Neustadt 10W30 Finally in Cans

Val Stimpson, part owner of Neustadt Springs Brewery in Neustadt, ON has been keeping Ontario beer drinkers up to date with blog comments over at the OCB website regarding their canning problems.

10W30, described by Neustadt as a brown English ale, was originally planned to be released in 473ml cans by late August. But because of holdups and LCBO regulations, the cans didn't hit the shelves on time. We hadn't heard from Val on the issue since her last post on June 21st, so it was a surprise to see the sleek and attractive cans at my local LCBO. The 5.5% brew retails for $2.50 a single can.

The beer has won two awards since its inception into the Neustadt family that include a silver medal at the 2004 World Beer Cup and a silver medal at the 2004 Canadian Brewing Awards. It pours a see thru mahogany colour with a thin head that lingers around for a bit. A toasted malt aroma with hints of caramel, raisins and a touch of chocolate spill out the top of the glass. It's a nice choice for a lighter red meat pairing like hamburgers, due to the small bitterness of the beer. It's hard to describe the taste of this one. Slight roasted malt provides a caramel flavour with a bit of licorice and touches of chocolate. Easy on the palate, nothing overwhelming, a slight hop presence and easily drinkable.

There is a trend going on in the brewing industry as more and more breweries are offering tall cans in single units at the LCBO for under $3.00. Great Lakes Devil's Pale Ale has been very successful in doing so. Is this something that more Ontario Craft Brewers should be looking into?? I don't know, but I do know that canned beer sales continue to rise in Canada. I personally prefer to purchase my beer in bottle form, unless something great is only offered in cans, but if it helps cut down on costs which can then be put back into the brewery to create more unique and palate quenching brews - I'm all for it.

Good to see Neustadt succeed.