The Bar Towel

Labatt "Velvet Cream Porter" was very sweet, like a milk stout. That beer made it difficult for me when I introduced Black Irish back in 1999 because everyone who had a notion of what porter was seemed to think it was going to be sickly sweet. I believe it is still made in Quebec, so if yo...

The LCBO has informed us that the number for the John By Impy won't be active until the 12th of December. That means that the beer can't be shipped to them prior to that date.

I do envision him, but when I do he's not wearing any trousers and thongs just aren't right for everyone.

We found a new blackcurrant supplier. They are really superior to what we had access to before and it has made quite a difference, especially in the colour. It looks like a red wine (with a head), quite Gamay like. It is very dry as well. Needless to say, the brewery folks are very happy about the c...

The John By (good night John By, Good night Mary Ellen... couldn't help the Walton's pun) is being shipped next week. It will be on LCBO shelves by next weekend. I don't know the # yet.

Belgian,don't look now but there's a $96.00 bottle of red from Chile already! Its on the November Vintages release. Its from Casa L'Apostolle ( the Grand Marnier people). I bought one on spec. last week at Summerhill. As for deals, Malbecs from Argentina are usually a good bet. One of the blending g...

You can really blame California for the high prices. Yes, the French have always gotten high prices for their Grand Crus and classified growths, but most of it was due to small supply. California, which does produce some of the finest wines in the world by the way, is not supply challenged at all. I...

Grub, the label may say different... Heritage plans this to be a yearly release but it really depends on sales and the response from the LCBO. If we can get it on the Winter Ale program every year, it will be produced no question. I will leave it up to the individuals who drink it to decide. As for ...

I tried the John By Imperial Stout in its final form today. It is different for the Tsarina. It is perhaps slightly less complex but it is VERY big beer. It has perhaps the biggest mouthfeel of any beer I've ever had. Loads of chocolate and espresso layered with nutty, malty flavours. A very slight ...

In my opinion, Taylor Fladgate is the premier port house. Their Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) is always in top form. It retails for $17.35 for a 750ml. Their First Estate is also very good at $15.20. True "wood ports" or tawnies are kinda pricey. A true wood port will have a year attached to ...

I saw some Mill St. Barley wine on the loading dock at several Toronto area LCBO's last Thursday.

The importers and freight companies also get their share. Some of these purchases were agreed upon many months ago when the U.S. dollar was still 10-12% higher as well. When I made the comment about prices in the U.S. stores I should have been more specific. I really was looking at imports. They ten...

Harvey's is a lovely, complex porter. I wish it was available year 'round. I especially like the "contains malted barley" warning on the label. I wonder if MolBatt (or is it MilCoors?) could ever use that one on their labels.

Taxes do play a significant role. Ontario charges a Volume Fee of $17.60 per hl, plus a basic fee of $5.22 per hl. The feds tack on excise, but for small brewers, its only around $3.00 per hl ( as opposed to $27.98 per hl for larger breweries). Most U.S. states charge very little in the way of state...

Congrats Ken! Your beers never disappoint. I'm glad that you and Adrian are getting the recognition you so richly deserve.