No, Not Another Lime Beer!

First it looked like it was going to be the summer of new Wheat beers. Keith's White, Brick Waterloo Wheat Ale, Amsterdam Oranje Wit, Cannery Apricot Wheat Ale and more, all joined the already regular wheat beers in circulation that have come to be popular during the summer months. It seemed like all the big breweries, and some smaller ones, were whipping up batches and introducing them for the first time, competing with each other on who could get theirs released the quickest, regardless of the taste. It felt like there was a new press release every week signalling the birth of a new wheat beer to a brewery's portfolio.

Then all of a sudden the lime based beers started popping in thanks to the introduction of Bud Light Lime to Canadian soil. The beer was so hyped up (don't know why - well I do, pure marketing genius to a group of people willing to believe anything) that it has, and continues to, sell extremely well. It seems other Canadian breweries witnessed the madness and decided to stake a small claim of the lime pie themselves and we are now seeing an increasing number of these beers from coast-to-coast involving big national breweries, regional breweries and even small craft breweries.

Just yesterday the Brick Brewing Company, sans' founder Jim Brickman, released their version with their Red Baron Lime. "Red Baron Lime’s taste has benefited from consumer feedback on other lime competitors and from Brick Brewing’s rich, 25-year craft brewing tradition," was one of the key points highlighted. "Ontario has a pent up lust for lime and we're going to make sure no one is disappointed this Labour Day weekend when they want to enjoy a refreshing new lime flavoured beer," said Sean Dennis, Marketing Director, Brick Brewing Company. Brick joins the already mentioned Bud Light Lime, Big Rock Light Lime Lager, Russell's Cactus Lime Lager, Moosehead Light Lime and others.

Now I'm all for experimentation, and it's always a pleasure seeing new beer styles or existing beer styles making comebacks, but come on Canadian brewers, you can do better than this! I was pouring beers for the Canadian Brewing Awards and the largest category happened to be the fruit and vegetable category with a bunch of lime one. It seems Canadian breweries enjoy producing fruit based beers. I agree that the beer landscape is improving and the small passionate craft breweries are starting to pump out some terrific, flavourful products, but I'm sick of the weekly news of new lime beers!

Thankfully Creemore's Kellerbier came along and showed us to keep believing in new beer releases that go against the mainstream marketing gimmick of the day.

**Stephen Beaumont, over at That's the Spirit, offers a DIY seminar on how to create your own lime beer. Good stuff!**

"I've Had Enough" - Nfld Reader on NLC

It's not just Ontario citizens that are upset with the way their province regulates the sale of our favourite alcoholic beverage. This Newfoundlander has had enough and decided to write a letter to his elected representatives and members of the Newfoundland Liquor Corp (NLC). Here are Frank's words - straight from the hip.

“It’s time consumers had the advantage of a market economy when it comes to beer.”

While the Ontario system is different than Newfoundland's, there are many parallels. In Newfoundland, corner stores are able to sell beer, but they are only allowed to sell domestic products. The Newfoundland Liquor Corp is a Government run monopoly, just like in Ontario. And just like Ontario the NLC gives preference to the wine consumer over the beer lover. The NLC's website shows around 120 individual beer brands (187 brands minus the 70 or so same beers in other packaging sizes). The NLC website shows 2515 different wines (only about 40 were other package formats).

The NLC also has a policy that beer must make $15,000 in sales to avoid de-listing. There is no such policy for wine. Fine wines don't sell in large volumes so exceptions are made for it. Fine ales and beers won't sell in large amounts either (though that segment is growing, in Newfoundland and elsewhere) but the NLC won't continue to stock a smaller volume, good beer, selection.

My dislike of the NLC comes from its de-listing of the excellent Propeller Porter. It sold very well in the NLC stores in the East end of St John's, but not so well in other locations. It was sold out in the east end stores months before it sold out elsewhere. Instead of continuing to supply the demand in the east end of St John's, they de-listed it. This would not happen to a wine.

We need private beer stores in Newfoundland like they have in Alberta, Nova Scotia, Quebec, the United States and most of the free world.

The Ontario MPP's words are equally applied here in Newfoundland.

“It’s time consumers had the advantage of a market economy when it comes to beer.”

It should also be noted that Newfoundland only has the NLC. No Beer Store. And while they do have corner stores selling beer, they can only sell domestic products as Frank mentions (Jockey Club, Dominion, Blue Star, Quidi Vidi etc.. no imports from other provinces or great brewing nations).

Why the Fuss Over Imports: Part Two

Back on July 28th, I ran a post written by Walter Leipurts, who we'll now call 'Uncle Walt,' about his views on the import selection at our various LCBO's and Beer Stores titled "Why the Fuss Over Imports?" It generated some good comments and prompted Uncle Walt to write a follow-up post. Here it is from his rocking chair.

I didn’t make it to the Toronto Festival of Beer over the weekend because of some health issues, plus the fact that we had a wee bit of rain. OK, so I’m a big baby but being soaking wet in an inebriated crowd no longer appeals to me like it once did. The Festival must be a very important venue; Molson and Labatt were there, each with 3 or 4 disguises. After attending the last 7 in a row, it was a shame to miss this one.

It was great to receive the feedback on my last rant- yes, some of my facts were dubious at best, but I was speaking from my Maple Leaf-shaped heart, and not from my oversized pumpkin-like head. It was wonderful to see that my article was worth tearing apart along with my heart. Yes, I am overly sensitive.

It’s true- some imports are desirable and we don’t produce them here in Ontario. If you want a beer from Togo, brewed using Betel Nuts that turns your lips, gums and teeth Red and paralyses your limbs, then Togo Betelmania is the brew for you. (Available at select retail outlets.) I’m sure there are many other fine upstanding brews made from all manner of ingredients, but I still maintain we have great beers here made from pure ingredients and a guaranteed freshness, not some travel-weary Eurotrash.

If we ever are able to purchase beer in retail outlets, I’m sure Wal Mart will only carry TsingTao as everything else there is made in China. Not an anti-Chinese bias, but I’d like to see a bit more manufacturing done here in Canada. Call me crazy.

One thing the LCBO and Beer store are doing well is their adherence to recycling; they were doing this before it became fashionable. If beer sales were switched to retail, I doubt we would have the same commitment to being environmentally conscious, and most stores would probably carry only the biggest sellers, so we would not have the variety we now enjoy. At that point, I would like to see a chain of small stores selling only Micro products. And I suppose we would allow some Togo Betelmania to be sold in these outlets to satisfy those who like the imports. Naturally, Taps magazine would also be sold here.

So keep drinking those imports and bankrupt Canada. And feel deep shame when you look in the mirror. “Oh you hard hearts, you fickle men of Scarborough, knew you not Pompey?” (I'm not sure what Uncle Walt's getting at here with this last sentence. Make of it as you will - Troy)

Bye for now,

Uncle Walt
(picture not actually Walt, who I've never met, but was borrowed from this site)


Have something to say? Send me a write-up about anything to do with the brewing/pub industry and have it posted on this site. Send your post to greatcanadianpubs@gmail.com.

Why the Fuss Over Imports?: By Walter Leipurts

The rant below belongs to Walter Leipurts, owner/operator of WL Designs who handles various brewery accounts as part of his business. Stay tuned for more rants from Leipurts in the future.

I just received a colourful flyer from the LCBO with a focus on imported beers. The last few pages were dedicated to our Ontario products but I couldn’t help but wonder why a government-owned company was pushing imports over domestic products. I suppose they would have an argument if our local beers were inferior or we lacked sufficient variety, but we know this is not the case. Also, you’ve seen the TV ads pushing fresh local produce such as apples over the imported stuff. You can see where I’m heading... Beer is like young children and babies - none of them travel well. Also, what is the guarantee of freshness and environmental viability of these imports? We have no way of checking. As well, consider the energy used to transport this stuff, which has become an issue with skyrocketing fuel prices and carbon impact. The LCBO also might be the vehicle for these Europeans etc. with breweries the size of AB in St. Louis to dump excess product onto our market. Think of the selection of Ontario beers as well as the guaranteed freshness. We have a range of tastes and styles from the slightly flavoured Club Soda that is Coors Light all the way to the various Stouts that our micros produce. Is it the usual misconception that imported is better? We have the best water, barley and hops in the world. Let’s dump the inferiority complex and stick with the world class beer that just happens to be produced in our own back yard - Ontario. Arrange for a brewery tour - you’ll be surprised at how much pride local micros take in their products and how accommodating they are- - you’ll leave feeling pretty darn good and satisfied.

Have something to say? Send me a write-up about anything to do with the brewing/pub industry and have it posted on this site. Send your post to greatcanadianpubs@gmail.com.

Sleeman Street Brewpub?? WTF

Back on June 16th I was down at Mill Street Brewpub to meet up with a sales rep with regards to a private tasting. As I walked up through the back patio I noticed something strange. Sleeman patio umbrella's were everywhere. I stopped dead in my tracks and wondered WTF is going on here. Now Sleeman banners hang in between buildings everywhere in the Distillery and even over the front door to the brewpub.

First I thought it might have had to do with the lawsuit Sleeman's launched against Mill Street late in 2007, but the sales rep I was meeting informed me that it had nothing to do with it.

Every restaurant in the Distillery district is owned by the Distillery Restaurant Group (DRG) and for some reason the group has taken a stance against one of their most successful occupants in Mill Street brewery. Back in 2002, before it was brewpub, the Mill Street brewery blew a breath of fresh air into the distillery giving them a resident who promoted local flavour and played off the historic presence of the area. That all changed in January as the DRG went with Sleeman's for their all their public spaces and Mill Street was bumped out.

"I believe in competition, it's healthy, but when you fly a banner (Sleeman's) over OUR front entrance, its a slap in our faces," stated co-founder Steve Abrams. "I'm disappointed that our landlords have chosen to promote a large foreign-owned company when there's a fantastic brewery right at their doorstep. We're good tenants and actively promote the Distillery in our marketing campaigns. For me, it's heartbreaking."

Abrams went on to say that Mill Street worked very hard over the years trying to keep the DRG happy and was surprised to see all the changes occur over the year. "We have been and continue to be a favourite tourist destination in Toronto and visitors are now scratching their heads when they come here for beers on our patios." Mill Street or Sleeman's? Fortunately you can't order a Sleeman's at the brewpub, so the confusion pretty much ends there.

It's just not happening at the brewpub though, I have noticed many more pubs with the Sleeman patio umbrella where there are Mill Street offerings on tap this summer than ever before. One example would be The Boardwalk Pub in the Beaches, a big Mill Street account (5 taps) and this summer their patio is lined with Sleeman's umbrella's. Are they starting another 'beer war,' something that we haven't really witnessed (or you haven't, I might be to young) since Molson and Labatt's raged war on each other in the late 80's early 90's? Is seems to me that Sleeman is targeting Mill Street's recent success.

Abrams also stated that Mill Street would never go over to the Roundhouse for example (where Steam Whistle is located) and hang a Mill Street banner over the entrance. One, the landlord would be committed to keeping Steam Whistle happy (as they pay rent) and secondly Mill Street just wouldn't slap another respectful brewing company in the face.

The topic has also appeared on Bar Towel and founder Cass Enright and I had a great talk about it at the Victory Cask Festival on Sunday. This could be the beginning of some interesting months in the Ontario brewing industry. It's just weird!

Abrams, "It's truly a sad day when you come to work and see this hanging above your brewery." "The DRG can do business with whomever they choose. We love being a part of the Distillery. It helped put us on the map. We're part of an incredible community of artists, designers and entrepreneurs. It's just sad."

***Note****
The DRG was not contacted for comment.

Is Thy Stomach Growing In Size?

Back in April, Alan over at A Good Beer Blog wrote about his weight issues and asked other beer drinkers what they do to watch the ever expanding waist line while still enjoying the drink we call beer.

I remember reading that post and giving it some serious thought as weight issues have always affected me. My weight goes up then I lose some, then it goes back up then I lose it. Up and down since grade 8. While I have never been 'thin' I have usually been in good shape, thanks to rigorous workouts, playing rugby, hockey and fastball. But since moving to the city and recently consuming a lot (a lot) of beer, whether it be at beer dinners, events, at the pub, or with friends, I have started to notice my weight sneak up on me. I still workout, just not as much as I once did.

I don't blame the caloric qualities of the beer for this weight gain. I blame the fact that in the morning, after drinking some strong ales, I can't get out of bed to hit the gym. So here's what I intend to do about it while staying in the loop: a) limit my weekly beer intake, b) get to the gym 4 times a week and, c) limit my consumption at events.

Can I do it? I think so, although last night I was staring at a bottle of Ommegang Strong Belgian Ale and thinking of popping the cork after dinner for a night tippler. I stood strong though and drank some lousy water instead.

So thanks Alan for waking me up!

Alberta to Restrict Happy Hour Times

I wish that Ontario had a happy hour that we could discuss, but no, sadly the Ontario government abolished that long ago. I remember sitting in the Old Triangle Irish Pub in Halifax (when I lived there) at 4pm on a Tuesday and drinking 12oz glasses of beer for $2. Glory days.

News today from the Canadian Press is stating that the province of Alberta will be imposing minimum drink prices and will be putting restrictions on happy hour times to curtail excessive drinking. The Solicitor General, Fred Lindsay, says the changes that will be announced fairly quickly are designed "to keep people in a more sober state so they react in a more reasonable manner." I guess this guy would ban driving if he witnessed the Toronto highways at rush hour too!

I'm telling you, pretty soon these tea drinking government officials will have set a limit on the booze we purchase, consume, and the penalities imposed for breaking such laws will be unimaginable. I am all for responsible drinking, that's why I get discouraged reading something like this; new restrictions based on the actions on a handful of rowdy young people (and I'm still in my early 20's). Kids will be kids, take away the happy hour and increase prices and watch what will happen - more binge drinking at the home before venturing out for the night. It's kinda like the handgun situation here in Toronto. Will banning handguns within Toronto city limits actually decrease the amount of gun violence? I think not. Will restricting happy hour times and raising prices decrease excessive drinking? Maybe in public, but certainly not in the home.

End rant.