The Bar Towel

Got this recently at Beer Store at Spadina and Bloor. Did not expect much because in the 1990's I used to buy this (or other beers in the same bottle, like Fischer Bitter) in the U.S. These were never that good, being overaged. However, the Tradition at Beer Store is completely different: fresh - not more than 2-3 months old judging by the expiration date (which generally is 1 year after production date) and natural tasting: fluffy and almost draft beer-like. Being a commercial beer it has a certain "Euro" taste but it is very good, anyone who admires beer would like this. It is such a pleasure to taste a good European blonde beer that isn't ruined by overage, tinny/chlorine-like tastes or excess pasteurisation. One thing that helped this beer stay good is the tight seal. Even when I pulled the metal ring it didn't pop open, I had to pry the seal open with a knife. A tight seal never hurt beer! The extra point of alcohol (it is 6% ABV) may have helped the preservation and palate too. The labelling does not say what style of beer it is. A hang tag refers to fruity tastes and that the beer is a "speciale". In the pre-beer awareness days, French brewers used to make a "speciale" which was a higher gravity version of their lager. The bottles were often wreathed at the top in gold or silver foil, a packaging feature of the mid-20th century that seems largely to have disappeared. The Fischer Tradition bottle is modern but the taste recalls those old lager speciales of France.

Gary

Just to offer a differing opinion, here are my notes from when I tried this beer back in early September:

"Clear, bright gold with a small white head. Aroma is stale and harsh - grain, corn, wet dog. Flavour is almost as bad - notes of rotten citrus and wet grain. Nasty!"

Could be that I got a sample from a different batch that wasn't as fresh, so maybe I'll give it another shot sometime, but I couldn't find much in the way of redeeming qualities in this one.

It really sounds like a different beer! The head on mine was heavy and rich. Mine is dated on the top of the capsule to July or June '06 which means it was made (usually) in July or June of '05. I can't recall the European number system, i.e., if the first number denotes the month, I think it does and mine said (this from memory) 7/06/06 for expiration, so I think it is July '05 production. But also the seal with these pot-stopper bottles can vary, sometimes you only get a light seal and air has gotten in.

Or maybe our tastes are different..

Gary

P.S. Bought on same visit on a lark 6 Wee Willy Scotch Ale from Lakeport. It isn't bad, I can't tell if it has adjunct, if it does, the smoky malt taste covers it over. If people like the Scotch ale imports but want something lighter it is a good alternative - at an attractive price.

Your comments on the Wee Willy explain to me why I was surprised by your comments on the Fischer. It's yet another ultra bland euro lager (IMO). The Wee Willy is as entitled to call itself a Scotch Ale as Keith's is to call itself an IPA...horrible.

Evidently we disagree.

Also, I put a lot of stress on good condition. I've had Wee Willy when it was oxidised and ditto earlier Fischer beers, but these current ones were in excellent condition and that helps to appreciate their merits.

Gary

old faithful wrote:Wee Willy Scotch Ale from Lakeport.

Wee Willy isn't a Scotch Ale, it's a "Scottish-style dark beer", and is actually a lager.

Personally, I found it generally unoffensive, and one of the better Lakeport beers I've tried, but that's sort of damning it with faint praise. I definately didn't get anything smoky or "Scottish" out of the bottle I tried. A hint of caramel, perhaps, but that was all I could find that differentiated it from from any other standard bland lager.

Its smoky notes are quite evident I find, it isn't in my view all that different from Raftman except the letter has the welcome fresh yeast note.

Jon by the way I've got an extra ticket to the cask ale fest at Volo. I'll be happy to sell it to you, I'll be there when it starts next Saturday,

Gary

I sampled a Fischer tradition just a few days ago and I concur with Greg, It has a nasty edge to it.....seems to not hide its alcohol very well ( curious because it was inly 6%). There were some promising grain aromas and maltiness but a sharp bite from the alcohol was a turn off for me. Left me with the impression it was a cheep euro-malt liquor in a fancy bottle.

Wee Willy is a beer I have been putting off sampling
A) because it's Lakeport
B) I'd have to buy at least a dozen of them.

pootz wrote:Wee Willy is a beer I have been putting off sampling
A) because it's Lakeport
B) I'd have to buy at least a dozen of them.

Don't bother, it's friggin' awful. I'd dare say it's one of the worst beers Lakeport makes and that's saying something.