There is an ever growing array of craft breweries in Ontario as evidenced at the hugely successful inaugural Real Canadian Craft Beer Festival (RCCBF) this past weekend in Niagara Falls - it rocked! Live music added to the festive atmosphere as craft beer fans tasted their way through a multitude of beer. Seems that this one day event might need to expand next year to accommodate more people and more beer tasting! Here are my picks:
Nickel Brook Brewing Co.Nickel Brook Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Naughty Neighbor American Pale Ale - Nickel Brook Brewing Co., Burlington, Tasting Notes:
For hop lovers, the huge aroma of citrus and pine greet the nose and the hops continue on the palate as hoppy flavour persists, leaving a remarkably easy drinking crisp, dry finish. We pack all this hop aroma and flavour in a brew that is only 4.9% on purpose, which leaves a hugely sessionable beer that is perfectly refreshing on hot summer days!
Lake of Bays Brewing CompanyLake of Bays Brewing Company
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Spring Maple Belgian Blonde Ale (Limited Release) - Lake of Bays Brewing Company, Baysville, Tasting Notes:
This unique beer delivers a beautiful amber colour with a slight off-white foam collar. The nose is maple with a good amount of hazelnut (noisette) accented by vanilla and caramel. After a few moments, there are aromas of cherries and just a touch of spice. The body of the beer is slightly sweet, reminiscent of caramelized apples with a nutmeg finish. There is also a slight floral taste that arrives a little late. The finish is smooth with a gentle bitterness that is surprisingly refreshing.
Brock Brewing Co.Brock Brewing Co.
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Belgian Dubbel - Brock Brewing Co. - Twenty Valley Brewers, Vineland
Launching their Dubbel (dark, complex, malty ale) at the festival, look for this brewing company to open their doors soon in Niagara. I was told they have a Munich Dunkel (dark, malty lager) in the works and have plans to make a Hefeweizen (wheat ale, also called Weissbier “white beer”) as well.
In between tasting beer, there was food to sample inside like Bavarian Beernuts, the ultra tasty Buffalo Chicken Pie I had from the Itty Bitty Pie Co, and Food Trucks outside to satisfy your appetite.
Brimstone Brewing CompanyBrimstone Brewing Company
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Midnight Mass Oatmeal Stout - Brimstone Brewing Company, Ridgeway, Tasting Notes:
An imperial stout brewed with a healthy amount of chocolate malt, seasoned with chicory. Hops: Chinook, Zeus, Centennial, Cascade (All home-grown)
Niagara College Teaching BreweryNiagara College Teaching Brewery
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
Brewmaster Stout - The Nutty Professor - Niagara College Teaching Brewery, Niagara Falls, Tasting Notes:
Let this down-to-earth malty ale complement your smooth side with its rich dark hies and thick, creamy texture. Brewed using sophisticated English tradition, this oatmeal-based Stout is the perfect full-bodied comfort for any occasion.
The Brew Box CompanyThe Brew Box Company
Photo Credit: © C. Silversides
If you did not attend this event or get your fill of beer at the festival, there is a new company launching that will send you beer according to your tastes each month, The Brew Box Company. Also the Ontario Craft Beer Week 2014 is launching Father’s Day Weekend. Cheers!