Georgepoolza 2009

The Cloak and Dagger was the place to be on Saturday afternoon as George Eagleson, the colourful brewer at F & M, hosted his annual get together with friends, family and close associates in the brewing industry.

For those of you who have never had the opportunity to meet Eagleson, let me tell you, he is the nicest person you'd ever meet. Sincere, energetic, hospitable and unbelievably passionate about beer; Eagleson is one of those people you love sharing stories with over some pints. He has been hosting this party for a number of years and due to bad timing on my part last year - this was to be my first Georgepoolza experience.

He greeted everyone at the door with a big hug and welcomed them into the pub, ushering them to the bar where invitees could try his Oatmeal Coffee Stout for the first time. It was fabulous. People attending the Cask Festival at Victory Cafe this weekend are in for a treat. Pitch black in colour, roasted coffee bean aromatics mingled with notes of dark cocoa with a rich and creamy mouthfeel. A medium body with very minimal carbonation, this beer was easily quaffable.

George and his partner Hannah had prepared a slideshow that captured everyone's attention. They also created some artwork made from recycled materials coming from craft brewers that were part of a raffle. All proceeds were earmarked for Habitat for Humanity.

There were many people from the Ontario brewing industry (brewers, beerlovers, beergeeks, brewerianists, writers) present all huddled together sharing their stories, trials and tribulations. I held down a booth with Cass Enright (Bar Towel) and Jonathan Graham (Cameron's - and his lovely wife) and sampled some fine beers, including Church Key's Holy Smoke (more balanced than I found last year's to be). It was a great afternoon with friends at the pub.

Unfortunately, the time to leave was approaching as I had a date with Cole's in Buffalo, so we shuffled out into the cold and headed down the QEW. More on that later.

Thanks to George and Hannah for hosting at great event. And kudo's to the Cloak staff for great service!