Red Canoe Lager
CANOE Brewpub

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Red Canoe Lager is red only in name, not in colour. In actuality, it's a light daisy yellow. Its complexion is a bit murky but its tone is so bright that seeing through it is no more difficult than seeing through a clean pool. Witnessing the lacing left behind, you'd swear its head was tidal wave. In fact, it's more like glacier - it floats stationary and unshakable.

To me, few beers sound more Canadian than "Red Canoe". But this lager actually smells strikingly like the cereal-y, kind of skunky ones typical of Dutch breweries. In place of adjuncts, however, there are clean bready notes and a smearing of hops. The brewer insists it's a pilsner and the earthy pungency that comes with warmth would vouch for that.

I'll admit this seemingly ordinary beer didn't impress me at first glance.. or sniff...or taste. But emptying the second half of the bomber my opinion of it has changed from 'very average lager' to 'very enjoyable lager'. I don't know what more you could ask of this brewer: it is a quaffable and appropriately balanced example of a classic European pilsner.

It's not so much a lack of flavour that makes this lager so approachable, it's how well it's been brewed. Quality ingredients were obviously used, a proven recipe has been executed to the letter, and the beer has no off notes what so ever. It is a clean, tasteful beer that has just enough bready malt and just an inkling of bitter, zesty hop aftertaste.

You'd be surprised how often writer's block will hit when sitting down to review pale lagers. Or maybe you wouldn't. A beer that is by design light in flavour and geared for widespread appeal doesn't leave you much to describe it by. Best thing you can hope to say is that it's clean and agreeable and, indeed, this is definitely both of those things.

This is a solid Canadian lager with a healthy hop profile. The colour is bright gold with a healthy head. The nose is the weakest part of the beer with a slightly grainy skunky ester(This was a fresh bottle from the brewpub). The beer is a solid all grain lager with no pretensions of being a Czech PILS. Made for the patio or the Molson drinker who wants more I enjoy this beer for being honest to the style.(This should not be listed as a Czech Pils)

Quality craft-brewed pilsener. Nice golden colour with a good foamy, white head. Can't comment too much on the smell, as my nose is somewhat stuffed up, but from what I can tell it is a decent mix of malt sweetness and crips Saaz hops.

Decent taste. Malts backed by slightly bitter hops and an ejoyable crispness. Light floral notes. Bitter, dry and metallic on the finish.

Good mouthfeel. Seems to be a bit syrupy on the tongue at times.

Refreshing, and crisp. Drinkable. A bit ill-suited during the fall, but very nice during the summer months.

On-tap at the brew pub.

The only thing "Red" about this is the (former) communist hops! (and the colour of the canoe).

A: Golden yellow; white head, very little retention, but nice lace.

S: Saaz hops (floral & metallic), light bread & caramel.

T: Moderate hop flavour (Saaz = floral, earthy & metallic); fairly bready, light bitterness, crisp & dry finish.

M: Light to moderate body is slightly creamy; moderate carbonation.

D: Great!