivale, Night Marzen, Bogwater   "Best of feBREWary" Elmsmere's Regret, Mission Accomplished, Wag the Wolf, Collabbrewnaut   "Moumou's Selection" Bottle Imp, Opa's, Strong Patrick, Hogan's Goat   So be sure to vote if you have a favourite you'd like to see in the pack. If you're unable to get Beau's where you live, vote on one of my three 'fan-made' mix packs I listed above.   Cheers!

As some members of my friends and family can attest to, I drink a lot of beer that's not quite run of the mill to the average person. To the beer afficindo, they could be considered greats...hell I love them.  If you've been reading this blog for a while, it should come as no surprise that I quite enjoy Mill St, Beau's, and other craft breweries (keep an eye on Whitewater). A good number of them are Ontario microbreweries, so I apologize for mentioning something you can't have depending on where in the world you live.  My favorite beer, however, has to be the 'Kissmeyer Nordic Pale Ale'. It is brewed by Beau's, however, it is not their recipe from what I understand. It is thus far the only beer in the 'B-Side' brewling label. Uusually Beau's bottles are engraved with the famous tractor logo; Kissmeyer bottles are engraved with a record patterning. So Beau's basically brew's another recipe and that's the distinction....

It's that time of year again - new season, means new beers get rotated.  There a re a few offerings by both Beau's and Mill St. Beau's is now offering the "Beaver River", which is their standard spring seasonal IPA. It is quite good, and as most real IPAs go, bitter. But not overbearingly so. This one of the IPAs that got me to be able to drink them. Some can be too bitter if you're not used to IPAs, but this was a great 'gateway'. It's available at the brewery, on bybo.ca , or the LCBO. For info on it, head to here:  http://www.beaus.ca/beer/seasonals/beaver_river Also, Mill St is offering their Spring Seasonal Mix Pack, which features two types of beer: The Portage Ale (made here in Ottawa, and for a while was exclusive to the Ottawa brewpub, nut now can be purchased in this mix pack), as well as the 'Spring Thaw Maple Ale.' It's good, but not 'maple-y' enough. I recommend the mix pack, but if you cou...