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With so much notoriety, it’s hard to believe that prize-winning Cameron’s Brewing – maker of this complex and fruity Cream Ale ($15.95/nine-pack, Beer Store , www.beerstore.com 1165 Invicta, Oakville, 905-849-8282, www.cameronsbrewing.com) – is still a family-run business. Keep your eyes peeled for the soon-to-launch Dark 266 lager.
Brewed in the historic Roundhouse on John, Steam Whistle Pilsner ($11.95/six-pack, Beer Store 255 Bremner, 416-362-2337, www. steamwhistle.ca) is traditionally made with only four all-natural ingredients to produce a clean taste with a crisp hop finish.
The Bulut family’s Great Lakes Golden Horseshoe Premium Lager is made in an open-fire brew kettle using premium Canadian malt and choice German hops ($10.95/six-pack, 30 Queen Elizabeth, 416-255-4510, www. greatlakesbeer.com) for a distinctive palate and clean finish.
A must-visit in the Distillery District, Mill Street Brewery is a fairly new addition to the local beer-making scene. But with instant favourites like Balzac’s Coffee Porter ($11.50/six-pack, LCBO, www. lcbo.ca), a unique, rich, chocolaty brew (made with beans from the DD’s Balzac’s coffee), it’ll no doubt be gaining popularity with every word-of-mouthful.
Created by master brewer Doug Pengelly (seriously, he completed the program at University of California, Davis, and passed his membership exams at London’s Institute of Brewing), the très European-style Saint André Vienna Lager ($31.35/24 bottles, 35 Elderfield, 416-948-6977) boasts high drinkability, rich malt flavour and a smooth finish.
