The Bar Towel

Lucky you! Too bad you didn't have a chance to sample the taps at Hagar's. They really do make some of the best beer in B.C.

Don't bother with the Manulife LCBO unless they get more in. I cleaned them out yesterday of their remaining 30 bottles!

I know Chicago is quite a drive but this festival might just be worth the trip. The Real Ale Festival 2002 (It's been going on for over 6 years now, maybe some of you have been in years past?) runs from February 28th-March 2nd and features; - 165 brands of cask conditioned ales from across America a...

I picked up a six of it last week in the Manulife Center LCBO on Bloor (first place I've seen it). The price was reasonable ($13.60 I think) and I must say I like the labelling with the strong man and circus lady perched on his shoulder (reminded me of the labelling of Jones's Soda in Vancouver). As...

Just for clarity, the "Merchant de Vino" chain is owned by the same pair who later started "Merchant's Fine Wine". You'll find the seven or eight Vino outlets are smaller and carry predominantly wine. The Fine Wine stores (all 3) are larger, deal in all gourmet foods and beverage...

As for beer stores I'd suggest checking out "Merchant's Fine Wine" stores. Despite the obvious focus on wine Merchant's three locations have an excellent selection of micro brewed and imported beers (though not as impressive as "Premier Gourmet" in Buffalo). The stores are locate...

Just thought I'd let you know that Magnotta now have a website devoted to their brewery and beers. It features some good information as well as pictures of their facility and operation. Their links page has no mention of the Bartowel though, maybe something you want to look into Cass? Anyway, check ...

I just recieved my latest edition of "The Buzz" which is Brakspear's quarterly newsletter. In it a story states that Brakspear's have just recieved the first hop delivery of the 2001 season (Challenger hops) and they will be using them to make Coniston Bluebird at the Henley Brewery. Minor...

Unfortunately Josh the fabulous Culpeppers on West Broadway is no more. The old Irish pub was a favorite of mine up until I left in the summer of 2000. I went down for a pint of Storm Scottish during my trip only to find that the premises is now called "The Copper Tank Grill". It's one of ...

Perhaps Cass or one of the other regular posters has already written about this but in case it's news to you... I just spotted a holiday mix-six gift box in the Liquor Store from McAusland. While it's not that exciting (five of the bottles are St.Ambroise Stout, St.Ambroise Pale Ale and Griffon Pale...

Just got back from a three day business trip to Vancouver. Whilst in the BC Liquor Store I noticed several interesting new beers. Three were from a Vancouver Island brewery called Phillips. I've never heard of them before and have no idea of their history but their Expresso Stout, IPA, and Rasberry ...

Kim, Thanks for the offer to join you at Fermentations this weekend. Unfortunately it's too short notice for me. I've got a bunch of things scheduled for the weekend so I don't think I can spare the time. I am keen however to hear how the experience was, what you though of the place etc...Please let...

With winter coming I think it's time to brew up a batch of beer. Having moved recently my ex-girlfriend got custody of all the beer making equipment (more of a fight over that than the sofa) and I now don't really have the space to home brew. So I'm looking to find a good facility to brew on premise...

Williamette and Chinook are the hops used to make Pike IPA in Seattle so from me you have a definite thumbs up! Pike balances their bold hops with a very lovely blend of Pale, Crystal, Munich and Cara Pils malts to provide the backbone. Bridegeport on the other hand use "two full pounds of Casc...

If I had to put together a "definitive" six pack of Canadian beer then I'd no doubt include Blue, Canadian, Moosehead and Kokanee amongst the six. Let's face it, those are the beers that are the most popular coast to coast. But if the question meant what six Canadian beers do I think best ...