Wellington County Ale; MacLean's ales

[old faithful]

Tried the County last night at the Bow - excellent, rounded ale, quite reminiscent of its earlier years. This was the filtered version. I haven't had the real ale version in a while but the filtered was just fine, not too fizzy and very digestible. There are many new good ales but Wellington County is a fine expression of English-style top-fermented ale and at its best is way up there.

Also sampled Charles MacLean's Harvest Ale and his current real ale (the Pale). The Harvest uses I believe locally grown hops and barley and tasted quite unique, kind of a combination of a traditional English ale and a spruce beer! This probably derives from the qualities of the Ontario-grown hops. I found this an intriguing taste, the definition of something local. It made a fine sipping ale and to go with the excellent pub food at the Bow. The cask MacLean's was excellent, it brought to mind immediately Southern English bitters I have had at beer festivals. A very country-style beer, quite bitter yet somehow mellow and smooth. My glass was the first drawn of the evening and I watched the server pull the handpump repeatedly until the drink poured clear and take a small taste to ensure good quality. I relied on her judgment and was rewarded with a fine glass of local cask ale.

Gary

[Derek]

I love the County Ale... very pleasant British fruityness that works well with the malty body. Very drinkable. I use to drink a lot of Creemore, but its just not the same anymore. The County has been my go-to pint for the last year or so (though sometimes I'll go for something lighter in the summer).

I've had Maclean's cask at the King Edward a couple of times. Also good stuff... really well attenuated, silky smooth, highly drinkable. I think it's a single hop now, using only East Kent Goldings (it use to have fuggles as well). I hadn't heard of the Harvest... love to try it!

[midlife crisis]

Harvest is brewed by F&M exclusively for the Neighbourhood Pub group, I believe, and appears to be an actual distinct beer, not just a rebrand of something they make anyway.