Quebec Crackling Cider

Cidrerie St-Nicolas Pom'Or Tradition Crackling Cider, Quebec

So interesting for me to try something totally new and different. I don't drink much cider, I don't know much about cider. When we were still in school, my friend used to buy cans of Strongbow - I remember it as being little more than fizzy and fruity. This should be a proper one. From La belle province, bottled with an exposed mushroom cork. Very pale colour, with a waxy, apple-y nose. Some pear too, soft and slightly muted. Some sweetness on the palate, a refreshing though simply style. Very interesting indeed. And now I know a little bit more about cider.

DF

St-Ambroise Pale Ale

St-Ambroise McAuslan Pale Ale

This is a great brewery. St-Ambroise produces so many beers that I love - their stout is a recent favourite. This pale ale is an old standby, all rich malt, good hops, round character. Great beer with food.

DF

Ontario Oatmeal Stout

Brasserie McAuslan Brewery St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout

I love stout. Just love rich, thick beers. Yes, I'm a Guinness man. I like St. Ambroise - really enjoyed their pale ale. Took the advice of the gent at the Beer Store - unfortunately, this is brewed in Quebec, so it doesn't fit in to my search for an Ontario beer. But, I was really tempted. Really tempted. Because this beer is spectacular.

Dark colour, soy sauce. Mousse is brown, very fine. Has all the incredible roasted character I'm looking for in a stout, deliciously bitter espresso, caramel aromas and flavours. Long finish. This beer is wonderful - stout is one of those beers that people have a hard time understanding, which is a shame. A profound beer, that dammit, is not from Ontario.

Still on the search for a profound Ontario beer.

DF