Alexander Keith's: Cascade Hop Ale

     Ok whats the big deal here Mr. Spilly Talker?  Alexander Keith's Brewery has come out of nowhere with two brand new and under the radar Ales called Hops Series.  I was excited to find these guys stocked in the feature section at the LCBO last night while on my journey to fill my beer fridge.  Good ol' Keiths has been a staple of mine for many years now and I've even enjoyed their adventures into Red Amber Ale and Premium White alike.  Its nice to see them try something a little different with these two Hops specialty series beers as it does sometimes seem that this brewery has conformed to the norm by putting out products that appear to compete directly with Rickards.  Yeah I went there.


     What does Cascade Hop Ale have to offer?  I've brewed a few beers at home using Cascade hops so I'm quite familiar with the taste and aroma that it brings to the table.  If used correctly it can make for one pleasurably spicy and floral hop experience.  This Hops series ale starts off with a playfully fresh and spicy aroma.  Good so far.  Its colour is a transparent rusty copper gold with a mild foamy head.

     Upon first taste, I realized that this beer was still an Alexander Keith's IPA.  It hit me RIGHT away.  Its not as daring and in your face as I was expecting to find.  It honestly tastes exactly like what an Alexander Keith's IPA should actually taste like if it were more of an IPA.  *Add bitterness!*

     On a side note, if you haven't really explored the REAL world of IPA's, Keith's IPA is basically the most commercially viable version of the genre.  Its decent and gets the job done, but its not a very bold example of the beer style.  I could say that I drive a Tiberon and its a sports car, but its not like its a Ferarri.  Its lightly mild bitterness is a watered down specimen but easy on the palette.  When it comes to a true IPA, bitterness is king.

     Anyways, this ale is refreshing and its different enough to get my attention.  It still has the signature Keith's taste but its more refined and gingerly tip toes the line of big brewery and true craft attitude.  I really felt that this beer was my regular Keiths India Pale ale but with Cascade hops substituted for whatever hop blend that they normally utilize in the recipe.

     I expected more from this beer but then again I've unwillingly become a beer snob.  If I were on the outside looking in, this beer would be the one that makes me think that there are more interesting beers out there then all the Molson and Coors garbage. This beer would likely be the one that really twists my arm into exploring true craft beers.

     I like you Alexander Keith's, but you can be more daring then this.  Good effort and thanks for trying something new.  I enjoyed your Cascade Hops Ale and its worth a grade of C- in my book.  Remember that part in the movie Blow where Johnny Depp is in jail and he meets that guy who introduces him to the "wonders of cocaine?"  Well this is the Keiths brewery equivalent of having the right dream but with the wrong product.


Check out more from Keith's Hops Series here

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Caledonian Brewery 80/-

     Taking some inspiration from my fiancé's homeland, I have decided to look across the pond at microbreweries in Scotland. Scotland's capitol city Edinburgh (pronounced Ed-in-brah) is a beautiful city that is the proud home of The Caledonian Brewery. The brewery dates back to the late 1800's and has a history of producing some of Scotland's finest beers.  Its diverse story includes a number of different owners, investors, and ultimately becoming an independent brewery underneath the Heineken umbrella.

Today we talk about Caledonian 80/-. The name 80/- refers to the strength of the beer.  For instance,  40/- for lighter ales ranging up to strong beers around 90/-.  This particular beer is about as traditional as a Scottish Ale can be.  It pours a rusty copper hue with a gentle frothy head. It's taste is robust and forward with touches of caramel in conjunction with very subtle hints of citrus hops and a smooth malt finish. This ale does indeed have a traditional character.

Extend your taste buds and try a fine Scottish ale. This classic pint does not require modern day uniqueness to assert itself as a fine ale.  Well worth a try, and very much deserving of a C rating.


Learn more about the Caledonia Brewery at http://www.caledonianbeer.com/

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Great Lakes Brewery: Devils Pale Ale

     I typically drive past the Great Lakes Brewery twice a day. Its visible from the highway on my daily commute and adorned by huge banners advertising their seasonal brews. I really haven't committed myself to exploring their beers in great depth thus far.  In fact, the only one of their brews that I've tried was their pumpkin ale and I really was not a fan of it.  Sorry guys, its not you its just that I don't really like pumpkin ale.  But now is a chance for redemption.

     So let's look at Great Lakes Brewery Devils Pale Ale.  My first impression on the design of the can is that EVERYTHING has a devilish influence.  666 is all over the can and it flows through the recipe of the beer as well.  Lets look at the writing on the tall boy:

                 "The Devil Made Me Brew It! Brewed for 66.6 minutes with 666kg of malt and 6.6kg of hops, Devil’s Pale Ale is   
                   a robust ale weighing in at 6.6% alcohol."

     Design wise, EXCELLENT job on keeping the devils theme throughout the recipe and carrying it through into the branding.  A worthy achievement and something to celebrated.

On with the profile.  Its aroma offers hints of citrus (close to grapefruit) wrapped with bold earthy tones.  Its colour is a dark amber/brown with a creamy off white and dense head that seems to last forever as the pint goes down.  

     As for the flavour: its a delicious combination of malts that is reminiscent of Neustadt Springs 10w30.  Its full flavoured with pungent caramel maltyness that goes down fresh without a bitter aftertaste.  Its truly a bold beer and packs 35ibu's of bitterness.  Its also a fairly strong at 6.6%.

     This beer has very much redeemed my outlook on The Great Lakes Brewery. I enjoyed this beer and its definitely worth investing in a pint of it.  Great character, exceptional uniqueness (e.g.. branding, recipe etc.) and highly enjoyable.  I rate this beer a firm "B" rating.

Check out more from The Great Lakes Brewery at http://www.greatlakesbeer.com


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Creemore Springs Kellerbier

     Kellbier is a beer style that has medieval heritage and character. There are not a large variety of brewers today that still brew this style of beer, so it's always a treat when I come across it. I'm quite sure that I've had Creemore's Kellerbier in the past so this will be a review that's more like getting re-acquainted.

     If you like lagers, you'll love this beer.  Creemores Kellerbier has a pleasant and inviting aroma with floral hints. It pours a golden hazy colour with a light head. The taste is medium bodied and loaded with German whole leafs hops alongside earthy spice and citrus notes. Kellerbier has got a great character that's highly drinkable. The finish is a little on the dry side, but it was easy to go right from this beer to a different beer style without feeling like I really had the need to cleanse my palette. Now that's a good drinking buddy.


    If you like lagers and you're looking for something a little different, Creemore Spring's Kellerbier is right up your alley. I really enjoyed this beer and I'll rate it based on like-ability and character with a B rating. It's different, it's good, but don't expect to have your socks knocked off.


To find out more about Creemore Springs, check out their website at www.creemoresprings.com

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