Southern Tier Compass (9%)
Rating: NNNN
Why: A New York state (Lakewood, to be exact) brew that puts a sparkle in the eyes of the beer-enthused, Southern Tier’s Compass delivers a hefty 9% ABV, but you’d never guess that from its softness and fine effervescence. A bottle-conditioned sparkling ale brewed with rosehips, this is celebration brew – bier à la champenoise.
Price: 650 ml/$9.25
Availability: LCBO 365700
Beau’s Patio Saison
Rating: NNN
Why: ‘Tis the Saison to make like farmhands of yore and throw back some peppered citrusy goodness to get through the day. Beau’s popular summer seasonal, brewed with organic elderflowers and orange peel, is a tad floral and refreshingly bitter, with a spicy finish.
Price: 600 ml/$7.85
Availability: LCBO 389064
Bellwoods Omertà
Rating: NNN
Why: Tart, hoppy and gulpable, Bellwoods’s Omertà APA with hibiscus and orange peel was originally brewed for breast cancer fundraiser Beer 4 Boobs. Drink this pretty blush brew on sunny afternoons when your sole concern is a stack of non-required reading.
Price: 500 ml/$5.50
Availability: Bellwoods Bottle Shop (11 am to 11 pm daily)
