Tag Archives: cask

Irish Red – Cheshire Valley Brewing

By chris | Published: January 16, 2012

Know what I like? Beer. I think that goes without saying. I am particularly fond of Cheshire Valley, the “virtual brewery” of Paul Dickey (his words). Paul makes some of my favourite beers in Toronto. His mild might well be my desert-island beer now. It’s that good. His Robust Porter (which will be arriving at your local bar this week, if your local bar doesn’t suck) is just amazing. I could go on. So when I started planning the beer selection for my mother’s 64th birthday (which she had decided would be her “big” birthday, as opposed to 60 or 65, “Will you still need me? Will you still feed me? When I’m 64″.) an immediate thought was “I wonder…. [Read More]

Posted in Beer Review | Also tagged cheshire valley, irish red ale, ontario, toronto | 1 Comment

Interview with Bill Coleman – Cameron’s Brewing Company

By chris | Published: May 21, 2011

Things seem to be in a constant state of change in the brewing scene here in Ontario. More and more breweries are trying new and exciting brews, they’re growing, not just in portfolio, but in physical size too. New faces are turning up, as demand increases. All this is excellent for beer drinkers here, who will see more excellent products available, both seasonally, and in regular distribution. I recently was able to sit down with Bill Coleman, the new president of Cameron’s Brewing Company, in Oakville. Cameron’s hosts a monthly cask event, and I was invited with a few other beer writers to come out, meet Bill, discuss where they’re at and where they’re headed, and, of course, drink some…. [Read More]

Posted in Breweries | Also tagged cameron's, cameron's brewing company, interview, ontario | Leave a comment

Happy Birthday, CAMRA!

By chris | Published: March 15, 2011

A very happy birthday from TorontoBeerBlog to all the good folks at CAMRA (http://www.camra.org.uk/). If you’re unfamiliar with CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) it’s time to get to know them. Initially a movement in the UK, promoting cask-conditioned, or “real ale”, they have grown and have branches in many countries, including Canada. They have awards for brewers and pubs that promote cask ale, and are an excellent resource for finding places to get a pint while abroad. I’ll be raising a pint of cask ale tonight in celebration, and suggest you should too. Congratulations on the last forty years CAMRA! Here’s to many many more.

Posted in Beer News | Also tagged ale, camra, real ale | 1 Comment

Cask Days – Bar Volo

By chris | Published: October 5, 2010

Just in from Ralph at Volo!!!! ABOUT CASK DAYS October has become Toronto’s annual month to celebrate cask-condition ale – a term for unfiltered, unpasteurized, naturally carbonated beer that undergoes secondary fermentation. Once tapped, cask-ale – also referred to as real ale, has only a few days to be consumed at it’s peak; we call these days ‘Cask Days’. During this time of the year, Cask Days attracts brewers from Ontario and Quebec to showcase their finest brews. This event has encouraged brewers and fans of craft beer to experiment and explore diverse styles of beer. To commence the 6th annual Cask Days, we are happy to announce that this is the biggest yet – with cask events hosted across…. [Read More]

Posted in Beer Event | Also tagged bar volo, cask days, ontario, toronto, volo | Leave a comment

$4 Pints at Volo – Toronto Beer Week

By chris | Published: September 21, 2010

After eating more seafood then a Nova Scotia Fisherman at Starfish, I hopped up to Volo to vote on the IPA cask challenge final and enjoy some $4 pints. At this point I must say: I go to Volo somewhat frequently. I’ve been to numerous events, including the epic cask days. With that in mind, let me say, Volo was RAMMED last night. So busy I didn’t bother taking out my camera, as it would have been hard to find a place to open the case. I also discovered that they had blown though the casks a long time before I arrived. The good news was, I was able to get a lovely glass of 10 Bitter Years, which made…. [Read More]

Posted in Toronto Beer Week | Also tagged bar volo, black oak, ipa, scotch-irish, toronto, toronto beer week, volo | Leave a comment

My Schedule for Toronto Beer Week

By chris | Published: September 17, 2010

So I posted my planned schedule in my calendar, but I’m just so damned excited about Toronto Beer Week, I wanted to type some stuff about it too. Plus this will be a bit more visible. So here we go: So things kick off this Saturday, with the Dieu du Ciel! party at Volo. I’ll only be there for the media portion, as I have to get myself back to the beach for dinner, then my early early birthday party (my actual bday is Oct 7). We’ll be drinking my health at Castro’s and “around”. If you want to see me drink from the boot, we’re meeting at Castro’s at 9pm. Great taps, some mighty bottles, and much fun to…. [Read More]