Wellington beers in general

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:06 pm

I know there's a consensus on RateBeer for beers in the Wellington line, but I ask you as Ontarian BarTowellers:

Which of Wellington's beers are most worth trying, in your opinion?

Gunny · Post by **Gunny** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 9:45 pm

I intermittently enjoy Iron Duke and Imperial Stout (always from the Brewery). They are the first Ontario Craft Beers that I cut my teeth on and they continue to hold a place in my "beer drinking" heart. Likewise, the first Real Ale that I tried was Wellington's County Ale followed closely by Best Bitter. I don't believe a Brewer such as Wellington can be easily discounted as they have broken the trail for many an Ontario Micro.

Jeff

midlife crisis · Post by **midlife crisis** » Sun May 01, 2005 5:31 pm

1. Imperial Stout
2. Iron Duke
3. cask Arkell, but it's really variable, I find

pootz · Post by **pootz** » Mon May 02, 2005 7:35 am

1. Imperial Stout

2> Headstrong ale ( contract brewed)

lagerale · Post by **lagerale** » Mon May 02, 2005 1:12 pm

1) Imperial Stout
2) Arkell Best Bitter
3) County (dark) Ale - had it on tap and was pleasantly surprised

SteelbackGuy · Post by **SteelbackGuy** » Mon May 16, 2005 6:45 pm

Imperial Stout
Iron Duke
Special Pale Ale tied with contract brewed Headstrong

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Tue May 17, 2005 9:53 am

Steel, I did try the SPA at the Bookshelf in Guelph on Saturday, from draught, and while it was fine it reminded me more than a little of Creemore lager, just pretty okay. I don't trust taps always.

The Headstrong they are making IS fantastic, really solid and only inadvertently a great value as well (a bomber=2 beers, for under 3 bucks.)

The Arkell BB I tried on bottle was amazingly nondescript to me, and sparked this thread in the first place. I associate "best bitter" with "complex, balanced flavor."

SteelbackGuy · Post by **SteelbackGuy** » Tue May 17, 2005 10:04 am

Belgian wrote:Steel, I did try the SPA at the Bookshelf in Guelph on Saturday, from draught, and while it was fine it reminded me more than a little of Creemore lager, just pretty okay. I don't trust taps always.
"

Yes it is along the lines as Creemore on tap, but I really enjoy the SPA in bottles. And while I enjoy all Welly beers for sure, I find that lately the Arkell is almost too nutty and has a metallic taste, while every time I buy the SPA, it is always consistent.

just my two cents!

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Tue May 17, 2005 1:02 pm

Well then I'll get a sixer of the SPA next time. (I want to tour the brewery soon.) Thanks Steel.

It's SO hard not to just keep buying their dark beers - which pack a big malty flavor wallop for about the same price. They have really nailed some complex beers which at the same time are relatively approachable. No mean feat I am sure!

cirrosis · Post by **cirrosis** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 9:47 pm

the best Wellington is the old school Wellies, the 1 litre plastic non- carbonated REAL ALES. they were forced to give in to the man and go generic bottles many days ago, and i cannot forgive them for it. in other words the county ale went from superior to good.

Duct Tape · Post by **Duct Tape** » Thu Feb 16, 2006 11:57 am

midlife crisis wrote:1. Imperial Stout
2. Iron Duke
3. cask Arkell, but it's really variable, I find

Cask Arkell is good when its good, but every now and then i have one when i see it and its not good at all.

As for the Arkell BB, its nice if i want something for at a party thats not a lager or pilsner or belgian, but its not the best interpretation of the style out there, but its not bad and is generally readily available at Beer Stores in my experience.

Later

DT

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:59 am

The imperial stout is definitely their best brew, but I like the County and Arkell every now and then. I do find that they can be of variable quality depending on the establishment though.

HogTownHarry · Post by **HogTownHarry** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:01 am

I second (third?) that the Imperial is their best brew - especially on tap! - and while the Iron Duke is a good beer, I've had it 4-5 times at bars and it seems to really vary in taste - I don't think it's all down to freshness either.

But the Imperial has been solid every time I've had one (or more than one!)

Belgian · Post by **Belgian** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 10:29 am

I have found the bottled dark ales and stouts quite reliable, without much variability.

A good rec for anybody new to craft beer.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:25 pm

I think their stout falls between the Imperial and foreign/export stout. Either way, it doesn't have enough head for stout. That said, it is very tasty, and has a nice fruityness that a lot of American Imperials are lacking.

I do really like their Brit-brews... the yeast produces a pleasant fruityness, without being overbearing.

The County Ale is a phenominal session brew.

Headstrong is great! Certainly more 'American' than their other stuff.