How much cred does Ontario beer have? We compared our best to the products of some of the most famous breweries on the planet.
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Bright and balanced, King’s got the trimmings of an anytime favourite – a great option to toast the summer months or to weather seasonal whims.
LCBO #911388, 6×341 ml/$12.95
Rating: NN
This entry, from the brewery whose name translates as “the original source of Pilsner,” exhibits all you’d expect from this traditional Czech-style lager – clean, crisp, easy drinking. If you’re seeking complexities to contemplate, sip elsewhere.
LCBO #255380, 500 ml/$2.45
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Wheat, citrus, spice and all things nice. Crisp and refreshing in a way some weisses just can’t muster.
LCBO #345017, 6×355 ml/$13.50
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A bready head with hints of cloves and banana cream culminates in light spice and metallic citrus.
LCBO #247486, 500 ml/$3.10
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This bestseller from one of Ontario’s original microbreweries is all citrusy Ceylon tea and ripe raspberries, with a malty structure and delicately lingering hops. Soft and sessionable but never boring.
LCBO #190439, 473 ml/$2.60
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Whiffs of butterscotch and faint fruit anticipate a palate brimming with pleasant hops and sweet malt. Subtleties emerge as it warms. (The Brits ain’t lying about the benefits of room-temp brew.)
LCBO #627463, 500 ml/$3.65
Rating: NN
Amber-hued, with a bold nose and palate of roasted malt, and, as you probably surmised from the brewery’s moniker, hops. More dimensions couldn’t hurt.
LCBO #267773, 473 ml/$2.80
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A sweet malt edge and subdued hops wash away in a watery finish. Who knew the Vikings were so shy?
LCBO #696773, 500 ml/$2
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Aroma of toasted malt and orange peel with underlying floral notes, this no-nonsense IPA leaves traces of coniferous citrus on the palate with hops fuelled by the Energizer Bunny.
LCBO #339531, 650 ml/$5.25
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Brutal? Rogue’s being far too self-deprecating (and it’s not even a Canadian brewery!) A lively, fruit-forward nose translates to a palate of zesty citrus and biscuity malt. Hoppy refreshment at its finest.
LCBO #246793, 650 ml/$6.40
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Kensington’s subtle summer-ready wheat is all subtle citrus and ripe watermelon. So easy to drink, you might go Gallagher and smash the Fruit Stand all weekend long. Available on tap and in cans at bars around the city
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Its low alcohol content makes Stiegl’s sweet-tart sibling the ideal day drink. Try it in a cocktail after the sun sinks – sneak in a splash of gin, a slice of fresh grapefruit and a mint sprig.
LCBO #334052, 500 ml/$2.60
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This American-style porter from Great Lakes – recently named Canadian brewery of the year – brims with cocoa and coffee, with balanced bitter contours. Visit the brewery to grab it straight from the source (30 Queen Elizabeth, 416-255-4510, or stalk the taps at Bar Hop (391 King West, 647-352-7476) and Volo (587 Yonge, 416-928-0008) and hope for the best.
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A creamy mouthful of roasted malt, fresh brewed coffee and salted chocolate finishes with hoppiness. Quite right, old chap.
LCBO #33175, 500 ml/$2.55
