GREAT LAKES WINTER ALE
Rating: NNN
Why Big, spicy ales are what’ll stick to your ribs when it sucks outside. This woodsy but refined brew has notes of orange peel, ginger root, sarsaparilla and cinnamon and a prolonged hopped and spicy finish. Not an everyday brew, but nice for getting cozy in front of an open hearth.
Price 750 ml/$6.95
Availability LCBO 90845
CHARLEVOIX HIBERNUS
Rating: NNNNN
Why Sipping Hibernus is like having all your best holiday memories waltz across your palate. Full of fruitcake, mulled wine, cranberry chocolate squares, port-soaked figs, caramel and cardamom, this beer is nostalgia at its most delectable.
Price 750 ml/$14.10
Availability LCBO 359422
SAWDUST CITY LONG DARK VOYAGE TO URANUS
Rating: NNN
Why Once I curb my gigglefest and compose myself enough to actually contemplate, this noses roasted malt and dark espresso. An imperial stout for hopheads, with sweet toasted malt and dark chocolate that quickly give way to a dry, hoppy finish. Tread easy on this Voyage or risk getting snatched by the inebri-aliens.
Price 650 ml/$7.95
Availability LCBO 343772
MILL STREET VANILLA PORTER
Rating: NNN
Why If you dig ice cream, you’ll love this brew it’s like a maltier version of soft serve twist. Silky texture, low carbonation and a full palate of vanilla and chocolate sprinkled with nuts make this a choice drinkable dessert option.
Price 440 ml can/$2.90
Availability LCBO 367151
LES TROIS MOUSQUETAIRES DOPPELBOCK
Rating: NNNN
Why Dark lagers rank among my preferred liquid ingestibles, and this one is a particularly sweet treat. Aromas of coffee, pumpernickel and caramelized malt, with a touch of dried fruit and verging on the full body of sweet toffee, with a happy ending.
Price 750 ml/$9.90
Availability LCBO 359430
All photos by David Hawe
