Just wanted to bring everyone's attention to a cool seasonal that's out right now in Ontario (and maybe elsewhere, but I'm not sure). It's from Muskoka Brewery and it's a double chocolate cranberry stout. They come in 750mL bottles and are definitely tasty. I bought 2 bottles at the LCBO in Sault Ste. Marie at $9.95/bottle...a little pricey but very unique and different and from an Ontario microbrewery which I definitely support.
To see if your local LCBO carries this beer (or any other alcoholic beverage), check out their product browser:
Love Phillips, Lighthouse Brewing the best however. The Lighthouse Race Rocks is exceptional. Hoppy, creamy and all in all a stellar brew.
In all honesty, my fav beer of the last few years has to be Sierra Nevada Pale Ale out of California. I know it is not Canadian, but MAN that stuff is good.
=)
I've been wanting to try Lighthouse, where do you find it? I've never seen it in stores on the mainland.
I've been wanting to try Lighthouse, where do you find it? I've never seen it in stores on the mainland.
That is a good question?
It is an EXCELLENT beer, and worth it if you can find it. I know or believe it is sold on tap in and around Vancouver, but in cans, hard to say? I bet if you call the brewery they will be able to tell you if and where it is sold.
They are still a pretty small operation, which is good and bad. Good because you get hands on quality, bad because availability is sometimes hard. I know Paul the owner and brewmaster personally, great guy... he really knows his stuff.
The best part, you can literally drink yourself silly on Lighthouse (Race Rocks Ale especially) and NOT get a hangover. It is amazing... drank 17 one night, went to bed at 3 AM, up by 8, 5 hour mountain bike ride after in 25+ heat. lol
They also make a stellar IPA...talk about hoppy goodness!
I'm a big fan of Tree Brewing in Kelowna! They make an ale called Thirsty Beaver! Good stuff! Also, Vancouver Island Brewery is a good one here. Lot's of variety in BC for sure.
...what is the deal with Provincial beer distribution laws? When I am in NS the selection is terrible. Do breweries need produce in the province they intend to sell the beer in?
Not any more...
My favs from a Macro standpoint (something I can find & enjoy anywhere in the country):
Rickards Dark, Creemore & Pil
Some of Mexican brands: Pacifico & Negra Modello
Big Rock Trad
Any Granville Island brew
Tried Brewsters, has good beers but there is potential to do MUCH better...dirty glasses, terrible pouring by bartender (dunked faucet in beer - major issue with me) and a bad gas mix (beer was lacking co2 - prob on a mixed cylinder).
Also to whoever said about Big Rock and its distribution, just heard that they are going out east now with Kegs...there are limited cans/bottles already in places, but Quebec is supposed to be getting Kegs soon.