LCBO Autumn 2009 Release

The following beers are planned to be included in the LCBO's Autumn 2009 seasonal beer promotion. The official release date for these beers is Sept 14th. Note that as always, all details about the release including the beers included are subject to change.

LCBO Stock # - Product Name - Size - Price - Country/Region

74484 Bombardier Burning Gold 500 ML $3.45 England
96180 Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar 650 ML $5.95 Oregon
96198 St. Peter's Cream Stout 500 ML $3.75 England
125153 Affligem Dubbel 330 ML $2.75 Belgium
125401 Peche Mortel 341 ML $3.80 Quebec
125435 Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier Dunkel 500 ML $3.05 Germany
125443 Hofbraeu Oktoberfestbier 500 ML $3.25 Germany
125450 Samuel Adams Octoberfest 6 x 355 ML $13.50 Massachusetts
125476 Southern Tier Porter 355 ML $2.20 New York
125486 Gouden Carolus Classic 330 ML $3.05 Belgium
127316 Innis & Gunn Triple Matured Oak Aged Beer 330 ML $4.95 England
417816 Belhaven St. Andrews Ale 500 ML $3.45 England
574236 Erdinger Dunkel Weissbier 500 ML $3.15 Bavaria
676965 Westmalle Dubbel 330 ML $3.75 Belgium

LCBO Summer 2009 Release & Other New Releases

The following beers are planned to be included in the LCBO's Summer, 2009 seasonal beer promotion. The official release date for these beers is late May. Note that the prices listed below are estimates and are subject to change, as are all other details about the release, including the beers included.

Edelweiss Snowfresh Weissbier (5.0% - $2.05/330 ml - LCBO 73718)
Unibroue Ephemere Apple (5.5% - $5.50/750 ml - LCBO 74500)
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (5.4% - $3.05/500 ml - LCBO 75291)
Great Lakes Orange Peel (5.3% - $4.95/650 ml - LCBO 615633)
Christoffel Bier (6.0% - $2.80/330 ml - LCBO 696955)
Samuel Adams Summer Ale (5.3% - $13.45/6x355 ml - LCBO 76497)
Chapeau Exotic Lambic (3.5% - $2.40/250 ml - LCBO 676346)
Deuchars IPA (4.4% - $3.40/500 ml - LCBO 697649)
Margriet (Anker Blond) (6.5% - $2.70/330 ml - LCBO 119982)
Southern Tier Raspberry Wheat (4.5% - $2.10/355 ml - LCBO 119362)
Thwaites Lancaster Bomber (4.4% - $3.35/500 ml - LCBO 118091)
Wittekerke Rosé (4.3% - $2.40/250 ml - LCBO 119990)
Hop Back Summer Lightning (5.0% - $3.45/500 ml - LCBO 698522)
Floris Ninkeberry (3.6% - $2.95/330 ml - LCBO 479154)

Also, the following beers have been/will soon be released at various LCBO outlets:

Super Premium Beer - year-round listings
Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted - LCBO 54304 - $3.15/500 ml bottle
Fuller's ESB - LCBO 106435 - $2.50/500 ml can
Innis & Gunn Blonde - LCBO 118687 - $3.45/330 ml bottle

Canadian Craft Beer - year-round listings
Propeller ESB - LCBO 123547 - $13.50/6x341 ml bottles
Pumphouse Fire Chief's Ale - LCBO 120378 - $12.95/6x341 ml bottles
Whistler Premium Export Lager - LCBO 488346 - $12.50/6x341 ml bottles

Ethnic Beer - one-time listings
Estrella Damm (Spain) - LCBO 113183 - $2.25/500 ml can
Hite Beer (South Korea) - LCBO #TBA - $TBA/330 ml bottle
Banks Beer (Barbados) - LCBO 118505 - $2.20/335 ml bottle

Gluten-Free Beer - year-round listing
Lakefront New Grist Gluten Free - LCBO 119370 - 6x355 ml bottles

Organic Beer - year-round listings
Boris Bio - LCBO 119826 - $2.25/500 ml can
Duchy's Original Organic Ale - LCBO 26971 - $3.35/500 ml bottle

USA Craft Beer - year-round listing
Victory Prima Pils - LCBO 123281 - $14.95/6x355 ml bottles

Ontario Craft Beer - year-round listings
Denison's Weissbier - LCBO #TBC - $2.75/500 ml bottle
Railway City Iron Spike Blonde - LCBO #TBC - $2.75/500 ml bottle
Flying Monkey Hoptical Illusion - LCBO #TBC - $11.95/6x355 ml bottle
Grand River Town Hall Lager - LCBO #TBC - $3.00/500 ml bottle

Ontario Craft Beer - seasonal listings
Creemore Springs Unflitered Lager - LCBO #TBC - $2.95/473 ml can
Taps Vanilla Wheat Beer - LCBO #TBC - $2.50/473 ml can

Holiday Gift Packs at the LCBO

The following items are planned to be included in the LCBO's Holiday Beers/Gift Packs release for 2008. A few of them have started appear on shelves already, and the rest should follow soon.

Note that all info, including prices and package contents, is subject to change.

Bah Humbug ($3.40 - LCBO 3822)
500 ml bottle of Wychwood Bah Humbug.

Wernesgruner Party Keg ($23.80 - LCBO 83832)
5 L mini-keg of Wernesgruner Pilsner.

Bitburger Gift Pack ($13.00 - LCBO 83840)
6x330 ml bottles of Bitburger Pilsner and a branded glass.

Hobgoblin Gift Pack ($6.95 - LCBO 3566)
500 ml bottle of Wychwood Hobgoblin and a branded glass.

Biere du Boucanier Mixed Pack ($16.95 - LCBO 612077)
Two 330 ml bottles each of Boucanier Red, Boucanier Dark and Boucanier Golden.

Westmalle Gift Pack with Glass ($13.95 - LCBO 83907)
One 330 ml bottle each Westmalle Dubbel and Westmalle Tripel, and a branded glass.

Samuel Smith's Selection Box ($12.95 - LCBO 696658)
One 550mL bottle each of Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout, Samuel Smith's Pale Ale and Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, a branded glass, and two coasters.

St Peter's Twinpack ($11.95 - LCBO 97477)
One 500mL bottle each of St. Peter's Ruby Red Ale and St. Peter's IPA, and a branded glass.

Chimay Gift Pack ($13.95 - LCBO 560383)
One 330mL bottle each of Chimay Blue, Chimay White and Chimay Red, and a branded glass.

Maredsous Gift Box ($14.95 - LCBO 925818)
One 330mL bottle each of Maredsous 6 Blond, Maredsous 8 and Maredsous 10, and a branded glass.

Stella Artois L'Etoile Gift Pack ($6.95 - LCBO 50286)
330 mL bottle of Stella Artois and a branded glass.

Taste of Belgium Gift Pack ($19.95 - LCBO 676494)
One 330 mL bottle each of Stella Artois, Hoegaarden and Leffe Blond, and a branded glass for each beer.

Erdinger Bavaria Gift Pack ($10.45 - LCBO 612119)
One 500 mL bottle each of Erdinger Dunkel and Erdinger Hefeweizen, and a branded glass.

Affligem CombiPack ($14.95 - LCBO 682906)
Two 330 mL bottles of Affligem Blonde, one 330 mL bottle each of Affligem Dubbel & Affligem Tripel, and a branded glass.

De Koninck Gift Pack ($14.45 - LCBO 612101)
One 330 mL bottle each of De Koninck Amber, De Koninck Blond, De Koninck Tripel and De Koninck Winterkoninck, and a branded glass.

Fruli Strawberry Gift Pack ($14.50 - LCBO 83816)
Four 250 mL bottles of Fruli Strawberry and a branded glass.

Marston's Pedigree Gift Pack ($11.95 - LCBO 83857)
Two 500 mL bottles of Marston's Pedigree and a branded glass.

Mill Street Barley Wine ($11.95 - LCBO 70359)
500 mL ceramic bottle of Mill Street Barley Wine.

Corona Gift Pack ($10.95 - LCBO 579300)
One 710 mL bottle of Corona Extra, two branded glasses and a bottle opener.

Coronita Gift Pack ($14.95 - LCBO 612069)
Six 207 mL bottles of Corona Extra in a branded bucket.

Exclusive Belgian Ales ($16.20 - LCBO 562397)
One 330 mL bottle each of Augustijn, Bornem Dubbel, Bornem Triple, Bruegel, Gulden Draak and Piraat.

Christoffel Winterse Bock Jug ($27.95 - LCBO 88088)
2 L jug of Christoffel Winterse Bock.

Christoffel Winterbier Jug ($29.95 - LCBO 925800)
2 L ceramic jug of Christoffel Blond.

Grolsch Premium Lager ($11.95 - LCBO 50294)
1.5 L bottle of Grolsch Premium Lager.

Steam Whistle Gift Pack ($27.95 - LCBO 11692)
Two 341 mL bottles of Steam Whistle and a retro wall-mounted bottle opener.

DAB Original Party Keg ($21.95 - LCBO 329029)
5 L mini-keg of DAB Original.

Deuchars IPA Gift Pack ($16.85 - LCBO 83915)
Contents TBC.

Trafalgar Triple Threat ($10.95 - LCBO 103960)
One 200 mL bottle each of Trafalgar Korruptor, Trafalgar Critical Mass and Trafalgar Black Bullet.

Scotch-Irish Corporal Punishment at the LCBO

Donna Warner at Heritage/Scotch-Irish Brewing has written to let us know that Scotch-Irish Corporal Punishment will soon be available at the LCBO in single bottles.

One thing to note, however, is that the name of the bottled version will be Corporal's Bitter Brown Ale, and the label image will not include the cricket bat being held by the Corporal in the tap handle logo. The name and logo for the draught version will remain unchanged. These differences are likely due to LCBO labelling regulations.

Watch for the Corporal to start appearing on the shelves of select LCBO outlets in mid-October.

LCBO Autumn Ales and Hallowe'en Beers Releases

The LCBO has announced the beers planned to be included in the Autumn Ales and Hallowe'en Beers promotions. The Autumn Ales are due to be officially released on September 17th, although some beers may be released earlier or later. The Hallowe'en Beers will be out sometime in September or October.

Autumn Ales:

Monty Python Holy Grail Ale (4.70% - $3.45/500ml - LCBO 894048)
Burton Porter (4.50% - $3.95/500ml - LCBO 926162)
Harvey's Porter 1859 (4.80% - $3.95/500ml - LCBO 55400)
Belhaven Wee Heavy (6.50% - $3.50/500ml - LCBO 698977)
Fuller's 1845 (6.30% - $3.50/500ml - LCBO 504670)
Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar (6.20% - $5.75/650ml - LCBO 96180)
Koningshoeven Triple Ale (8.00% - $6.95/750ml - LCBO 86934)
Westmalle Dubbel (7.00% - $3.25/330ml -LCBO 676965)
Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout (7.00% - $3.95/550ml - LCBO 676023)
St Peter's Cream Stout (6.50% - $3.75/500ml - LCBO #TBA)
Adnams Broadside (6.30% - $3.10/500ml - LCBO 88641)
Trafalgar Smoked Oatmeal Stout (5.00% - $3.95/650ml - LCBO 54106)
Erdinger Dunkel (5.60% - $3.05/500ml - LCBO 574236)

To discuss this release, visit the Autumn Ales thread in the Bar Towel Forum.

Hallowe'en Beers:

St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale (5% - $9.95/4x341 ml - LCBO 90738)
Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin Ale (5% - $2.10/355 ml - LCBO 90373)
Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale (5.5% - $4.95/650 ml - LCBO 67710)

To discuss this release, visit the Hallowe'en Beers thread in the Bar Towel Forum.

LCBO Summer Beers Release

The Summer Beers seasonal release has started to hit the shelves at selected LCBO outlets. Here are the beers included in the promotion:

Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Hefeweizen-Mix (2.5% - $1.95/330 ml - LCBO 63511)
Great Lakes Orange Peel (5.3% - $4.95/650 ml - LCBO 615633)
Wells Bombardier Burning Gold (4.7% - $TBA/568 ml - LCBO 74484)
Christoffel Bier (6.0% - $2.80/330 ml - LCBO 696955)
Chapeau Lemon (3.5% - $2.40/250 ml - LCBO 76034)
Chapeau Kriek (3.5% - $2.10/250 ml - LCBO 76117)
Brussels White (4.8% - $TBA/TBA ml - LCBO 411157)
St Peter's Golden Ale (4.7% - $TBA/500 ml - LCBO #TBA)
Grolsch Weizen (5.5% - $2.75/473 ml - LCBO 73734)
Unibroue Ephemere Apple (5.5% - $5.25/750 ml - LCBO 692574)
Edelweiss Snowfresh Weissbier (5.0% - $2.05/330 ml - LCBO 73718)
Brakspear Bitter (3.4% - $TBA/500 ml - LCBO 909531)
Weihenstephaner Hefe Weissbier (5.4% - $2.85/500 ml - LCBO 75291)

LCBO Spring Beers Release

The Spring Beers seasonal release has hit shelves at selected LCBO outlets. Here are the beers included in the promotion:

Duchy Originals Organic Ale (LCBO 26971) - $3.55/500 mL bottle
Orval (LCBO 439992) - $3.45/330 mL bottle
Jenlain Bière de Printemps (LCBO 65771) - $2.45/330 mL bottle
St. Louis Gueuze (LCBO 468660) - $3.95/375 mL bottle
Trafalgar Oak Aged Rye (LCBO 67173) - $3.95/650 mL bottle
Weltenberger Kloster Asam Bock (LCBO 893974) - $3.25/500 mL bottle
Westmalle Tripel (LCBO 676577) - $3.95/330 mL bottle
Rogue Brutal Bitter (LCBO 909770) - $5.95/650 mL bottle
Schloss Eggenberg Urbock 23 (LCBO 65763) - $2.60/330 mL bottle

To discuss this release, check out the thread in the Bar Towel discussion forum.

More Craft Beer in Cans at LCBO

A number of Ontario-brewed craft beers have recently hopped on the can bandwagon, and are now available in convenient single servings at many LCBO outlets.

The new arrivals include Hockley Stout ($2.50), Neustadt Scottish Pale Ale ($2.50) and Neustadt 10W30 Brown Ale ($2.50), plus the US-brewed Headstrong Pale Ale ($2.20) and Headstrong Munich Lager ($2.20).

These join the previously available Robert Simpson Confederation Ale ($2.35), Creemore Springs Lager ($2.55), Creemore Springs Pilsner ($2.55), Great Lakes Devil's Pale Ale ($2.50), Taps Red Cream Ale ($2.30), Wellington County Dark ($2.50), Trailhead Lager ($2.35) and Hockley Dark ($2.50) in the increasingly popular single can format.

Holiday Gift Packs at the LCBO

It's still over a month away, but the mad rush towards Christmas has well underway, and holiday gift-packs are appearing on the shelves of LCBO outlets around the province.

We've compiled a list of the beer packs that we've seen, heard about, or have been able to find listed on the LCBO website. If you know of any that aren't listed here, or find any errors in the listing, please let us know and we'll post updates in the weeks leading up to the big day.

(And don't bother telling us that we don't have the various Corona gift-packs listed. That's one "beer" that doesn't need our promotional help…)

AFFLIGEM COMBI-PACK
LCBO 682906 | 4x330 mL bottle | $14.85
Includes two bottles of Affligem Blonde, one bottle each of Affligem Dubbel & Affligem Tripel, and an Affligem glass.

BIERE DU BOUCANIER MIXED PACK
LCBO 612077 | 6x330 mL bottle | $15.95
Includes two bottles each of La Bière du Boucanier Blonde, La Bière du Boucanier Dark & La Bière du Boucanier Red.

BIG ROCK 2007 HOLIDAY GIFT PACK
LCBO 676502 | 4x341 mL bottle | $14.95
Includes two bottles each of Big Rock Traditional Ale and Big Rock Grasshopper Wheat, and two glasses.

CHIMAY GIFT PACK
LCBO 560383 | 3x330 mL bottle | $13.95
Includes one bottle each of Chimay Red, Chimay Blue & Chimay White, and a Chimay glass.

CHRISTOFFEL ROBERTUS JUG
LCBO 52027 | 1x2000 mL bottle | $25.95
Large ceramic jug of Christoffel Robertus.

CHRISTOFFEL WINTERBIER JUG
LCBO 925800 | 1x2000 mL bottle | $29.95
Large ceramic jug of Christoffel Blond. (Yes, they're selling it as Christoffel Winterbier, which is a different beer entirely, but it's actually the Blond in the bottle.)

DE KONINCK GIFT PACK
LCBO 612101 | 4x330 mL bottle | $14.35
Includes two bottles of De Koninck Amber, one bottle each of De Koninck Blond & De Koninck Tripel, and a De Koninck glass.

ERDINGER BAVARIA GIFT PACK
LCBO 612119 | 2x500 mL bottle | $10.45
Includes one bottle each of Erdinger Hefe-Weizen & Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, and an Erdinger glass.

EXCLUSIVE BELGIAN ALES GIFT PACK
LCBO 562397 | 6x330 mL bottle | $15.95
Includes one bottle each of Augustijn, Bornem Dubbel, Bornem Triple, Bruegel, Gulden Draak and Piraat.

GREAT LAKES GIFT PACK
LCBO 52019 | 1x750 mL bottle | $14.95
Includes one bottle of Great Lakes Winter Ale and two glasses.

GROLSCH GIFT PACK
LCBO 683516 | 2x473 mL bottle | $13.65
Includes two swing-top bottles of Grolsch Premium Lager and a glass.

GUINNESS DELUXE SCARF GIFT PACK
LCBO 50328 | 2x440 mL can | $14.95
Includes two cans of Guinness Draught, a branded glass, and a Guinness scarf.

HISTORIC ALES OF SCOTLAND
LCBO 893719 | 4x330 mL bottle | $13.65
Includes one bottle each of Alba Scots Pine Ale, Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale, Froach & Grozet Gooseberry Wheat Ale.

HOBGOBLIN SHIRT & BOTTLE GIFT SET
LCBO 3566 | 500 mL bottle | $10.25
Includes a bottle of Hobgoblin and a t-shirt packaged in a gift tin.

JACOBSEN GIFT PACK
LCBO 52035 | 2x750 mL bottle | $19.95
Includes bottles of Jacobsen Dark Lager and Saaz Blonde, and two glasses.

ONTARIO CRAFT BREWERS DISCOVERY PACK NO. 1
LCBO 53181 | 5x341 mL bottle + 1x222 mL bottle | $11.95
Includes bottles of Walkerville Amber Lager, Muskoka Cream Ale, Great Lakes Red Leaf, Wellington SPA, Mill Street Organic Lager, and J.R. Brickman Pilsner.

SPITFIRE GIFT PACK
LCBO 50369 | 2x500 mL bottle | $13.65
Includes two bottles of Spitfire Ale and a glass.

STEAM WHISTLE PILSNER GIFT PACK
LCBO 11692 | 2x341 mL bottle | $24.95
Includes two bottles of Steam Whistle and a retro wall-mount bottle opener

TUBORG GIFT PACK
LCBO 50245 | 4x330 mL bottle | $13.65
Includes two bottles each of Tuborg Gold and Tuborg Green, and two glasses.

WARSTEINER GIFT PACK
LCBO 50344 | 1x330 mL bottle | $5.95
Includes one bottle of Warsteiner Premium and a glass.

LCBO Winter Warmers Release

The Winter Warmers seasonal beer release has started hitting the shelves at selected LCBO outlets. Several beers are available now, and others will follow later this month and into December. Here's the expected line-up:

Harviestoun Old Engine Oil (LCBO# 64030, 6.0%, $TBC/330 mL)
Trafalgar Belgian Spice Ale (LCBO# 684878, 6.2%, $3.95/650 mL)
Fullers Vintage Ale 2007 (LCBO# 676213, 8.5%, $6.95/500 mL)
Black Sheep Riggwelter Strong Yorkshire Ale (LCBO# 890871, 5.7%, $3.15/500 mL)
Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock (LCBO# 58875, 12.0%, $3.95/500 mL)
Scotch-Irish John By Imperial Stout (LCBO# TBC, 9.0%, $TBC/341 mL)
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale (LCBO# 408005, 6.0%, $3.75/550 mL)
St. Peter's Winter Ale (LCBO# 890079, 6.5%, $3.75/500 mL)
Brakspear Triple (LCBO# 615351, 7.2%, $3.50/500 mL)
Innis & Gunn Limited Edition Oak Aged IPA (LCBO# 16337, 6.4%, $4.95/330 mL)
Thomas Hardy's Ale 07 (LCBO# 54254, 11.7%, $4.65/250 mL)
St. Ambroise Vintage Ale 2007 (LCBO# 66027, 8.0%, $4.95/341 mL)
O'Hanlon's Royal Oak (LCBO# 57828, 5.0%, $3.75/500 mL)
XO Beer (LCBO# 527838, 8.0%, $4.05/330 mL)

(NOTE: Aventinus Weizen-Eisbock traditionally comes in a smaller bottle, so the 500 mL size listed by the LCBO may be incorrect. This will be confirmed once the beer arrives.)

To discuss this release, check out the thread in the Bar Towel discussion forum.

LCBO Autumn Ales Release

The Autumn Ales seasonal beer release has started hitting the shelves at selected LCBO outlets. Several beers are available now, and others will follow later this month. Here's the expected line-up:

Harvey's Porter 1859 (LCBO 55400, $3.60/500 mL)
O'Hanlon's Royal Oak (LCBO 57828, $2.90/500 mL)
Belhaven Twisted Thistle (LCBO 676957, $3.25/500 mL)
Carlow Moling's Red Ale (LCBO 54031, $3.50/500 mL)
Burton Bridge Porter (LCBO 926162, $3.50/500 mL)
Deuchars IPA (LCBO 697649, $2.60/500 mL)
Fuller's 1845 Bottle Conditioned Ale (LCBO 504670, $3.50/500 mL)
Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted (LCBO 54304, $3.00/500 mL)
Petrus Old Brown (LCBO 54049, $2.05/330 mL)
Black Sheep Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale (LCBO 894048, $3.15/500 mL)
Scotch-Irish Black Irish Porter (LCBO 32540, $2.00/341 mL)
Trafalgar Smoked Oatmeal Stout (LCBO 54106, $3.95/650 mL)

To discuss this release, check out the thread in the Bar Towel discussion forum.

LCBO Summer Seasonal Release

The line-up for the Summer seasonal beer release at the LCBO has been confirmed, and is as follows:

Edelweiss Hefetrüb Weissbier (LCBO 912535)
Fuller's Organic Honey Dew (LCBO 676858)
Christoffel Blond (LCBO 696955)
Chapeau Banana (LCBO 37853)
St. Ambroise Framboise (LCBO 45591)
Pump House Blueberry (LCBO 14514)
Brakspear Organic (LCBO 615997)
Liefmans Kriek (LCBO 236406)
Liefmans Goudenband (LCBO 236380)

Expect them to start appearing on store shelves in late June/early July.

LCBO Spring Seasonal Release

The line-up for the Spring seasonal beer release at the LCBO has finally been confirmed, and it's a particularly sparse one:

Duchy Originals Organic Ale (LCBO 26971)
Atlantic au Pineau (LCBO 24372)
Trafalgar Maple Bock (LCBO 45880)
Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale (LCBO 615633)
Hockley Stout (LCBO 615625)
Fruli Strawberry Beer (LCBO # TBA)

As usual, these beers are trickling on to shelves at selected stores with very little promotion or advance notice, so keep your eyes open if you want to try any of them.

LCBO Winter Release - Update

The LCBO Winter seasonal release has started hitting the shelves, although there have been some changes to the list originally leaked back in October. Here is the updated listing:

Available now/soon:
Adnams Broadside
Belhaven Wee Heavy (postponed from Fall release)
Chimay Blue (limited distribution - wider release in January)
De Koninck Amber Ale (postponed from Fall release)
Fuller's Vintage Ale 2006 (postponed from Fall release)
Greene King Strong Suffolk
Innis & Gunn Limited Edition Oak-Aged Beer
Okocim Porter
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
Trafalgar Celebration Ale
St. Peter's Winter Ale
XO Beer

Postponed to January:
Morland Hen's Tooth

Pulled from the line-up:
Brakspear Triple

As noted earlier, Wychwood Bah Humbug is another winter warmer that has been available for a month or so. It is not officially part of the seasonal promotion, but may be shelved with the seasonal beers in some locations.

Still missing from the Fall release is Erdinger Dunkel Weissbier. No word yet on if/when it will be appearing, although it is available as part of an Erdinger gift-pack.

Discuss this topic in the Bar Towel Forum

Holiday Gift Packs at LCBO

Only 35 shopping days left until Christmas, so here's a reminder of some of the holiday gift packs that are available at select LCBO locations:

AFFLIGEM COMBI-PACK
LCBO 682906 | 4x330 mL bottle | $14.45
Includes two bottles of Affligem Blonde, one bottle each of Affligem Dubble & Affligem Tripel, and an Affligem glass.

BIERE DU BOUCANIER MIXED PACK
LCBO 612077 | 6x300 mL bottle | $14.95
Includes two bottles each of La Bière du Boucanier Blonde, La Bière du Boucanier Dark & La Bière du Boucanier Red.

BUDELS BIER GIFT BOX
LCBO 423376 | 6x300 mL bottle | $13.90
Includes one bottle each of Budels Alt, Budels Batavier, Budels Capucijn, Budels Honey, Budels Parel & Budels Pils.

CHIMAY GIFT PACK
LCBO 560383 | 3x330 mL bottle | $12.95
Includes one bottle each of Chimay Red, Chimay Blue & Chimay White, and a Chimay glass.

DE KONINCK GIFT PACK
LCBO 612101 | 4x330 mL bottle | $13.95
Includes two bottles of De Koninck Amber, one bottle each of De Koninck Blond & De Koninck Tripel, and a De Koninck glass.

ERDINGER BAVARIA GIFT PACK
LCBO 612119 | 2x500 mL bottle | $10.25
Includes one bottle each of Erdinger Hefe-Weizen & Erdinger Weissbier Dunkel, and an Erdinger glass.

EXCLUSIVE BELGIAN ALES GIFT PACK
LCBO 562397 | 6x330 mL bottle | $14.95
Includes one bottle each of Augustijn, Bornem Dubbel, Bornem Triple, Bruegel, Gulden Draak and Piraat.

FISCHER TRADITION GIFT PACK
LCBO 612127 | 2x650 mL bottle | $12.85
Includes two bottles of Fischer Tradition and a Fischer glass.

HISTORIC ALES OF SCOTLAND
LCBO 893719 | 4x330 mL bottle | $12.30
Includes one bottle each of Alba Scots Pine Ale, Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale, Froach & Grozet Gooseberry Wheat Ale.

OKOCIM GIFT PACK
LCBO 612168 | 6x500 mL bottle | $15.95
Includes three bottles each of Okocim Jasne Pelne & Okocim Mocne, and an Okocim glass.

SAMUEL SMITH'S SELECTION
LCBO 696658 | 3x550 mL bottle | $13.95
Includes one bottle each of Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout & Samuel Smith's Old Brewery Pale Ale, and a Samuel Smith's glass.

SCHNEIDER WEISSE GIFT PACK
LCBO 11742 | 2x500 mL bottle | $12.45
Includes two bottles of Schneider Weisse Original and a Schneider Weisse glass.

SINHA GIFT PACK
LCBO 11551 | 2x330 mL bottle | $12.10
Includes one bottle each of Sinha Stout & Sinha Lager, and a Sinha glass.

WESTONS CHRISTMAS GIFT PACK
LCBO 4648 | 3x500 mL bottle | $11.50
Includes one bottle each of Westons 1880 Cider, Westons Organic Cider & Westons Vintage Reserve Cider.

Discuss this topic in the Bar Towel Forum

LCBO Winter Release

The following seasonal beers are scheduled to hit the shelves at select LCBO outlets in the next few weeks:

Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
Trafalgar Celebration Ale
Okocim Porter
Brakspear Triple
Morland Hen's Tooth
St. Peter's Winter Ale
Fuller's Vintage Ale 2006
Adnams Broadside
XO Beer
Chimay Blue
Greene King Strong Suffolk
Innis & Gunn Limited Edition Oak-Aged IPA

Also in the seasonal spirit but not part of this release is Wychwood Bah Humbug, a strong spiced ale that is in stores now.

Discuss this topic in the Bar Towel Forum

LCBO Fall Release

The LCBO seasonal release for Fall, 2006 has started hitting store shelves. Here are the beers you should be keeping an eye out for:

De Koninck Amber Ale
O'Hara's Celtic Stout
Erdinger Dunkel Weissbier
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
St. Peter's Strong Ale
Fuller's Vintage Ale 2006
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Burton Porter
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Belhaven Twisted Thistle IPA
Westmalle Dubbel

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Pump House Blueberry Ale at LCBO

The LCBO has just released a very limited quantity of Blueberry Ale ($11.95/6 x 341 ml, LCBO 14514) from Moncton's Pump House Brewery at selected outlets.

Each store has received 2 cases (8 six-packs) to start, with the option to order more if desired, and if the results of this experiment are deemed successful by the LCBO, it will quite likely lead to more out-of-province Canadian micros appearing on store shelves in the future.

So check the item listing on the LCBO website for stores and availability, and do your part to show the LCBO that there is support for out-of-province craft beer in Ontario.

St. Louis Premium Kriek Finally Arrives

Astute beer drinkers will undoubtedly have noticed that St. Louis Premium Kriek was announced as being part of the LCBO summer beer release, but has yet to appear on store shelves nearly a month after the promotion officially kicked off. Paul Flint from import agency Rubaiyat has an explanation:

The order was held up because the LCBO required a very detailed sticker, which took several efforts to get right, and then a delay while it was printed and applied. There were also problems with the tray, the LCBO claiming that it was not strong enough and the supplier unwilling to have a stronger tray custom-made. Finally the LCBO agreed to the existing tray on a one-off providing it didn't cause any trouble, and the beer was sent. It arrived about three weeks ago and has been going through the lab testing and pricing process. The LCBO has also objected again to the tray. I notice it has now been posted on the LCBO's online inventory (#676890), but without inventory yet. It should be distributed this week.

So, there you go. Watch for it to finally start hitting the shelves later this week in packages of 4 x 250 ml cans for $7.95.

LCBO Fall Release

The following beers will be included in the LCBO's Fall seasonal release, due to hit stores in mid-September:

De Koninck Amber Ale
O'Hara's Celtic Stout
Erdinger Dunkel Weissbier
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
St. Peter's Strong Ale
Fuller's Vintage Ale 2006
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Burton Porter
Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale
Belhaven Twisted Thistle IPA
Westmalle Dubbel

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LCBO Limited Time Offers for June 19 to July 16

For those looking to save a few pennies, the following beers are part of the June 19 to July 16 cycle of Limited Time Offers at the LCBO:

GOSSER BEER | 500 mL | WAS: $ 1.90 | NOW: $ 1.75 | SAVE: $ 0.15
GROLSCH LAGER | 500 mL | WAS: $ 2.25 | NOW: $ 1.95 | SAVE: $ 0.30
TIGER BEER | 500 mL | WAS: $ 2.20 | NOW: $ 2.00 | SAVE: $ 0.20
CZECHVAR PREMIUM LAGER | 500 mL | WAS: $ 2.40 | NOW: $ 2.00 | SAVE: $ 0.40
KOSTRITZER SCHWARZBIER | 500 mL | WAS: $ 2.30 | NOW: $ 2.05 | SAVE: $ 0.25
KRONENBOURG | 500 mL | WAS: $ 2.35 | NOW: $ 2.10 | SAVE: $ 0.25
TUBORG GREEN LABEL | 1760 mL | WAS: $ 7.45 | NOW: $ 6.85 | SAVE: $ 0.60
BRICK BAMBAY 6 PK-B | 2046 mL | WAS: $ 8.95 | NOW: $ 7.95 | SAVE: $ 1.00
SLEEMAN HONEY BROWN LAGER | 1980 mL | WAS: $ 11.95 | NOW: $ 9.95 | SAVE: $ 2.00
CARLSBERG | 2046 mL | WAS: $ 10.95 | NOW: $ 9.95 | SAVE: $ 1.00
SLEEMAN ORIGINAL DRAUGHT 6-C | 2130 mL | WAS: $ 11.95 | NOW: $ 9.95 | SAVE: $ 2.00
GROLSCH PREMIUM LAGER| 1892 mL | WAS: $ 11.25 | NOW: $ 10.25 | SAVE: $ 1.00
UNIBROUE BLANCHE DE CHAMBLY | 2046 mL | WAS: $ 12.10 | NOW: $ 11.10 | SAVE: $ 1.00
GUINNESS DRAUGHT | 3520 mL | WAS: $ 20.00 | NOW: $ 19.00 | SAVE: $ 1.00

LCBO Summer Release

Tomorrow is the official launch date for the LCBO's Summer beer release, but as always, different stores will be receiving different beers at different times. So keep a close eye on the shelves and the LCBO website for the following beers:

Christoffel Blond
Fuller's Organic Honey Dew
Belhaven Blueberry Beer
Shepherd Neame Goldings Summer Hop Ale
Liefmans Frambozenbier
Floris Ninkeberry
St. Louis Premium Kriek

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LCBO Summer Release

The beers to be included in the LCBO's upcoming seasonal release for summer have been announced:

Christoffel Blond
Fuller's Organic Honey Dew
Belhaven Blueberry Beer
Shepherd Neame Goldings Summer Hop Ale
Liefmans Frambozenbier
Floris Ninkeberry
St. Louis Premium Kriek

Expect them to start hitting shelves sometime in June.

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LCBO Spring Release

The LCBO Spring 2006 seasonal beer release has started to appear on store shelves around the province. Here are the beers included in this promotion:

Liefmans Goudenband
Weltenburger Kloster Asam-Bock
Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA
Trafalgar Bock
Mort Subite Gueuze
J Biere de Garde de Blonde au Gingembre

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Chaucer's Mead

While it's not exactly beer news, some fans of fine beer also enjoy mead, so it's worth mentioning that tomorrow's Vintages release from the LCBO features Chaucer's Mead from California's Bargetto Winery. The winery describes it as follows:

The honey for this specialty dessert-style wine is produced in hives throughout Northern California and is composed of a blend of three types; orange, alfalfa and sage. Each of these components brings a unique quality to the blend and contributes to the overall complexity of the wine. Orange adds a pungent orange blossom flavor and has light color. Alfalfa is neutral in flavor but yields a dark, amber color. Sage, on the other hand, has a mild taste and a light color.

This wine is produced utilizing fresh honey without the addition of artificial flavorings, concentrates or artificial colorings. Even though greater production difficulties ensue because pure, raw honey is used for fermentation, the intensity of flavor generated through this technique is worth the effort. Although, this wine exhibits a richness similar to a fine liqueur, this dessert-style beverage is not fortified and contains only 10.5% alcohol. Hence, this wine should be consumed shortly after purchase to enjoy its natural and rich honey flavor. The Mead can be enjoyed in one of two ways, either chilled or heated with spices to create a delicious wintery drink.

Chaucer's Mead ($17.95/750 ml) will be available at selected Vintages outlets as of January 21st.

Glenora Springs Red Coat Pale Ale

Beer blogger Alan McLeod reports that Glenora Springs Brewery have re-launched their Red Coat Pale Ale. He says in a recent blog entry:

New to the LCBO in a 650 ml bomb. The graphics are very nice and honour a Loyalist unit from the era of the American Revolution that operated in northern New York and the Canadian St. Lawrence river valley.

LCBO availability of this and other Glenora Springs beers is limited to Kingston and area.

Winter Warmers Showing Up

The newest LCBO release, Winter Warmers, is beginning to show up in stores. Here are the beers in the release:

Chimay White Cap
Fuller's Vintage Ale
Orval Trappist Ale
Rochefort 8
Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome Ale
Westmalle Tripel

Autmn Ales Released at LCBO

The latest LCBO beer release is on the shelves, Autumn Ales. Here are the beers in the release:

Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Propeller ESB
Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout
Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer
Rogue Chocolate Stout
Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale
St. Peter's Old Style Porter
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout

LCBO Summer Beer release

The LCBO's upcoming beer release, Summer Beers, has been confirmed. Here are the beers in this release:

Erdinger Weissbier
Saison Dupont
Schofferhofer Hefeweizen
Floris Honey
Chapeau Exotic Lambic
Rogue Half-e-Weizen
Belgian Peches
Christoffel Blond
Edelweiss Hefetrueb Weissbier
Fruli Strawberry

This release should be in stores mid-June.

LCBO Spring Release Arrives

The latest LCBO rotational beer release is hitting the shelves - here are the beers in this release:

La Choulette Blonde
St. Louis Gueuze Lambic
Mort Subite Gueuze Lambic
Jenlain Biere de Garde Blonde au Gingembre
Trafalgar Bock

LCBO Winter Release Arrives

The LCBO's newest seasonal release is hitting the stores, check out the full list below.

Dogfish Head Raison d'Etre
Chimay Blue Cap
La Terrible
Samuel Smith's Winter Welcome
Delirium Tremens
Mahr's Brau Christmas Bock
Rogue Yellow Snow Ale
X.O. Beer
Kasteelbier Brown
Orval Trappist Ale
St. Peter's Winter Ale
Samuel Smith's Imperial Stout
Weltenburger Kloster Asam-Bock

The LCBO has also released the delayed Rodenbach Grand Cru and their annual Christmas gift sets.

Autumn Beers Announced!

The LCBO is releasing the following beers, Autumn Ales, as of September 12th:

Monty Python Holy Grail Ale
Fuller's 1845
Rogue Chocolate Stout
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Old Growler
Deuchars IPA
Spitfire Premium Ale
Rodenbach Grand Cru
Affligem Blond
Adnams Suffolk Strong Bitter

LCBO Spring Release Announced

The end of May sees the LCBO's Spring beer release - here are the brands that will be available:

Brussels White
Hook Norton Haymaker
St. Peter's Summer Ale
Hop Back Summer Lightning
Edelweiss Weissbier Hefetrueb
Fruli Strawberry Beer
Fuller's London Pride
Belhaven Classic Choice Fruit Beer
Floris Ninkeberry Gardenbeer
Mahr's Brau Wheat Beer

Stout & Porter Release

The LCBO's latest seasonal beer release, Stouts and Porters, is beginning to hit the shelves. Here are the beers in the release:

Samuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout
Young's Double Chocolate Stout
O'Hara's Celtic Stout
Victory Storm King Imperial Stout
St. Peter's Old Style Porter
Burton Porter

LCBO Winter Warmer Promotion Announced

In mid-November the LCBO is releasing their Winter Warmers beer promotion. The following beers are included in the promotion:

Samuel Smith Winter Welcome Ale
George Gale Prize Old Ale
XO Beer
Unibroue La Terrible
Adnams Suffolk Strong Bitter
Barbar Winter Bok
Leute Bokbier
Rogue Yellow Snow Ale
Cochonnette (Vapeur Cochonne)
Weltenburger Kloster Asam-Bock
Mahr's Brau Wheatbeer

New Beers at the LCBO

The LCBO will be adding a few new beers to their permanent porfolio in the coming months. Please see below the new beers:

Kostritzer Schwarzbier - already released
McAuslan Apricot Wheat - already released
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier - available in December
Fuller's London Porter - available in December
Paulaner Salvator - available in December
Mort Subite Framboise - available in January 2004

Also, on the local beer front, the LCBO will be offering Mill Street's Coffee Porter and Tankhouse Pale Ale in selected stores in November.

LCBO Autumn Beers are coming

The LCBO's latest seasonal release, Autumn Beers is set to hit the shelves soon. Here are the beers in this release:

Spitfire Premium Ale
Bishop's Finger Ale
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Bombadier Ale
Fuller's ESB
Propeller Extra Special Bitter
Alexander Keith's Celebration Amber Ale
Pumpking Ale
Deuchars IPA
Monty Python's Holy Grail Ale
Daleside Old Leg Over