Beer Paintings

What a great time last night. The Great Lakes Green Tea Ale launch party was another success, in a location they weren't sure would attract a sold out crowd. Were they wrong. The place was packed with many people trying the Green Tea Ale for the first time. I enjoyed this batch more than the first offerings from the brewery - no lemons please!

The Dominion on Queen was decorated green and white, the live band was rockin on stage, and the Asian inspired food was delicious. There were the usual beer lovers in attendance, but again, like I've mentioned here before about events, there were a lot of new faces in the crowd. These craft beer events in Toronto just seem to keep attracting more and more believers.

Anyway, Beer Paintings. The Dominion is old, very old. In fact, they're celebrating their 120th anniversary of serving beer this year (stay tuned for an interview with the publican, complete with pictures of his collection). Shawn, the owner, has made some changes to the pub recently, starting a museum, re-doing their beer menu to offer more diverse choices, and adding paintings of buildings in the area along with beer paintings created by a local artist, Gary Smith, which by the way are for sale.

I had the opportunity to meet with Gary last night, and he showed me some of his work that graces to walls of the Dominion. See photo's below.

This is my favourite. I may have to go back and pick this beauty up myself. Gary spoke about the history behind Rasputin and it felt like he has a deep love for this painting. $900. *Gary pictured.

This one is of the Green Tea Ale, and it was just finished in time for the launch. Sorry for the quality of the photograph. It doesn't do justice for what the painting looks like in person. $225.

Dark Ale and ham. Wouldn't this look lovely hanging in your kitchen. $325.

This is a painting of the building across the road from the old brewery (to the west of the pub sits the home of the old Dominion Brewery). Robert Davis was the owner and this building was home to all the brewery employees back in the late 1800's, early 1900's. The sign above the door still reads "Davis Terrance." $225 unframed.

Visit Gary's website to see more paintings, and to get his contact information. You can also contact the Dominion if interested in purchasing one of these paintings - hint, I like the Rasputin one!!

Green Tea Launch Tonight at the Dominion

I'll be heading over to the Dominion on Queen Pub tonight for the Great Lakes Green Tea Ale launch party. For those who have never been to a Great Lakes launch, tonight would be a good time to make it your first. There will be a bunch of finger foods, samples of their newest seasonal, and a live band to round things out. Their events are always well attended, are lots of fun, and efficiently organized.

The doors for the event open at 6:00pm so send an email to info@greatlakesbeer.com to get on the guest list.

Dominion on Queen
500 Queen Street East
Toronto, ON
416-368-6893


*I've profiled the Dominion on Queen here before, back in September, and found it to be a nice place to go for a pint. Since my visit, the Dominion has re-vamped their beer menu to include a couple bottled vintages, and brought in some imports for draught.

CBC's Living In Toronto: Beer Pairings

Josh Rubin, the author of the 'What's Brewing' column in the Toronto Star, was featured on the CBC's 'Living In' program today, matching different Mill Street products with food down in the Distillery at the brew pub.

Click here to be re-directed to the video.

Some good exposure for Mill Street and Rubin's column. Good work Josh!

Now Open - The Roy Public House: Toronto, ON

After a good night out at Volo, and The Painted Lady (where Cameron's Brewing held a party for their licensee's), Biergotter's Eric (Viggo) and I headed back towards the Beach(es) on the Queen Streetcar and happened to notice that The Roy Public House was officially open. With a quick look at each other and a slight nod we jumped off the 501 and entered the newest resident to Leslieville.

We grabbed a piece of floor that wasn't occupied (it was very busy) and chatted with the owner while taking down a couple pints of Wellington County Ale. They did a tremendous job of transforming the location from its former decor left over from Kubo Radio. Lots of wood, Canadian wood stained in Toronto (keeping it local), an electric fireplace, exposed brick and dark coloured patterned carpeting.

"This was the first day we were opened and it has been an unbelievable day," stated Mark, who owns the pub.  Two of the ten tap handles belong to Wellington, one to Creemore, and one to Waupoos, and the rest are owned by the big fella's.  While I like walking into a pub and seeing an extensive beer menu, pubs aren't just about the beer selection, so beer geeks who enjoy a good session beer every now and then shouldn't dismiss The Roy just yet, and Mark did mention this is a starting point.  I guess we'll see how it goes.

I'm intending to go back by the end of the week to sit and chat with him over some food and drinks, so a full write-up is sure to come. In the meantime, here are some pictures and a link to their website.

On the Trail with CASK!

The CASK! Toronto group have a couple of events taking place in April to highlight the deliciousness of cask ale that involve a pub crawl and a beer dinner.

During the April 3 -5th weekend, the CASK! group will be encouraging fans of the cask ale to venture out of the house to embark on a 'cask ale' crawl that will take you to six different pubs in Toronto. People will have the opportunity to try some of the best cask beer in the city while getting in some good pub time. Head out to the Victory Cafe, C'est What, Volo, The Rhino, the Granite, and the Mill Street Brew Pub. 

From CASK!:

Cask Ale Crawl (April 3rd – 5th various locations around Toronto)
Gather your friends and join the Cask Ale Crawl – an informal trail around six of Toronto’s best cask ale pubs. There is no fixed schedule or sequence, and no admission charge, just show up at each pub and sample the specially selected cask conditioned ales on offer. Up to 15 different cask ales in total. Pick up a festival passport at any participating pub and collect stamps at each stop to be entered into a prize draw. The event runs all weekend, starting on Friday April 3rd around 5:00 P.M. until Sunday April 5th (at each pub’s discretion and while supplies last). All pubs on the Crawl are accessible via TTC. Final list of beers available at each pub will be posted nearer the time.

Also, as I've had posted on the events section, the Cask! group will be holding a Beer Dinner at Toronto's Granite Brewery that will feature cask conditioned beers from Grand River, MacLean's and, of course, the Granite. The four course dinner will feature a different cask beer for every course, a guest speaker, door prizes and I would imagine - an informal tour of the brewing area. Tickets are $65 and can be obtained by contacting Robert Hughley at (416)462-3788.  The dinner will be in support of Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. 

From CASK!:

Beer for a Cure Gourmet Cask Ale Dinner (April 25th Granite Brewery & Restaurant)
Four-course dinner matched with cask conditioned ales in support of Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. Featuring new cask ales from MacLean's Ales and Grand River Brewing, plus additional cask ales from Granite Brewery. This event will be a real treat for anyone who likes good food and great real ale. And with St. George’s Day falling on April 23rd, this event is also being held in honour of England’s patron saint. The evening promises to be hugely entertaining with a guest speaker, silent auction and door prizes.

Meet Greg Nash: Brewer - Pump House, NB

Meet Greg Nash, brewer with the Pump House Brewing Co., and a self confessed hop addict. I first met Nash back in 2007 when he made the 1800km drive from Halifax to Vaughn to accept the Beer of the Year Award at the Canadian Brewing Awards for his creation of Garrison Imperial Pale Ale. He is a great guy to sit and have a beer (or two) with as he has some great brewing stories and his enthusiasm for his job is infectious. After brewing with Garrison, Nash headed back to Pump House where he has had the opportunity to play around with recipes, creating new beers, something curious beer drinkers are all to happy to see.

Ladies and Gentlemen - Greg Nash.

What beer is in your hand right now?
Weyerbacher Double Simcoe IPA, wait that one's gone - on to an amped up Pump House IPA.

How did you get into brewing and what training do you have?
I started homebrewing in an attempt to make something I couldn't buy, or at least fresher than I could buy. I attended the American Brewers Guild in California and graduated in '96.

When did you realize that being a brewer would be your profession?
After a few years of hardcore homebrewing. By the early '90's I realized my love of the hobby should be pursued and turned into something more lucrative. Now I realize I've ruined the worlds best hobby.

What is the best part of being a brewmaster?
Free beer of course! Seriously, the never ending learning curve, love for the product and camaraderie within the industry.

What has been the craziest beer you've ever brewed?
Tough question, I have fond memories of a few "special" brews but I'm going to go with Pump House Dementia Double IPA. Whenever people asked what I thought of it my reply was always the same, 'I'm not sure yet, my mouth is still in shock and awe'.

Of all the beers you've brewed during your career, which one are you most proud of?
Dementia Double IPA.

While you brewed at Garrison, you developed the Imperial Pale Ale that won the 2007 Beer of the Year at the Canadian Brewing Awards when it was relatively new. Proud moment?
Of course :)

Every time we talk it sounds like you're having a blast brewing with Pump House. How much are you enjoying your second stint with the brewery?
I'm having a great time here tightening things down at the micro and letting loose down at the brewpub. Honestly though the craft brewing industry is always a ton of fun.

Tell us about some of the new beers you've brewed in the last year?
Often it's a collaboration between myself and Glen Kervin, the regular brewer at the pub, it's teamwork all the way for us and Glen is doing a fantastic job with great attention to detail. Here's some of our most recent beers:

IRA - dry-hopped India Red Ale

Hop Mess - wet-hopped Imperial Red Harvest Ale brewed with over 50kg's of freshly picked local hops

Anise Brown Ale - brown ale pounded hard with star anise in the boil

Dementia Double IPA - IIPA on steroids

IPA - we halted production on our IPA in August '08 then released
the new reformulated amped up version a couple months later

Baltic Storm - Baltic Porter brewed with peated malt

Maltitude - Russian Imperial Stout infused with with locally roasted espresso beans, demerara sugar and rauch malt

Schwarzbier - classic German Schwarzbier

Raspberry Weizen - not so classic hefe-weizen with a 200lb raspberry twist

Cacao Brown Ale - Brown ale on cacao beans

SOB - Special Old Bitter reformulated with tons of west coast hops to be released very soon in 6-packs - unfiltered

I think it's safe to say that you're a hop freak. Where does your thirst for hop bombs come from?
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co did it to me in the '80's, my thirst for hops seems to have grown steadily since then.

What are the benefits of brewing beer in a brewpub?
Brewpubs are great for experimental brewing and honing in on the mainstay beer process, and the instant customer feedback is the best.

How do you think the beer produced on the East Coast (of Canada) compares to brews from other provinces?
We have some fantastic beer being produced here on the East Coast, it wasn't always that way but I think most of the other provinces are growing along with us. Phenomenal beers are coming from all over the country now, it's so good to see the craft brewing industry in Canada come into it's own. I think we're just starting to come out of the closet and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Nash as we know him.

CBC Knows Craft Beer

Last Thursday (March 5th), the CBC's The National ran a story on the growing craft beer market in Canada and featured interviews with Wild Rose owner Mike Tymchuk and Garrison owner Brian Titus, along with shots of the Propeller brewery. The 2 minute video speaks of the rising sales of micro-brewed beer, which is projected to see sales increases of up to 35%, and highlighted the fact that there is a strong market for beer when times are tough.

As most of you who read the blog know, this is something that has been a long time coming, and something many of us have been advocating. More and more media outlets are starting to focus on the 'little guys' and we're seeing more and more public acceptance of these craft beers. From beer dinners to sporting events, the craft market has managed to wrestle away some percentage points from the national breweries, and do so on the backs of the product, not the marketing (although I think the support local tag line has helped play a marketing role in the background).

Mike Tymchuk had a great line on his comparison between craft beer and the beer produced by the large breweries: "We liken it to dining on tenderloin for a year then someone puts a Big Mac in front of you. It just isn't going to have the same appeal. You may eat it, but you'll seek out that tenderloin pretty quick again."

The video also states that the large breweries are seeing an increase in sales; however, I heard just last week from a valid source that the their sales numbers are down this year, losing footing to the microbreweries. Not to significant, but enought to make them start paying attention. We can't find out in Ontario though, as the Beer Store does not make their sales figures public.

Click here to view the video. After the ad promotion runs its course, drag the cursor to the 7min mark and watch away.

Nothing to do with Beer Video

The following video had nothing to do with beer.

My fiance's brother got together with a couple of co-workers and put together a video for a Doritos contest titled 'Two Guys and a Chick.' Check it out. It you like it, throw a vote down in their favour.

Propeller ESB Heading to LCBO

Hearing this news last night, and confirming it with Roland and Russell today, has me all excited.

Propeller Brewing Co. is one of my favourite breweries in Canada. They pump out some terrific beers, staying consistent with each batch brewed. When I lived in Halifax I was a regular customer, frequently walking home from the brewery with two growlers tucked under my arms. I have a sentimental attachment to the brewery and the beers, so being able to head to my local LCBO for a six pack of the Extra Special Bitter is exciting.

When exactly is it coming? It is set to be released this summer, retailing at $13.50 for a six pack of 341 ml bottles.

* What an ugly floor eh? Shiny though.

LCBO's The Inside Story: Meet the Makers

The LCBO is currently running a month long promotion aptly named ‘The Inside Story,” an initiative where consumers will have the opportunity to “Meet the Makers” – as in the individuals behind some of the biggest companies in the beer, spirits and wine business. Started on March 1st and running until the 28th, brewers, wine makers, distillers, brand representatives and company owners will be visiting various LCBO stores province wide to meet the people who purchase their products, offering personal tasting notes, sharing some history on their products, and discussing the art of their profession.

Last night I was invited to attend the launch party for this promotion at Reds Bistro and Wine Bar where each of the 30 companies who are participating in the promotion were serving their products. Mill Street, Creemore Springs, Sleeman’s, and Pilsner Urquell are the beer companies featured, and Joel Manning (Mill Street), Gordon Fuller (Creemore), John Sleeman (Sleeman’s), and a Pilsner Urquell representative were on hand pouring beers from their portfolio.

“This is a great promotion for beer drinkers in this province as they’ll be able to meet with some of the people responsible for brewing the beer they buy,” stated LCBO Media Relations Spokesperson, Chris Layton. I agree.

Here in Ontario, especially Toronto, and probably other craft brewing friendly cities nation-wide, getting to know the brewers or brewery owners of a small operation is not that hard to do. Show up to a local beer event and chances are you’ll be able to talk with the person who throws those hops in the kettle while enjoying a pint of their beer. However, for the general public (not the hardcore beer enthusiasts’), this promotion will provide them with a unique opportunity to meet the individuals at their local LCBO store in person.

There will be 28 tutored tastings, and more than 40 consumer tastings taking place at select stores throughout the province. For example, Sleeman's, Mill Street, and Creemore will be in Ottawa on Friday March 13th from 6:30pm - 8pm to share their stories. A ticket for $40 will get you access to samples. Click here to see events taking place in your area.

Back to the launch event. Looking around I noticed that I was the only media person there representing any sort of beer publication. There were wine writers, spirit writers, photographers and food and drink writers covering the event, but only I for beer. So how did I cover it? Well, I hung out with the brewers and brewery representatives and drank their beer for free and chatted about new developments at two breweries, which will be confirmed here later this month.

I met John Sleeman for the first time and had a great discussion about Ontario craft beer, specifically discussing the beers from Grand River and Mill Street. He was a very interesting man to speak with, very enthusiastic about beer and certainly optimistic about sales during this recession we’re in. I asked him about Sapporo buying Sleeman’s and he said everything has been going great and he is happy with the way things have gone. While I wanted to bring up the Dead Frog lawsuit and the Mill Street issue that happened in the summer, I thought it wasn’t the proper venue to hold such a conversation, and it would be better to keep listening to him talk about his passion for beer.

There were LCBO beer category representatives in attendance as well, and a game of ‘name your six desert island beers’ came up. Pretty hard to do on the spot. During this discussion it was announced that Propeller ESB (brought to you by the Roland and Russell Import Agency) will finally be coming to the LCBO soon as a general listing. More details to follow.

It was a good time catching up with some of the brewery representatives and the LCBO employees, and the media relations and marketing team did a good job blending all the makers together. There were some good appetizers (oysters and lobster corn dogs rocked) and the beer served spoke for itself. Share the 'Inside Story' with co-workers and encourage them to get out to one of the tastings in your area.

* Photo 1 - LCBO's Chris Layton addressing the crowd
* Photo 2 - John Sleeman
*Photo 3 - The entire group that will be part of the Inside Story

Another TAPS Video Podcast - Cameron's Brewing Co.

I have been very busy with work over the last couple of weeks, along with getting stuff together for the spring issue of the magazine. It has limited my time for writing fresh new stuff, so here is another TAPS podcast shot last year at one of Cameron's Cask Nights.

NHL Trade Deadline Day

Today is the NHL trade deadline day. A day where thousands of die-hard hockey fans wake up with a mysterious 24 hour cold and call into work sick. I did not (wish I could). I'm sitting at my desk, TSN is streaming and all that's missing is a pint in my hand.

To all you readers at home today - have one, or more, for me. Who's on the move?

The Ceili Cottage - Update

The Ceili Cottage is currently under construction. As I mentioned here on January 15th, the news of this traditional Irish local opening in Toronto's Leslieville has caused some excitement, leading to numerous readers sending emails inquiring about the opening date, and asking about what the proposed beer selection will look like.

I am just as curious about this new place as everyone else. Owner Patrick McMurray shared his visions and his ideas with me back in January and they all sounded amazing - and the location is very close to my apartment, leading to excitement of my own. So with that in mind, and after getting all your emails, I decided to pay the Ceili Cottage a visit to catch up with McMurray and get some 'before' shots of the old garage. Or as McMurray likes to call it, the 'Durty Auld Garrage.'

This is the building where the 'local' will be. 1301 Queen Street East. The building once housed an auto shop and has been around since the early 70's (so McMurray believes). It might not look like much now, but it should look great when the renovations are complete.

This is the front room where the garage office used to be. It is not a big room, just perfect though for an Irish snug. "There will be a couple of pews situated around the walls in this room," stated McMurray. The renovations are underway in this room as you can see in the picture. The ceiling will be left exposed - showing off the wooden rafters; the walls will be cleaned up, but left exposed; and the windows will stay, letting in some natural light. The floor boards will be planked, and dark in colour. There is a door leading to the back room (not pictured), so let's head there.

This is the back room where the bar will be. "I have a good idea where everything will be situated once the brick and rubble are moved out. This week the floor will be dug up and removed. It will be leveled out, and then the markings go on the floor." I'm listening to McMurray explain his vision and I can actually picture it in my head, something I can't put on paper (or in this case computer) to give you the clearest picture. This room will feature a stand-up piano for all to play, the bar (where there will be some good beer to sup on), more pews, a small dance floor, a set-up for oyster shucking and more. Irish artwork will cover one wall (the wall where you'll see McMurray in the pic) and books and bottles will line a shelf on the wall to the left, above the cut-out window. The beer - as mentioned earlier; McMurray plans to have a number of stouts from Ontario, Quebec and Guinness. He also plans on having many Ontario craft beers on tap as well.

Back outside. In front of the van is a garage door, which will be a victim of the renovations. However, it will be replaced with large french doors and another window. In front of the door will be a small cooking station for the summer months. To the left of the van, in front of the two windows, will be the patio, which will be almost as big as the inside. McMurray has plans to cook outside in the summer, which I imagine will attract people in off the street. You can see a metal fence in the shot - it might give way to a white picket fence in the future - or a stone fence. Along the right side of the van (sorry for no shot) McMurray plans to start growing some hops, hoping they'll spread along the length of the entrance.

And there you have it, the 'before' shots of the Ceili Cottage. McMurray plans on getting everything done and ready for opening for the middle to end of April. "We still have a lot of work, but I'm here all the time, everyday, working away."

Stay tuned for more news as the local progresses.

Pepperwood Beer Festival Results

Every individual who attends the annual Pepperwood Bistro Beer Festival gets the chance to vote for their favourite brewery during the event. After the festival the Pepperwood staff get together and tally up the votes. Here are the 2009 winners.

1st Place - Pepperwood (Beers included: Oak Aged Ale, Chipolte Ale, Mild Ale)

2nd Place - Mill Street (Beers included: Betelgeuse (Tripel)

3rd Place - Grand River (Beers included: Galt Knife Lager, Curmudgeon IPA, Ploegers Vlaams Rood)

4th Place tie - Beau’s (Beers included: Bog Water Dirty Brown Ale, Lug Tread Lagered Ale & Cameron’s (Beers included: Auburn Ale, Dark 266 Lager)

Thanks to Pepperwood Brewmaster Paul Dickey for forwarding the results.

Pump House Bottles SOB

I was talking to Pump House Brewer Greg Nash last week and he mentioned a couple of new developments taking place with the New Brunswick brewery.

"The Russian Imperial Stout that we're working on still needs a bit of conditioning, but it will be ready shortly," stated Nash who was referring to the proposed 10% RIS going by the name Maltitude. It will be available at the pub when ready, but I'm hoping for a bottle to review here on the blog.

He also mentioned that Pump House will start bottling their 2008 CBA bronze medal winner SOB (Special Old Bitter), which has been very popular each time it's released. According to the Pump House brewer's blog, the SOB will be released in six packs in the distant future.

Check out the Brewer's Blog for current information on the Pump House Brewery.