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Autumn Ales

Posted on November 12, 2023

Autumn Ales is the tasting where I finally come to terms with my denial and start to celebrate the coming of the Fall and start drinking darker, more comforting beers. They’ve certainly been flowing into the store like mad now, and it’s becoming painfully apparent that I need to start wearing scarves and toques too now as well. Not to be negative about this sort of thing! I have northern blood in my veins, and a beard that I can get nice and frosty, so I’m all set for this season. And soon I’ll have a belly full of stout to keep me warm before I head outside after writing this.

 

So what did I do for this tasting? Well, I gathered a room full of friends, and got a bunch of cheese from Peasant Cheese, and opened a bunch of m autumn themes beers! From Fresh hopped ales (only available locally in the fall, so truly an Autumn Ale.) to a rich boozy stout, and everything in between. Here we go, take a look!



Ground Swell IPL by Lighthouse: Groundswell is a so-called India Pale Lager, fresh hopped with Cascade, Centennial, and Mt. Hood hops. Herby citrus aromas accompany a slightly earthy but light malt profile. Mildly to moderately bitter on the finish shows off the fresh hop character that lingers throughout. ($10.79 for a 650mL bottle)

Oktoberfest Bier by Sierra Nevada: Marzen is the quintessential Oktoberfest bier. Sierra Nevada's rendition is a robust malty powerhouse with mild spice and grassy notes. Not too sweet, and the German hops provide a nice balance, making the beer incredibly comforting and pleasant. ($3.79 for a 330mL bottle)

In Hops We Trust by Outcast: A New England style IIPA done with Fresh Alberta hops, and double dry hopped. Robust silky body with a mild malty sweetness, dank fresh hops smell very green on the nose and add a ton of mango, and citrus, along with a good amount of sappy but soft bitterness. (Currently not available)

The Julia Peach Cobbler Sour by Dandy: Slightly different than the previous year, this edition is drier on the palate, with less nectarine skin flavours, and less crumble-like graininess. Tart and fruity, and delicious though just the same! ($9.99 for a 650mL bottle

St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale by Macauslan: Light bodied, crackery and light lemony malts. Leafy and grassy hops that lay pretty low. Delicate and enjoyable without going out of balance or being too intense in one way or another.($11.79 for a 4-pack of bottles)

There Will be Porter by Last Best: A big round body without being overly dense or weighty. Chocolate and lightly toasted malts, with concentrated cold-pressed coffee notes and a hint of acidity rounding the finish off. (Currently unavailable)

Noa Pecan Mud Cake by Omnipollo: A big and rich, sweet imperial stout with big flavours of nuts, chocolate, cookies and cake. At 11%abv, you don't want to lose track of how many you drink! ($11.69 for a 330mL bottle)

I think people were expecting more dark beers, and I totally understand that. But it’s still a seasonal themed tasting, and many were pleasantly surprised to know that fresh-hopped beers fit the bill. So much so, That Outcasts In Hops we Trust came in a tie for first place alongside Omnipollo’s pecan mud cake! The Oktoberfest by Sierra Nevada was right behind by 1 vote. My 2 favourite beers ended up winning here, so all in all I’m happy, and that also means my guests had great taste ;)

 

 

I want to give a quick thanks to Peasant Cheese for all the tasty goodies, and of course all my guests, because I wouldn’t have had anyone to drink with that evening if it wasn’t for them! If you’re reading this and find yourself jealous or feeling left out, fear not! You can book a tasting with me for the new year right now! Our new tasting schedule is out now, and I’ll be doing my Stout tasting on January 30, a Sour and Barrel-aged tasting on February 20, a beer and cheese pairing on March 6, and finally, a beer and meat pairing on March 20 (something for everyone I’d say!).

 

 

That’s about all for now. See you next time!


Cheers

 

 

Shawn

 

 

beerguy@kensingtonwinemarket.com

 

 

Twitter: @ShawnsBrewsCGY

 

 

 

 

 

This entry was posted in Beer

 

 

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