Winter Solstice
Calabogie Brewing Co

473 mL can from Superstore, included in a Calabogie winter sampler pack; no canning date. Served barely chilled.

Pours a translucent pale golden colour, graced with nearly two fingers of rocky, soapy white head that lasts for more than five minutes. Gobs of lace are left in its wake, as well as a generous, sudsy collar encircling a patchy cap; it's a very attractive pale ale, I've got to give it that. I'm getting lemon-lime citrus on the nose, as well as hints of pineapple, passion fruit, melon and green onion; suggestions of grainy malts and wheat are also present.

A tasty pale ale, with fruity hop flavours dominating the front end. I'm getting a mix of melon, pineapple, orange and apricot, backed by a bready, wheaty malt backbone. Grapefruit pithiness and piney, earthy hop bitterness come through later on, concluding with a mix of citrus, pine and onion that quickly fades into a mildly bitter aftertaste. Medium in body, with moderate carbonation and a smooth, soft, pillowy mouthfeel. Good drinkability; I'm sure I'd enjoy a refill, but two would be my limit.

Final Grade: 3.93, a B+. Spring's already here, but at least I managed to review Calabogie's Winter Solstice before the summer solstice rolled around. Little victories, eh? This is an interesting hybrid pale ale - the fulfilling mouthfeel and tropical/fruity hop notes are very NEPA-esque, but that piney, bitter conclusion is much more in line with WCPA sensibilities. Sometimes that kind of contrast can lead to a dissatisfying beer that clashes with itself, but I think this one comes together very well, indeed. I'd buy this again, and if they release another batch in late 2026, I'd encourage other BAs to try it for themselves.

At my lady Pamela's house; canned and chilled, 473mL in a pint glass. From The Roundhouse Centre LCBO on Howard Ave. in nearby Windsor. No date stamp or lot number. My 5th beer from the Calabogie, Ontario brewery, and 1st for 2026. With Gracie the cat...

 

March 19 2026