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