This wonderful English style brown ale, from Neustadt Ontario, has it’s pedigree to be sure. Winning silver in both the CBAs and World Beer Cup in 2004, the brewery’s business profile was also selected to represent Ontario in a global Invest Ontario promotion.
Served from an attractive 473ml Tallboy, with a freshness date stamped on it. Poured into a trusty Guinness tulip pint glass stolen from the Winters in Newtownards, NI. Moderate head which dissapates into a ring of bubbles pretty quickly. Dark mahogeny brown with a hint of red, and a good carbonation. The aroma is heavily grainy, with a little hit of yeast; it reminds me of a baker’s shop. Maybe a touch of an earthy hop, but the malt is forefront in the aroma. The taste is full and grainy, barley and maybe even a bit of rye? Bready and wonderful, not too sweet, still like being in a baker’s shop. The hop is still a bit earthy, but acts much more as a balance to the malts, and to provide a nice clean dry finish. Mouthfeel is smooth with a nice carbonation, but it’s not over the top. I could drink this beer all night (or day, which is a more fitting description of the current time). I had forgotten just how much I like this beer.
If you’ve never tried it, do. If you can find it on tap, all the better. Did I mention I really really like this beer?
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.
