Beer in Review

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Bellwoods.
Honourary Mention to Great Lakes and Amsterdam.

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Hill Farmstead, Founders, Three Floyds, Firestone Walker, Deschutes.

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
Bellwoods Hellwoods.

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Hill Farmstead What is Enlightenment?, Kuhnhenn BB4D, Surly Darkness.

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Bellwoods. The standouts include: Hellwoods, Grandma's Boy, Roman Candle and Witchshark.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
Tried Hill Farmstead for the first time. They are truly masters of the hop.

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Got to try Bourbon County Rare and King Henry and both lived up to the hype.

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Bellwoods: I feel like I am beating a dead horse here, but these guys are world class.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Amsterdam. Once the brewpub opens, I think they will take to to the next level.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
My opinion of Flying Monkeys now versus a year ago is like night and day. They really need to step it up and translate all of that creativity in to better end products.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Still waiting for Beau's to impress me.

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
Churchill's Finest Hour, Kate the Great, HF Damon, Founders CBS (all long shots)
Bruery Black Tuesday, Bruery Melange #3, Bruery Grey Monday (will try soon)

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Dieu du Ciel (but Trou du Diable – especially their barrel-aged products - and Dunham – for their hoppy line-up - aren’t far behind)

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Hill Farmstead, Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
Benelux Grande Armada Réserve

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Cantillon Saint-Lamvinus

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Dunham entire hoppy line-up (APA, Leo’s Early Breakfast, Black IPA, Imperial Black IPA).

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
I’ve been to Hill Farmstead Brewery for the first time this year (a couple of times) and I’ve tasted their beer for the first time too. Wow!

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Got the chance to taste some highly wanted beer (thanks to some generous BA) : Cantillon Blabaer, 3 Fonteinen J & J Blauw, 3 Fonteinen Framboos 2011, 3 Fonteinen Hommage, Lost Abbey Duck Duck Gooze, Hill Farmstead Ann, Hill Farmstead Bière de Norma, Alesmith BA Speedway Stout, Bells Black Note, etc.

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Dunham. They’ve been stellar since Eloi is there.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Tilquin. Their regular gueuze is extremely well-done and they’ve released their Oude Quetsche in 2012 (I would love to try this beer!)… I hope they continue to grow and that we eventually have access to other fantastic lambic from them.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Simple Malt « S » and « OR »… maybe it’s juste me, but it’s really not my kind of beer. I’ve also been disappointed by Simple Malt way of releasing beers that weren’t good at all only for marketing purpose (ie Coucou c’est nous, Matraque, etc.).

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Founders Frangelic Mountain Brown… awful!

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
Couple of bottles that are already in the cellar : Southampton Black Raspberry Lambic, Russian River T25, Goose Island King Henry, Neil & Ross Shot in the Dark… etc.

Would really like to try the new De Dolle Stille Nacht Reserva 2010, Tilquin Oude Quetsche and at least one off Cantillon or 3 Fonteinen in 2013.

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Le Cheval Blanc, with a new brewer, a lot of hoppy offerings, they really seem to nail it

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Gotta say Geuze producers like 3F, Cantillon, Boon are really good, but Alchemist, Hill Farmstead and Lawson's Finest are my tops

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
might be Elixir celeste from dieu du ciel, one of the few beers I like from them

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
heady topper

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Pit caribou now making good american style IPA, but way too pricey at about 10$ for 660 ml

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
De molen, mikkeller, To-Ol

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
a week of brewing courses

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
dunham

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Hill farmstead

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Whole Dieu du ciel. Sweet, high alcool, cheesy offerings. Some decent beers at the montreal brewpub, but overall pretty average stuff

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Pliny the elder got totally crushed by HT in a comparative tasting...

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
Nugget nectar, more stuff from HF and Lawson's, More stuff from russian river or american sours

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERYFor the first year, I'll give the award to TDD over DDC mainly because overall quality is higher and pub experience superior. Every beer you get on draught is excellent as there is several miss from DDC. Plus, TDD food is worldclass and worth the detour alone.

Honorable mention to Albion. I don't go there nearly enough, they make the best session beers in Québec. I'd give Albion the #2 spot.

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
This is an easy pick: Hill Farmstead. They make the best saison, IPAs and wild ale. Innovation and constant quality, their beers are always stellar.

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
I've give this one to the Symbiose experience from DDC, especially the first one. Deliciously lactic.
Dunham Leo IPA, their hopppy offerings were generally very good but this one takes the cake.

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Once again this year, Fantôme Saison was my favourite beer. Honorable mentions to JJ Blauw, Struise Kabert, Hill Farmstead Jimmy, Society #2, What is Enlightenment?, Alesmith BA speedway and Heady Topper

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY

I'll go with Boquebière. I hated their beers but they made a significant improvement. I like to try their new ones but not enough to justify the hefty price tag.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
I loved everything I tried from Maine beer Co. (Zoe, Peeper, Old tom, Mo, Lunch) even if the price is prohibitive for thirst beers.

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Ticked over 50 beers (currently at 60) of the top 100.


LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Dunham also. They were very good before Eloi came on board but he could take the brewery to a whole new level. Leo breakfast was fantastic.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Hill Farmstead: as good as they currently are, we haven't seen anything yet. I can't wait to try their spontaneously fermented beers, flanders red, kriek and to participate at their premium events.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Definitly 3M BB Porter Baltique. They'll this one age cause they it was too bad. Overpriced mess. I'm pretty through with these guys actually.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Goose Island BCS Bramble Rye. Big fan of the BCS series and was looking forward to trying this one. It was a huge sweet artificial letdown.

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
I've heard some good things about Bellwoods, would like to try something from them. Also, one-off Cantillon/3F of course

 

Heh, lots of Vermont love here... 'fraid I'm no different.

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Beau's. They have hits and misses, but they're one of the leaders in Ontario. God bless 'em.

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Lawson's Finest and Fantome, both have a certain je ne sais quoi.

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
Kind of an odd one to pick, but Beau's Boom Gose the Dynamite. Under represented style. Outside of Ottawa, love Boneshaker.

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Session in the Rye, Heady Topper, Galaxy White

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Amsterdam actually, really come out of their shell. Also Ashton in the Valley. They don't get a lot of love, but I'm impressed with their lineup.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
Lawson's

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Slow beer year for me actually... first Vermont trip I guess. Made it past 400 reviews on BA, but that's not really representative

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Beyond the Pale definitely.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
I discovered The Kernel a couple years back and I'm sure they'll get more respect on this side of the ocean soon.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Have yet to be impressed with Broadhead.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Another vote for Black Albert

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY-Probaby Beau's. Have yet to be really impressed by Kichissippi and I've yet to try any Broadhead or Beyond the Pale. Brasseurs du Temps is continually doing great stuff as well.

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
-Mountain Goat, Feral, Moon Dog.

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
-I was barely home this year so I didn't drink much locally.

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
-AleSmith Speedway Stout and Cuvee van der Kaizer Blue. Both spectacular.

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
-Brothers Beer Bistro in Ottawa. Finally a place dedicated to craft.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
-Numerous pubs around Melbourne fully dedicated to craft beer. New Zealand and Australian hops are also gonna get on this list. North American brewers really need to tap this spectacular resource.

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
-Trying an insane amount of beer while bartending in Melbourne, Australia. The scene is really on the up over there. Worked an events for Sierra Nevada and Brooklyn while there as well which were very memorable experiences. Also helped out at a brew session at Holgate for a yearly release with the bar team.

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
-It's looking like Beyond the Pale will do good things. Beau's also continues to push the envelope while keeping things under control and staying true to themselves.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
-Mountain Goat. I'm really hoping their export market grows beyond California and makes it to Canada so people can try what they're doing.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
-Mill Street. The brewpub was seen as a beacon of craft beer when it opened, it doesn't seem to be doing as much as I expected.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
-Too many diacetyl bombs to count. A number of Italian beers that were just 'meh' after hearing so much about the explosion of the scene over there.

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY- Driftwood, Storm, Lighthouse, Russell

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Deschutes, Hair of the Dog, Surly

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
**Singularity**, Nectar of the Gods, Mad Bruin, Storm Imperial Flanders, Fat Tug IPA

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Westvleteren XII, Pliny the Elder, Old Rasputin, Green Flash Double Stout, Unibroue Terrible

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Russell with Nectar of the Gods and Russian Imperial Stout, Hop Therapy and others. Wow talk about stepping up their game.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
8 Wired from New Zealand. Why do we get their beer in Vancouver and why is it so good?

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Sessioned Pliny the Elder one night in San Fran. Developed a greater appreciation of the masterpiece. Never felt like too many.

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Parallel 49. I think they're serious.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Lazy Boy

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Parallel 49. Nothing REALLY good yet IMO, but lots of hype.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Grande Cuvee Porter Baltique. Keep trying it. Want to like it but always seems too thin on the mouthfeel. I'm done with it now. Nothing special IMO.

 

604Growler,
I'm gonna need some clarification on this:

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Parallel 49. I think they're serious.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Parallel 49. Nothing REALLY good yet IMO, but lots of hype.

 

I haven't tried any of Parallel 49's new lineup:

Posted from matthaslaservision

Member

New beers from Parallel 49:

A RIS called From Russia With Love

Belgian Quad-Style ( possibly barrel aged )

Saison

a barrel aged beer/mead hybrid​

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
In Ottawa there are a lot of average breweries but none that has produced a beer that has really wowed me. I'd go with Kichissippi and Beau's in a tie. Cassel would be close behind. I haven't tried anything by Broadhead or BDT yet.

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Dunham, Lagunitas, Great Lakes

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
Beau's Festivale and Kichissippi Uncle Mark Hopfen Weiss

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Dunham Leo's Early Breakfast IPA, Lagunitas IPA, Muskoka Mad Tom, DDC Solstice d'Ete, Great Lakes Crazy Canuck, Dunham Imperial Black IPA

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
Beyond the Pale. Maybe Big Rig.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Dunham. As a hophead they might be the best brewery in eastern Canada. Their new beers are really good.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Big Rig. Their offerings I've tried have all been mediocre.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Buying craft beer from a Sunoco station in Albany NY only to discover that many of the IPA's were well past their best before date. I can't believe that Racer 5 would taste like that otherwise.

 

Thanks. I used your site to figure out that the Racer 5 was from Aug 2011 and I bought it in May. Being that old and sitting on an unrefrigerated shelf explains everything.

 

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
Bushwakker Brewpub

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
Jester King is by far the FUNNEST brewery I have ever visited, and they make kick ass beer. Going back again in 6 weeks!

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
Bushwakker Saskadian Black IPA - one of the best beers they have ever made, and can't think of too many Cascadian/Black Ales I think are better... I am damn proud that I took the first cut at the recipe for it

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
Bell's Black Note (barrel aged Expedition) on tap!

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
Some new taphouses, brewpubs and stores opened in SK this year... none got me overly excited. I'm spending more and more time at the oldschool Regina German Club, so consider it a rediscovery.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
Funkwerks and Crooked Stave in Fort Collins, CO. Very cool saison and brett brewers. Looking forward to seeing Crooked Stave's new brewery in Denver next month.

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
Opening up my BJCP Judge Certification Class to the public and having it sellout very quickly.
Putting together Regina's first beer vs wine food pairing event.
Getting paid to drink beer in a public library (I ran sold-out beer tasting sessions this fall at Regina Public Libraries).

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
I suppose Bushwakker. Mitch churned out a bunch of interesting new brews this year, adding to an already enormous lineup.

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Beats me, way too many to keep track of.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
Just about anything barrel aged/sour.

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
Rogue Voodoo, Mikkeller Hop Bomb Challenge, LTM Maibock and Doppelbock. Easily stand out as the 4 worst beers I tasted this year.

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
Whatever I can get my hands on at the Arizona Strong Beer Festival in February.

 

Weird. My list would be almost identical to markaberrant's.

Jester King is the funnest brewery tour I've even been to too. Admittedly, I dont go on many tours, but this place is really really special. It would be my regular Saturday afternoon hangout if i lived in Austin.

Did you get your LTM beer in Saskatchewan or Alberta? I had the doppelbock a few years ago and thought it was good, had it this year and it tasted like pickled herring.

Really enjoyed the Saskadian, jealous of the Black Note.

 

I'm not sure what was wrong with this year's LTM Maibock/Doppelbock, they've been good in previous years, and I really enjoy their products as a general rule. Yes, these were sampled in SK on two seperate occassions from multiple bottles. I'd still buy LTM beer, but will now do so with a bit of hesitation.

I had Black Note on tap at the Walrus in Bismarck, ND. Check out their tap list, its usually very good, and they often bring in specialty releases/casks, and have done a couple tap takeovers (watch their FB/twitter). There's a couple other decent pubs in Bismarck and a pretty good bottle shop too, makes for an awesome weekend trip.

 

Can't really fill out the whole list here, as I am sadly limited to local ontario craft beer here in Stratford. But my biggest moment of the year was the 4 consecutive days of drinking at Russian Rivers Brewpub in Cali in in May. Completely changed my views on sour beer. Now I can't get enough. Supplication is the shit!!!! Beautification, Temptation and Consecration are also incredible. Is it weird that Pliney The Elder was my least favourite beer there? And its a damn good beer!

 

Yeah I usually head to Bismarck once or twice per year and stock up on stuff. I was in Minot over the holidays and was very happy to see they now sell Bell's in both of the Market Place stores. Sure, most of the cases were 2-3 months old and no sign of Expedition but it's still much more convenient for me. They also had a couple of Lips of Faith beer so.... maybe it's improving.

 

I live in Holland 11 months of the year, so this will be a little rough for me. I'll give it a shot though. Will try to keep it to Canada as well.

FAVORITE LOCAL BREWERY
- herrorara's homebrew

FAVORITE BREWERY - OTHER
- Driftwood in BC

FAVORITE LOCAL BEER
- Best Bitter's Nickel Brook Headstock IPA

FAVORITE BEER - OTHER
- Driftwood Fat Tug IPA, Half Pints Burleywine or Brasseurs Illimites Simple Malt Imperial Stout. Too tough to decide.

NEW LOCAL DISCOVERY
- Kickoff on University Ave.

NEW DISCOVERY - OTHER
- Brad and Ken

NOTABLE BEER-CHIEVEMENT
- Actually took a flight to go to a beer festival

LOCAL BREWERY TO WATCH
- I have no idea...

BREWERY TO WATCH - OTHER
Dunham in Quebec. Was lucky to have a few of their beers on tap in Montreal and was quiet impressed.

LOCAL BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED
- Amsterdam Tempest Imperial Stout

BEER DISAPPOINTMENTS / OVERHYPED - OTHER
- Was expecting more from Microbrasserie de l'ile d'Orlean for some reason.

MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO TRYING (OR HOPE TO TRY!)
- The Flying Monkeys' BNL Chocolate Stout for something local, then whatever Brad and Ken come up with for "other."

This was difficult and fun at the same time. Thanks!

Cheers,
Jeff

 

Black Note is actually a blend of Expedition and Double Cream Stout that is aged in bourbon barrels.

I agree that it is an excellent beer (although I wasn't lucky enough to try it on tap).