Craftsman Chocolate Oatmeal Stout

Brewed by: Renaissance Brewing Company
Brewed at: Blenheim, New Zealand
Type: Cocoa Stout
4.9% A/V

First Impression
I must admit I get a little excited, my heart races a few steps ahead; when I hear the words "cocoa" "oatmeal" and "stout" in close proximity to each other. A fantastic, classy glass vessel with a sophisticated label houses the elixir. A beverage as black as a coal mine on a moonless midnight.

First Sip
This stout is so good I feel like swearing! (Thanks Mr.Hewitt...)

Halfway
Having recovered somewhat from the palpitations caused by the marvelousness of the beer, the sexy bottle and the considerate label phrasing... I can now unequivocally state: Yum! This beer combines two of my palate's great temptations: oatmeal stout and dark chocolate. And the two couldn't be more happily wedded!

Bottoms Up
To die drinking beer had never crossed my mind before. But if ever I find myself in a position to select my final meal before a lethal injection, I now know what it will be.

Sorry, a tad hyperbolic there momentarily...

If you consider stout and bitter dark chocolate (and I mean north of 85% cocoa) passions; acquire one of these and celebrate something, or turn a bad day around for yourself by pouring it into a large goblet and immersing yourself in the cacophony of magnificence. As the beer warms layers of pungent dark chocolate an nuances of malt and vanilla emerge from the violent depths. If you are the hardy sort who delights in these dark pleasures you will rarely encounter a beer with the ability to capture your attention and toy with your expectations the way Craftsman Chocolate Oatmeal Stout can. Wonderful.
109/110

Paradise I.P.A.

Brewed by: Mill Street Brewery
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: India Pale Ale
7.2% A/V

First Impression
A bit of silliness on the label... Why not! "Shocking amount of hops" things are promising in Paradise...

First Sip
The simply absurd quantity of hops used while brewing has made Paradise IPA a marvelous beer.
Deeply copper, warmly alcoholic, and fully hopped.

Halfway
Lovers of IPA take note! This will hardly disappoint. As far as craft brewed IPA goes Paradise is very refined, brilliantly clear.

Bottoms Up
If you've never known the exotic pleasures of a true IPA you could do worse than Paradise IPA from Mill Street. Thick with hoppy goodness, this beer packs a big friendly punch of flavour.
78/100

Augusta Ale

Brewed by: Kensington Brewing Company
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Craft Brewed Ale
5.5% A/V

First Impression
Brown and gold gives a nice luxurious effect to the paintwork on Augusta Ale. "Drink Good Beer" boldly announced on the back of the can. It would be nice to see something similar on the back of a Silver Bullet.

First Sip
Yep. This is good beer. A hopped up hopfest of an ale. Evergreen in its hoppiness.

Halfway
Well made. Good beer indeed.

Bottoms Up
It frequently shows when someone takes the time to go that extra yard in pursuit of quality. Carbon filtered water. Just one of the things I'm sure the brewing crew at Kensington do to make Augusta just so. This is a truly craft brewed ale. Try it. It's a representative beer experience.
91/100

Sapporo

Brewed by: Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Brewed at: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Type: locally brewed international recipe
5%A/V

First Impression
Sapporo comes in the Lexus of beer packaging. This can is crafted of an uncommonly high grade of foil for a beer vessel. Looks nice too.

First Sip
Nothing overwhelming about Sapporo. Cold, bubbly, malt and hop type thing happening. A Japanese Budweiser.

Halfway
The yellow liquid is as special as a four door Honda Civic. 2005. With 225000 kilometers on it, and coffee stains on the seats. Which is to say reliable but not really inspired.

Bottoms Up
It is an impressive can to witness. But the beer is more for the ab initio set. Part marks.

45/100

Red Stripe

Brewed by: Moosehead Breweries
Brewed at: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Type: Jamaican style lager
4.7% A/V

First Impression
Classic Jamaican red and white label. Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Brewed in Saint John, New Brunswick! Back the truck up. This is supposed to be Jamaican. New Brunswick isn't even an island. This is heading downhill in a hurry.

First Sip
Ah the fresh disappointment of global capitalism in brewing! One sip and I'm feeling gassy already.

Halfway
Soulless, barren refreshment.

Bottoms up
It's as if the World Bank and the IMF stole the labels, stole the soul from Bob Marley, broke Usain Bolt's kneecaps and then sold me a can of North American maxi-brew draped in a polyester Jamaican flag. If you're going to drink Red Stripe be sure to have it on vacation in Jamaica. This Diageo copycat is brutal.

7/100

Mead Braggot

Brewed by: Trafalgar Ales & Meads
Brewed at: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Type: Mead
8.5% A/V

First Impression
This little brown jug does a great deal to evoke sentiments of medieval charm. The shield design on the label and the rest of the concept really stay true to the theme. I get all excited when there is a wire cage holding a cork in place - champagne style.

First Sip
It's only fair I think, to disclose at this point that this is the first mead I've ever had. Here it is. This is very easy drinking. Mead is made with honey, and this one is flavored with malt and hops, so there is a mild beerlike character. But mostly it's close to what I expect mead to taste like.

Halfway
I can see now why the honeymoon has been such a mainstay through the centuries. Mead is easy to drink and highly intoxicating. It's the original wine cooler!

Bottoms Up
I'm not sure it justifies the price tag, but it is fun for a change of pace. Serve it with goose, venison or boar with wild mushrooms and heirloom vegetables while romancing your favorite wench or knave.

70/100

Nicklebrook Headstock

Brewed by: Better Bitters Brewing Company
Brewed at: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Type: India Pale Ale
7% A/V

First Impression
This can looks sadly like a low quality ripoff of another Ontario craft brewers packaging theme... Anyone familiar with the Flying Monkey brewers' funkadelic packaging? I digress... let's see. This was a gold medal winner at the 2011 US Open Beer Championship? Mmm hmm. Hazy reddish copper liquid beginning to stake a legitimate claim to some degree of quality...

First Sip
Okay I take it back. I take back all the nasty things I've said about Nickelbrook. In public. Behind closed doors. Muttered into my pillow whilst sleeping. My past experience from this brewer has been somewhat atrocious. But this is possibly the finest IPA I've had. And that is saying something as I like and frequently consume this malted motif.

Halfway
Gorgeous citrusy grapefruitiness and the belly warmth of 7% alcohol are making this a one man party. And the amount of sedimentary yeast is awesome. It's providing a kind of dirty, in your face, arrogance to this amazing beer. Like when a big name Hollywood rock star type goes on Letterman with ripped jeans and a t-shirt.

Bottoms Up
The only question that this has left me with is WTF is going on with the rest of the Nickelbrook line up? Clearly somebody over there knows something about brewing! Okay Nicklebrook well done you've finally made me understand how my high school teachers must've felt. "He's a nice boy. If only he'd apply himself..."
Get on it! And fix your packaging. Honestly.

And for those of you who are inspired to try it, remember to smell it. Stick your nose right in a snifter style glass of this stuff and breathe deeply. My friends, THAT is hops.
99/100

Stiegl Bier

Brewed by: Stieglbrauerei zu Salzburg
Brewed at: Salzburg, Austria
Type: lager
4.9% A/V

First Impression
Top marks for package design. Bold simplicity. I like a beautiful can as much as the next bloke... But Austrian beer is not terribly within my wheelhouse.

First Sip
Hold the phone. This is delicious. Crisp golden beer. Confident head. Light tasting with enough malts and smooth hops to please true beer enthusiasts.

Halfway
Fantastic easy drinker of an eastern euro lager. Tasty and inoffensive.

Bottoms up
This is a great beer with which to decorate the inside of the fridge. The bold label design makes it easy to spot in a crowded cooler and the palate is genuinely crowd pleasing. Well done.

86/100

Estrella

Brewed by: C.C.Damm
Brewed at: Barcelona, Spain
Type: undisclosed
4.6% A/V

First Impression
Like a bit of old Spain embodied in a can. All red and gold, bullfighting and stunning brunettes.

First Sip
Surprisingly fresh tasting for a can shipped across the seas. Good malt presence.

Halfway
Thoroughly enjoying this! Surprised? Yes I am. I haven't considered myself a great lover of Cerveza, however this is a compelling case.

Bottoms Up
Despite its obscurity this is a reasonably well crafted beer that should provide much beer drinking pleasure to most beer drinking enthusiasts. Not outlandish in anyway just sincerely good beer.

79/100

KLB Raspberry Wheat

Brewed by: Kawartha Lakes Brewing Co.
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Flavoured Beer
4.5% A/V

First Impression
This is my sister's favorite beer so I may have had one or two of these in the past. I recall the can being better looking.

First Sip
Thinner tasting than I remember it being when my sister would bring it fireside.

Halfway
Not a lot going on. Disappointing.

Bottoms Up
Not as delicious as I recall. Where it had been a uniquely tasty,refreshing beer that seemed brewed with care and quality; it seems now to be little more than a light beer flavoured with raspberry. Perhaps I drank it before Kawartha was invaded by Amsterdam... Was about 2004 when I had it last.

58/100

Rickard's White

Brewed by: Molson Canada
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Wheat Beer
5.4% A/V

First Impression
The good folks at one of Canada's largest brewers; Molson, were early to hop aboard the microbrewery bandwagon many months ago with the introduction of Ricard's as a smaller label. Rickard's White is brewed in the fashion of the European white beers like Hoegarden et al.

First Sip
The citrus character is a little overdone for my taste. Almost fake tasting. That aside it possesses all of the other characters of the white and wheat beers of Europe but perhaps a little closer to home, played safely as big money likes to do.

Halfway
So so. One of my all time most preferred styles done too safely. Like dating the girl of your dreams and treating her like your auntie. A tragically wasteful dose of caution.

Bottoms Up
Nothing ventured nothing gained. To the bold go the spoils. Never were these adages more true. Sadly disappointing.

45/100

Erdinger Weisbier Dunkel

Brewed by: Werner Brombach GmbH
Brewed at: Erding, Germany
Type: Dark Wheat Beer
5.3% A/V

First Impression
An almost intimidating bottle wrapper on this bold German. All gold and red and brown. Rather attractive if I'm honest. Dark wheat beer? Who let the dogs out?

First Sip
Okay. Full disclosure, I've tested four-ish beers prior to this one; but "Erdinger Dunkel" has to be the silliest name worn by a bottle of beer. Kinda nutty. Kinda caramelly. Dark for a wheat beer. Shockingly light tasting.

Halfway
Very easy to get along with, Erdinger Dunkel is surprisingly gentlemanly.

Bottoms Up
Drinkable. Hints of cinnamon and allspice. Dark but light. A nice formal beer. Like a tuxedo.

82/100

Hacker-Pschorr Weisse

Brewed by: Hacker-Pschorr Bräu GmbH
Brewed at: München, Germany
Type: Weisse Bier
5.5% A/V

First Impression
I think I've had it before. Seems I haven't. Looks great. They don't put bad beer in swing top bottles. This should be good! The head on this beer is amazing. Text book.

First Sip
Not my favorite wheat beer. Oddly detecting a hint of smokiness. Pretty though! Order this if you want everyone to know you're drinking beer.

Halfway
Getting better! This is another lovable, huggable, wheat beer.

Bottoms Up
Very nice all things considered. Confession: I like wheat beer. Take everything I have to say about Hacker-Schorr Weiss with a grain of salt. It's awesome.

76/100

Crest Super

Brewed by: Crest Brewing Company
Brewed at: Bedford, UK
Type: Extra Strong Beer
10% A/V

First Impression
I find blue is a reliably appealing colour for beer vessels. Wholly mackerel. Ten percent alcohol! Golden with a gregariously white foamy head.

First Sip
Hard to place. Not offensive, contrary to the expectation a double strength beer might elicit. Surprisingly malty. Or perhaps not. I'm confused.

Halfway
Getting lightheaded. If I was in a hurry to render myself inebriated I am not any longer.

Bottoms Up
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. The shortest distance between sober and hammered is a Crest. A nice long lasting fine foam head. Not bad.

72/100

Smithwick's Draught

Brewed by: Guinness & Co.
Brewed at: St James's gate, Dublin, Ireland
Type: Ale
5% A/V

First Impression
A thoroughly polished presentation that reminds me of a freshly minted penny. If you look closely there is a little copper, okay brass, gold maybe. Anyway we are here for the beer. A very reputable name. Brewed by Guinness.

First Sip
Ah yes a proper ale! Gently bitter. Not too malty. Low effervescence. Friendly enough to spend an afternoon with or or perhaps while away the hours fireside with a few Smithwick's and some lively conversation.

Halfway
I wish I had another of these. Very nice stuff. Beer lovers this could be your other favorite beer.

Bottoms Up
Having mindlessly enjoyed great big, thirst quenching gulps, I again find myself regretting purchasing only a single of this wonderful ale. Great colour, medium brown amber. Easy bubbles. Great populist ale palate. Delicious!

89/100

Highballer Pumpkin Ale

Brewed by: Grand River Brewing Company
Brewed at: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Type: Flavoured Beer
5.2% A/V

First Impression
Oooh cheezee label! I don't know what the graphic is. A train? Highballer? Huh? Alright lets get this over with.

First Sip
Not bad! Not a caricature of a thanksgiving dessert at all! Pumpkin, spices, hops, malts. Truly decent.

Halfway
Very good. Very passable. Perhaps not the best out there, but very good nonetheless.

Bottoms Up
Overall a very enjoyable pumpkin spiced beer. The marketing effort remains a mystery. Highballer? According to the urban dictionary online a Highballer is "someone who works harder than a m______ f______."
I'm still lost. Good stuff though.

76/100

Black Creek Pumpkin Ale

Brewed by: Black Creek Historic Brewery
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Spiced Beer
5% A/V

First Impression
Another pumpkin ale! Awww Mom! Do I have to?!? It seems everyone making beer these days resorts to the big orange squash this time of year. To be fair, Black Creek is a producer of some very respectable beers from Southern Ontario. The colour of liquid pumpkin pie. Fitting I suppose.

First Sip
Not a terrible smell. But not only the most disappointing pumpkin beer I've tried but easily the worst offering to be had from Black Creek Brewery.

Half way
Thin flavour. Not only falling down as a seasonal attempt but as a beer in general. A very poor beverage by any measure. Ick.

Bottoms Up
You can't make me finish it! You can't! You aren't the boss of me! This is awful stuff. If you enjoy pumpkin beers I'd wager you won't like this one. Stick to any of the others. Trust me on this.
6/100

10 Point India Pale Ale

Brewed by: Lake of Bays Brewery
Brewed at: Baysville, Ontario, Canada
Type: India Pale Ale
6% A/V

First Impression
Nice large 750ml bottle wrapped tastefully in minimalist graphics. Poured into a drinking vessel, this is a fine looking IPA. Nice brown, amber colour.

First Sip
A really nicely stated India Pale Ale. Clean, crisp bitterness. Well rounded flavour profile fitting of a proper IPA.

Half way
Excellent balance. A wonderful beer the would be suitably enjoyed by beer lovers far and wide.

Bottoms Up
Great job Lake of Bays! Well done! At the price paid it asks a little much; but overall it's a nice beer that would be very well paired with something at dinner and shared at the table.

81/100

Harvest Ale

Brewed by: Muskoka Brewery
Brewed at: Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Type: Strong Ale
7% A/V

First Impression
I love big swing-top brown bottles. And Muskoka makes fine beer. This ought to be good!

First Sip
I knew it. Amazing. Beautiful hops. Brilliantly executed.

Half way
Absolute pleasure in a beer. The malt content is matched precisely to complement but not overwhelm the hops. Nicely brewed with the finest possible inputs.

Bottoms Up
I want to go again! I want to go again! Great beer. Period.

98/100

New Morning

Brewed by: Birrificio Del Ducato
Brewed at: Roncole Verdi Di Busseto, Parma, Italy
Type: Saison
5.8% A/V

First Impression
Fancy, fancy! A smallish, teardrop shape bottle with an English name brewed in Italy. Fascinating. The closure is an uncommonly robust crimped lift off cap; it took roughly double the effort to pry with my go-to bottle opener! Terrific orange amber colour with suspended yeast. This is a looker!

First Sip
Santa Maria Madonna! The nose on this beer rivals the finest wine. And the palate is so lively with complexity and furor it could only come from Italy! Citrus, yeast, coriander, melon, caramel, red pepper and notes perhaps of even malts and hops.

Halfway
The above mentioned symphony of sense experience is presented on a base of almost soda water drinkablility. This is a fascinatingly drinkable yet adventurous beer. A steadfast back palate bitterness is a touch distracting.

Bottoms Up
I've said more about New Morning than most other beers you'll read about here and for good enough reason! In typical Italian overdone fashion, there has been a great deal of thought and effort put into crafting this beer. It should come as little surprise to anyone that the countrymen of those responsible for things like the Lamborghini Aventador, Ducati Desmosedici, Casu Marzu and anything Ferrari would create such a beer. Cin cin!

78/100

Extra Special Bitter

Brewed by: Trafalgar Ales & Meads
Brewed at: Oakville, Ontario
Type: Bitter
5% A/V

First Impression
A kind of rudimentary label-bottle combination. These guys packaging-wise are all over the map. Good thing this isn't a marketing critique... They make fabulous beer, truth be told.

First Sip
This is another genuine article from Trafalgar! Burly bitterness showcases some amazing hop character. Fantastic stuff!

Halfway
A good solid and crisp bitterness. Very pleasantly satisfying.

Bottoms Up
A wonderful version of a rarely seen variety of beer. This is as the name implies an Extra Special Bitter. If you like full flavored hoppy beers give this one a try!

84/100

Altbeir Collaboration Ale

Brewed by: Creemore Springs Brewery Limited

Brewed at: Creemore, Ontario, Canada

Type: Altbeir

5% A/V

First Impression
Altbeir? What is Altbeir? Creemore makes good stuff but their forte is definitely lager. An ale made in collaboration with some brewing heavy hitters from the old country; this should be fun!

First Sip
Great colour. Ooh la la! C'est tres bon!
Smooth, round malts, comfortable hop toward the back. Very nice!

Half way
As good as one might come to expect from Creemore. Holds up well to slight temperature variations. This beer will only help improve Creemore's already enviable reputation.

Bottoms Up
By the end I found myself a tad disappointed. As a fan of what I consider true ales-English-I found this one to have a little too much hop bitterness for my palate's preference. Which isn't to say that this isn't a fine beer. Quite the contrary. This is a good beer from one of Canada's most respected breweries. Not familiar with the Altbeir style, my opinion is one of ignorance. Would I drink it again? Absolutely. Will I be seeking other Altbiers for comparison? Indeed.

76/100

Mister Beer Red Lager

Brewed by: me

Brewed at: my house

Type: home brewed lager

5% A/V

First Impression
At this point I've developed something of a familiarity with Mister Beer's quality products. For those who've not read the earlier reviews of these home finished beers, Mister Beer is simple to make and impressively delicious to drink!

First Sip
Once again Mister Beer comes through. Without a word of hyperbole this stuff is as good or better than many of the beers sold by the big brewers.

Half way
Very nice, honestly. Malty and slightly sweet this is a smooth drinking beer that would be just as nice along side a hotdog as with a duck confit.

Bottoms up
I'm not usually a lager enthusiast however this is one that I find I could happily have any day of the week!

83/100

Mister Beer Blonde Ale

Brewed by: me

Brewed at: my house

Type: home brewed ale

Approximately 4% A/V

First Impression
Again I'm impressed with the simplicity of this idea for a home brewed beer. Just add the yeast and in this case the the lime essence and wait.

First Sip
Wow! Cold and refreshing and once again surprisingly good for something brewed next to a broom and a bottle of bleach...

Half way
This isn't my favorite variety. It's a light summertime sort of beer. With the lime essence added during the brewing procedure it is very much like the currently popular citrus flavored light beer offerings of the major global brewing concerns.

Bottoms up
Once again Mister Beer has surprised me with exposing the brewmaster elf who is apparently hiding in my broom closet. This is a very drinkable home finished beer. Light and fruity with the festive lime essence this could well prove itself a favorite with the burgers and potato salad in the backyard type stuff.

77/100

Imperial Russian Stout

Brewed by: Wellington County Brewery Inc.
Brewed at: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Type: Russian Stout
8% A/V

First Impression
Great looking graphic. A rubber boot (AKA a "Welly") predominates this simple but appealing can. Russian Stout eh? Hold the phone! Eight percent by volume! Syrupy. That is how the pour felt to me...

First Sip
Viktor! Put down the vodka! This is incredible! Cold coffee and liqueur. Dark and delicious. As a stout properly ought to behave.

Half way
This is powerful stuff. Deep coffee and dark chocolate just as the label promises. This is an honest job of combining beer and anticipation.

Bottoms Up
Rich, sweet, bitter. I don't suggest pairings as a habit but this one with dark chocolate would be a world beating combination. Top marks.

95/100

Celt Golden Crafted Ale

Brewed by: The Celt Experience Ltd.
Brewed at: Caerphilly, Wales, UK
Type: Organic Ale
4.2% A/V

First Impression
In my humblest of well informed and impeccably rational opinions this is the best dressed beer in the universe. Matte black label with elegant white and gilded font.

First Sip
This is exactly how a light beer should taste. Full adult strength hop bitterness with a level of authentic sophistication.

Half way
Not only full flavored, but with a nicely presented hop profile featuring floral and acidic fruit elements.

Bottoms up
If you are a beer snob looking for a thoroughly enjoyable lower alcohol content beer look no further. And organic to boot! Coming from a different angle, this is one the best organic beers anywhere.

92/100

Mister Beer Brown Ale

Brewed by: me

Brewed at: my house

Type: home brewed ale

5% A/V

First Impression
Home brew. The economy is hitting us all. Just kidding. I'm flush with cash. Not. Gotta try it though! A brilliant idea for home brew. It's foolproof. Just add a yeast pill to the prepackaged wort then let it sit for ten days and bingo. Beer.

First sip
Not terrible. I added the optional hop capsule and still it's not terribly hoppy. But very good for something I brewed in my closet.

Halfway
Miraculously, this is getting good! Gooder than I imagined.

Bottoms Up
I understand this may be hard to believe, but this is actually better than you probably think. Adventurous souls do yourselves a favour and pick one of these up, follow the instructions and ten days later voila. Impress yourself!

87/100

Hawaiian Style Pale Ale

Brewed by: Spearhead Brewing Company

Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Type: Pale Ale

6.0% A/V

First Impression
I find myself somehow intrigued by the packaging presentation of this beer. Clearly Hawaiian influenced, yet I'm confused at the heritage of Hawaii's brewers, as I was unaware of a brewing history in Hawaii. And this particular beer hails from the land of ice and snow no less. Should be interesting.

First Sip
Great colour! With the characteristic haze of an authentic Pale Ale, my confusion is finding solace in these familiar and heartwarming qualities... Aloha hops! Bold, bitter up front with alluring full fruit character glowing on the back palate.

Halfway
This is a full feature length flavour bomb of a beer. As a pale ale should be!

Bottoms Up
I don't know about Hawaiian but this beer is every bit as colorful as the world's favorite volcanic island chain! If you enjoy such brewed adventures as Flying Monkey's Smashbomb Atomic IPA, Hawaiian Pale Ale ought to find favor with you and your ilk. So I just read the back label. It's made with pineapple juice. Hence, Hawaiian Style. Duh.

82/100

Dab

Brewed by: Dortmunder Actien-Brauerei GmbH

Brewed at: Dortmunder, Germany

Type: Lager

5% A/V

First Impression

A stylish, German classic of a package pattern in dark sage and ivory. More of a muted gold opposed to the bright gold of traditional German lager insofar as the liquid's hue.

First Sip
Very well balanced for a beer whose peers are often starkly bitter to the point of being metallic with hop influence.

Halfway
One of the easiest drinking of the eastern European set.

Bottoms Up
I don't often envision making an afternoon of drinking German beer but Dab is an exception. Balance and quaffability are the hallmarks of this delightful Teutonic tonic.

79/100

10W30

Brewed by: Neustadt Springs Brewery
Brewed at: Neustadt, Ontario, Canada
Type: Dark Ale
5.5% A/V

First Impression
I've always been strangely repelled by the look and/or name of this beer. As a fan of dark malty ales, this should have been a beer that would have caught my eye earlier... Alas I have been avoiding it for some subconscious reason that my psychiatrist might have to help me with...

First Sip
Dark and brooding. 10w30 is deep with complex malts.

Halfway
10W30 is a very friendly beer that has an odd, some might say threatening name. This beer is a genuine article.

Bottoms Up
To be honest, this beer is the color of old fashioned motor oil, hence the name I imagine... However it is far more delicious. What this 10W30 is; is a thoroughly satisfying, heavily malted dark ale that is worthy of the considerations and affections of any true beer drinking enthusiast.

85/100

Carlsberg

Brewed by: The Carlsberg Breweries
Brewed at: Copenhagen, Denmark
Type: Lager
5% A/V

First Impression
Big green can for a big international brew. Global marketing in effect...
By appointment, to The Royal Danish Court dontchaknow...

First Sip
Meh. It's a known fact that you have to spend money to sell things that don't sell themselves. Carlsberg spends a few shekels on marketing every year and for good reason.

Halfway
Oh heavens! Clumsy me! I've poured it in the sink! Boo hoo...

Bottoms Up
Ah it's okay I suppose.

63/100

Hockley Amber Ale

Brewed by: Hockley Valley Brewing Company
Brewed at: Orangeville, Ontario, Canada
Type: Canadian Amber Ale
4.2% A/V

First Impression
There are some things that inspire confidence by their very appearance; and like Pavlov's dog I'm salivating at the familiar Hockley label design.

First Sip
Oh hello handsome! Rich malts punctuate the first sip of Hockley Amber Ale. Surprise, surprise my favorite style made but a reputable brewer, and I'm enjoying it!

Halfway
Losing me a little through the middle. A strong start doesn't always guarantee a good performance.

Bottoms Up
A pleasant enough beer from Hockley. Good as it may be it is by no means my favorite from this accomplished brewer.

70/100

HogsBack Vintage Lager

Brewed by: HogsBack Brewing Company
Brewed at: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Type: Vintage Lager
5.2% A/V

First Impression
I've never had a vintage lager before! New experiences are one of the greatest things in life, so this is exciting!

First Sip
Tasty, smooth. Dense with quality hops, and slick malts.

Halfway
The magic in this brew is the way the malt and hops have been fused into a wonderful lager singularity. The marriage of the two in this case is incredible.

Bottoms Up
A very nicely orchestrated lager to be sure! Rich flavours for the true beer enthusiast without going totally crazy, this vintage lager will likely be enjoyed by most.

88/100

Iron Spike Blonde

Brewed by: Railway City Brewing Company
Brewed at: St Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Type: Ale
4.3% A/V

First Impression
There's a saying about an apple not falling far from a tree. Dead Elephant is brewed by these guys and it's great stuff.

First Sip
Light tasting but definitely tasting! Yummy! Gentle malts, subtle hops, considerately combined for maximum benefit of all.

Halfway
Oddly a little nutty... Does that make any sense?

Bottoms Up
Light yet filling. Not a blonde that holds ones interest for more than a few minutes but then again was there ever one?

71/100

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Brewed by: Stroh Canada
Brewed at: Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Type: A beer perhaps...
4.9% A/V

First Impression
Classic all-American red, white and blue label. Another good-old'-boy Yankee brew... Whatevs...

First Sip
Holy Hannah. An atrocity against fermentation. This is reminiscent of what you might expect the mop used behind a bar to taste like if one was unfortunate enough to be walloped in the face while ones mouth was open...

Halfway
Coor's Light giving itself a hernia trying to emulate beer...

Bottoms Up
Awful stuff. Only to be consumed under the direst of emergency circumstances.

35/100

Efes Pilsener

Brewed by: Anadolu Efes Brewery
Brewed at: Istanbul, Turkey
Type: pilsener
5% A/V

First Impression
Very handsomely presented light metallic blue and white can. Never had a Turkish beer. This will be a treat!

First Sip
Light, gently sweet. Easy peasy.

Halfway
Low key. Not out to show anyone up. Efes quietly goes about pleasantly quenching thirsts without ruffling feathers.

Bottoms Up
Peacefully enjoyable. A light tasting pilsener that is best enjoyed during hot weather.

74/100

Spaten München

Brewed by: Spaten-Franziskaner-Brau
Brewed at: Munich, Germany
Type: Lager
5.2% A/V

First Impression
Very traditionally European looking, Spaten could be a prop beer on film. The main character's enter the thatched roofed, rural German pub and order "Zwei bier bitte..." as two Spaten's are placed abruptly on the oak bar in the background.

First Sip
Nice. Sweetly cushioned hops with generous malt. Still, unmistakably German.

Halfway
These sorts of beer aren't my favorites, but that isn't to say that I'd turn down a Spaten as a habit.

Bottoms Up
Another well made, blend in with the menge, brewed libation from the home of Octoberfest. If you find yourself looking for something to wash down a sauerkraut laced sausage on a bun while the sweet polka melodies fill your ears Spaten might suit the occasion.

73/100

Kellerbier

Brewed by: Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd
Brewed at: Creemore, Ontario, Canada
Type: Medieval Style Lager
5% A/V

First Impression
It's always exciting when I find a beer brewed in a traditional style by a reputable brewing concern. Like so many wonderful experiences in life there is an element of danger. These beers are in a fashion that essentially allows the brewmaster to let it all hang out. For better or worse... Hence my excitement. I like watching auto racing for the crashes as much as the next guy...

First Sip
I am rising out of my seat in ovation. This is a fabulous beer. Hazy, deep amber, low effervescence. My heart is all a-flutter.

Halfway
As enjoyable as a tour of parts of Europe. Which is to say the sort of thing that is life enriching. Which is to say really good.

Bottoms Up
Well intended, well crafted, well worth pouring into a glass under under nearly all circumstances. Top marks.

96/100

Creemore Premium Lager

Brewed by: Creemore Springs Brewery Ltd.
Brewed at: Creemore, Ontario, Canada
Type: lager
5% A/V

First Impression
I like the low-key packaging that Creemore has stuck with over the years. The most adventurous element is the saffron yellow pin striping along the cream and sky blue label. Pleasingly understated. The beer itself is a nice mid-amber liquid.

First Sip
I have to say, Creemore is solidifying my opinions that ales are superior to lagers. Not because it's bad. Quite the contrary. It self proclaims as "premium" and more closely resembles an ale than just about any other pure lager I've tasted. Complexity and layered flavour make this a fun one to enjoy.

Halfway
Yum. Me. This stuff is delicious. Hoppy, malty, a terrific beer in just about every regard.

Bottoms Up
If you haven't tried Creemore Premium Lager do yourself a solid a pick some up. It's worth the price of admission.

88/100

Corona Light

Brewed by: Cerveceria Modelo
Brewed at: Mexico
Type: light lager
3.9% A/V

First Impression
You don't mess with an icon I guess... Corona Light is presented in the same painted glass bottle as it's big brother... Corona is not a terribly heavy beer as it is, so a light version is intriguing.

First Sip
Consumed in the ceremonial bottle with lemon wedge stuffed down the neck, Corona Light is every bit as refreshing as the regular version.

Halfway
Absolutely as enjoyable. They may have shaved a few points off the old alcohol count but they've maintained the heart and soul of a classic Mexican summertime champ.

Bottoms Up
Ironically, I am not much of a beer drinker... I do enjoy a beer, however it is a rare occurrence that I genuinely want more than one of a particular beer at a sitting. Mark the calendar, this is one of those moments...

76/100

Heineken

Brewed by: Heineken Brouwerijen
Brewed at: Amsterdam, Holland
Type: Lager
5% A/V

First Impression
Heineken brews beer too! I thought Heineken was an international sports sponsorship group... But beer eh? Let's have a go! The container looks nice. I was right! There's a "Munich Final 2012" logo on the back of the can.

First Sip
A true easy drinking lager from Holland! Gentle malt sweetness with a touch of bitterness to keep it honest. This is turning out to be a novel and delicious way to promote international soccer!

Halfway
Tastes a heck of a lot like beer, no doubt it's a popular one, might even be as popular as soccer with any luck!

Bottoms Up
Aside from my four-year old on a saturday morning I won't be watching soccer any time soon. But I'd certainly welcome the offer of a Heineken any day! Easy drinking, great on a hot day, ticks all the boxes for a nice enjoyable beer!

77/100

Stella Artois

Brewed by: InBev Belgium
Brewed at: Brussels, Belgium
Type: Lager
5.0% A/V

First Impression
Stella Artois. Brewed in Belgium since 1366! A very appealing presentation, bottled in green glass with a regal looking paper label. In a clear glass drinking vessel this beer is every milliliter a classic European lager. Golden hued, bond white head and a crisp effervescence.

First Sip
As cold as this one was, the fragrance of a true Belgian lager was yet unmistakeable. Precisely balanced hop bitterness and malt sweetness combined lightly, almost delicately to make a really refreshing beer.

Halfway
Solidly reliable, good overall quality, just not terribly adventurous. Which depending on what your tastes are, this might be a good or bad thing.

Bottoms Up
Not adventurous, but that is not to say dull necessarily... Stella Artois is pleasant enough. Satisfying and refreshing, it is a very popular beer for good reason.

79/100

Crazy Canuck

Brewed by: Great Lakes Brewery
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Pale Ale
5.2% A/V

First Impression
Crazy Canuck couldn't appear more cheezy if it came with a pair of snowshoes. The label has maple leaves, a loon and the quintessential Canadian winter headdress; a toque.
Despite the caricature label Crazy Canuck brings its "Eh-Game" once opened! Terrific floral hop aroma, luxuriant head and a bold haze indicate this pale ale is done fooling around...

First Sip
An incredible presentation of hops, and a strong clean bitterness make this a truly entertaining pale ale! Deeply delicious and somehow still refreshing!

Halfway
A quality product always maintains a high level of performance. This is no different! Crazy Canuck is definitely good stuff!

Bottoms Up
Crazy Canuck is one of those beers that rather than calling on hops to add something to the beer, itself becomes an homage to the brilliant palate of flavor hops can produce. Crazy Canuck is not one for those who prefer their beer to come with a t-shirt or tasting like lime or iced tea. Crazy Canuck is for those hale and hearty souls who appreciate hand-crafted quality ale.
91/100

Faxe Premium Lager

Brewed by: Royal Unibrew
Brewed at: Faxe, Denmark
Type: Lager
5% A/V

First Impression
A handsome enough can. No mistaking it for anything else. The graphics are pure "beer label". A great gold colored beer, with a head that seemed to disappear as fast as the girls I went to high school with used to...

First Sip
The typical sort of German or Pilsner hoppiness only better! A satisfying concoction of malted barley and hops.

Halfway
The sharp hop bitterness characteristic of other European lagers is making an appearance halfway through this beverage. A nice sweet undertone. As good as about any of a dozen or so other lagers from Germany, Czech Republic, et al. Not terribly inspired.

Bottoms Up
A reasonably decent beer. Definitely not awful. Not really distinctive either however. Faxe just Sort of blended in with the European crowd without making too much of a fuss. Not that that's a bad thing for a beer to do...

77/100

Mill Street Organic Lager

Brewed by: Mill Street Brewery
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Lager
4.2% A/V

First Impression
Snazzy! Clear glass with a minimalist label and classic lift-top. Very yellow...

First Sip
Just a tad sweet, light malt and hops combine for a very enjoyable opening act.

Halfway
This is a terrific organic beer! Really refreshing, Mill Street Organic is a wonderfully grounded, everyday beer.

Bottoms Up
Give this one a try! Even if "organic" isn't your thing, yet you enjoy beer there really isn't much to complain about with this one. Every bit as drinkable as your favorite light lager, the slightly lower alcohol content and laid back attitude of Mill Street Organic make it an all around winner.
92/100

Kaiser

Brewed by: Brau Union Österreich AG
Brewed at: Linz, Austria
Type: Lager I suppose...
5%A/V

First Impression
A proud looking can. Abundant with what presume to be Austrian text, my hopes for a razor sharp Euro-style lager are piqued.

First Sip
Bitter? Yep. Hoppy? Indeed. Disappointing somehow? Oddly yes but I can't really put my finger on why...

Halfway
My earlier disappointment has faded. This is looking very much like a reliable pilsner style beer. Think multipurpose...

Bottoms Up
This review was conducted at my top-secret lager assessment facility located deep in the Ontario cottage country. The beer itself went very well with the bright sunshine, the gentle breeze and the sounds of floating golf balls been driven into a lake from a dock.

71/100

Muskoka Craft Lager

Brewed by: Muskoka Brewery
Brewed at: Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada
Type: Lager
5% A/V

First Impression
Muskoka is one of those breweries that I've come to expect good things from. Craft Lager eh? Let's have a go...

First Sip
Fantastic! Craft Lager has that fresh bread quality that is occasionally found in the best, freshest beer available.

Halfway
Great balance, hops, malts, everyone pulling together for a fantastic outcome.

Bottoms Up
Muskoka Brewery does indeed craft a wonderful Craft Lager. Malty, with just the right level of hop accompaniment, Craft Lager manages to be refreshing, flavour forward and easy drinking.

87/100

Dead Elephant India Pale Ale

Brewed by: Railway City Brewing Co.
Brewed at: St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
Type: India Pale Ale
6.5% A/V

First Impression
Named due to the infamous death of P.T. Barnum's famed Jumbo in the same town where this beer is brewed. A cool looking can.

First Sip
Whoa! Hoppy times ahead! Full hop flavours, nice clean bitterness. Giddy up Jumbo!

Halfway
Loaded with flavour. This beer is living up to it's namesake.

Bottoms Up
A full bodied, powerfully hopped brew , Dead Elephant will please beer drinkers who prefer the big burly beers. The name is more than a local coincidence.

79/100

Ambre de la Chaudière

Brewed by: Mill Street Brewery
Brewed at: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Type: Traditional French Style Ale
7% A/V

First Impressions
Looks like Mill Street might be stepping out of their element with this one. A strong, Farmhouse style originating from northern France...
This could be very interesting!

First Sip
Oh yeah! Me likey! Low effervescence, yet rich with a complexity of flavours. Dried peaches come to mind! Fun, fun!

Halfway
A wonderful traditional style, executed just on the friendly side of perfect.

Bottoms Up
Mill Street Brewery must be staffed strictly by Mensa members. This beer and so many others are amazing. But this one is very good a far as I'm concerned and since this is strictly an exercise in me pronouncing my opinion; this is a great beer. Not at all like most main stream beers, Ambre de la Chaudière is flat and tastes unlike anything which might be sold in more than two countries. What it represents though is a centuries old technique of turning grain and water into something more marvellous than bread.

99/100

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen

Brewed by: Paulaner Brauerei GmbH
Brewed at: München, Germany
Type: Wheat Beer
5.5% A/V

First Impression
I've never seen so many people on a beer label. Quick head count... 18 human likenesses on this bottle. Plus it's German. So it must be good.

First Sip
Boy howdy! This is a nice wheat beer or weiss bier as the manufacturer refers to it.

Halfway
Truly enjoyable. I'm detecting a hint of sweet banana. Odd but nice.

Bottoms Up
Eighteen people on the label could hardly be wrong! One of the nicest unadulterated wheat beers out there.

91/100