So a lot of people are familiar with the name “Jumbo” the Elephant, but a lot of people (myself included), couldn’t have told you where the name comes from. Jumbo was one of PT Barnum’s circus elephants, and he was made famous when he died at a rail-yard in St. Thomas Ontario. The story PT Barnum propagated, was that he died saving a baby elephant, Tom Thumb, from being hit by a train. Pretty well all eye-witnesses agree Jumbo was simply killed in an accident involving a freight-train that wasn’t properly flagged on entering the yard. Railway City has this page with some facts on Jumbo. Incidentally, the word Jumbo (meaning “Big”) entered the English language because of Jumbo the elephant, who was given the name by his original London keepers. The name is a mix of the Swahili words “Jambo” (meaning “Hello”) and “Jumbe” (meaning “Chief”). Railway City Brewing, located in St. Thomas, named Dead Elephant after Jumbo, giving a big beer a big name.
Dead Elephant Ale - Railway City Brewing
First I should say, this is one of the most interesting beer labels in Ontario. Nice design, very true to the circus-themed brew. I’m impressed. And you cannot under-value the aesthetic value of a good label. From a 500ml bottle with a freshness date (made on date!) the beer is a dark honey orangey/brown colour. A bit of head dissipates pretty quickly to a thin film and a nice ring. Aroma is piney hops, with a touch of grapefruit peel, and some malts in the background. Tasty is immediately hops, again, piney and citrus, though not as dominant as the aroma would lead you to believe. There is a good does of warm roasty grains adding a dose of sweetness on the finish, which is simultaneously sweet, with a nice bitter hop. It’s actually bigger in body then I expected or remembered, but is not cloying. I could drink this beer all night (wish I had enough to do so, damn LCBO closed on holidays). I actually drank the first 5 or so of these I bought to review, it took a lot of effort to actually do this one, and I’m glad I left it to last. Great brew, Railway city, thanks.
I regularly describe myself as an "ardent supporter of beer", which pretty well sums it up. While I'm not working or busy being a husband and dad (okay, honestly, sometimes while I'm doing those things), I am drinking beer, attending events, visiting pubs, and thinking about beer. I work at Castro's Lounge, my local bar in the Beach, where I host beer events and take part in most things beer-related.
12 Comments
I hear nothing but good things about this beer (and Railway City Brewing). I was disappointed in not finding one during a recent foray East to Ontario.
Good on ya for the blog, I’ve ruined my work-morning reading it. I wish there were more hosers in the beer blog world. And reviewing Coors light with a picture of a garbage truck behind the bottle? Classic.
I hear nothing but good things about this beer (and Railway City Brewing). I was disappointed in not finding one during a recent foray East to Ontario.
Good on ya for the blog, I’ve ruined my work-morning reading it. I wish there were more hosers in the beer blog world. And reviewing Coors light with a picture of a garbage truck behind the bottle? Classic.
Bard,
Yeah, this is quite a good beer. Iron Spike Blonde didn’t set my world on fire, but Dead Elephant rocks.
Glad you found the blog and are enjoying it, I’m now doing the same with yours. Quite an ambitous project, if I do say so. You’ve been added to the links!
Bard,
Yeah, this is quite a good beer. Iron Spike Blonde didn’t set my world on fire, but Dead Elephant rocks.
Glad you found the blog and are enjoying it, I’m now doing the same with yours. Quite an ambitous project, if I do say so. You’ve been added to the links!
I really enjoyed the Dead Elephant as well. The rest that railway city brews not so much.
@Bard….very ambitious blog!
I really enjoyed the Dead Elephant as well. The rest that railway city brews not so much.
@Bard….very ambitious blog!
I have it on good authority that this summer, the summer of 2011 (Father’s day weekend to be exact), there will be a Blues, Brews, and Barbecues event being held at the CASO station in St.Thomas. (http://narhf.org/)
This event will encourage people from all over to sample a large variety of beer, whilst listening to some local blues performers and eating some wonderfully barbecued ribs and such. Railway City Brewing Co. will be there for sure, they support our railway heritage and love to share their beer!
I will try to remember to come back and post more info as I get the exact details. Us friendly folk in St.T love it when the city slickers visit *lol*
Railway City Brewing Co. (http://www.railwaycitybrewing.com/) is also open for tours and tastings of their limited run beer varieties.
I have it on good authority that this summer, the summer of 2011 (Father’s day weekend to be exact), there will be a Blues, Brews, and Barbecues event being held at the CASO station in St.Thomas. (http://narhf.org/)
This event will encourage people from all over to sample a large variety of beer, whilst listening to some local blues performers and eating some wonderfully barbecued ribs and such. Railway City Brewing Co. will be there for sure, they support our railway heritage and love to share their beer!
I will try to remember to come back and post more info as I get the exact details. Us friendly folk in St.T love it when the city slickers visit *lol*
Railway City Brewing Co. (http://www.railwaycitybrewing.com/) is also open for tours and tastings of their limited run beer varieties.
Is this beer available for purchase? If so, where?
Is this beer available for purchase? If so, where?
G, check out:
http://lcbo.ca/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=175356
for product availability at the LCBO. Also, if you find yourself in St Thomas, I’m pretty sure you can always get it at the brewery.
Hope you find some near-by.
G, check out:
http://lcbo.ca/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=175356
for product availability at the LCBO. Also, if you find yourself in St Thomas, I’m pretty sure you can always get it at the brewery.
Hope you find some near-by.