So in my absence there were a few new beer developments on the prairies. So, as I re-start things around here, let’s do a quick run-down on beer news.
Alley Kat Brewing had three, count ’em, three new releases last week. First out was the 2011 version of their perennial winter favourite, Old Deuteronomy. Second was the release of their latest seasonal, Three Bears Oatmeal Stout, which is a re-brew of their big bottle from last year. I particularly enjoy the label on the new bottles. Third, they also released the latest in their Big Bottle series, something they call Cringer Beer. It has been spiked with cranberry and ginger to give a festive feel to the brew. I had a chance to sample it last week and the ginger comes through more strongly than the cranberry, but I imagine many guests at holiday gatherings will appreciate its sharpness.
Over in Saskatoon, Paddock Wood have been equally busy revving up for winter. They have put out their annual Winter Ale, keeping it as a Belgian Dubbel again. Also out is the latest in the Beer Gods series for Sherbrooke (and to be at Sherbrooke shortly). This one is called Silenus and is a Belgian Tripel. I will post more about the back story of that God soon. But Paddock Wood isn’t done. For December they will be doing another batch of 1000 Monkeys Russian Imperial Stout. Last year that one-off beer flew off the shelves at the brewery (so much so that it didn’t make it to Alberta). THEN, in January a limited release of the 1000 Monkeys aged in bourbon casks (called Barrel Full of Monkeys Stout). Whew! I am tired just listing all their new releases. Imagine brewing it.
Wild Rose Brewing in Calgary went with an old reliable with their new seasonal release. The return of Cherry Porter will be celebrated by all those who like black forest cake. It will be a good accompaniment with holiday-style desserts.
Half Pints in Winnipeg are being quite the social butterflies in Winnipeg this month, with a series of events around town, including celebrating International Stout Day last week with a special cask version of its Stir Stick Stout. They are also doing a scotch-tasting event, sponsoring a film screening and hosting the first meeting of the Winnipeg chapter of Barley’s Angels.
Sticking with Manitoba, a brewery I don’t mention much is attempting to up their game a bit, with the release of a new series of limited edition releases. Fort Garry has launched a Brewmaster’s Series with the release a couple weeks ago of an Eisbock. I suspect its availability was restricted to Winnipeg. I am curious how it tasted, so if anyone had a chance to try it, post a comment on your impressions. I am curious by the proliferation of limited edition releases – a topic for a post in the near future.
And we can’t forget our friends up in the Yukon. In addition to their fall seasonal, Peter Peter Pumpkin Beer, they are finishing plans for the next two beer in their A.D.D. Series. They will be a winter spiced ale next, followed by an Imperial IPA. No word yet on ETAs on those beer, but I suspect the first to be in the next few weeks.
And I would be remiss to not mention a second beer dinner being organized by Continental Treat, who clearly have taken to the beer dinner concept with great enthusiasm. What I like about the second dinner, scheduled for December 5, is that it is highlighting gluten-free beer from two breweries (Green’s and Bard), with a four-course dinner to match. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased in advance at the restaurant.
Whew! That is a lot of news. I likely missed something somewhere – which I can pick up in a future post. More catching up on things in a day or two.
November 7, 2011 at 11:22 PM
Interesting that you found the ginger coming through more strongly than the cranberry in the Cringer. I found the complete opposite, although I was tasting it alongside a number of other spiced ales, which might have affected my perception. I found it very fruity, with the ginger struggling to come out. I thought it might be a better summer patio beer than a cold holiday beer, personally.
November 8, 2011 at 9:24 AM
I have only had it on tap so far, so I wonder if that is the difference in the impression it makes. Was yours a bottle?
November 8, 2011 at 6:45 PM
Yes, mine was in the bottle. But again, I also tasted it next to a few pumpkin ales and Phillips Ginger Beer, so it was bound to be more fruity in comparison.
November 10, 2011 at 9:58 AM
I found a nice balance on the Cringer. A nice light zesting of ginger with a lasting tartness from the cranberries. I’ve also had it both from the bottle and on tap and found little to no difference.