Drink Reviews

Unibroue’s Éphémère Apple Where to find it: C’est What?, a fantastic bar in downtown Toronto, at a convenience store or SAQ in Gatineau, and at a few special LCBO stores. Comparable to: Blanche de Chambly, which can be found at any bar in Ottawa worth going to.  This is a glorious drinking experience. Any hesitation you …

Where to find it: The Draft Pub at 801 King Edward Ave. Don’t be fooled by the rich brown colour — this is a smooth, easy-drinking classic that hails from England. Missing the bitterness and hops of most English ales, the Newcastle Brown Ale is the perfect choice for someone looking for a low maintenance …

WHERE TO FIND IT: LA MAISON First of all, I want to commend any establishment that sells pitchers of beer for $10 to students. Such an act of charity is worthy of many a high five, even if the quality of that beer is questionable. It’s amazing how different La Maison’s draught of Canadian tastes …

Where to find it: Sir John A Pub (284 Elgin St.) This is a very strong, very hoppy ale from the Toronto-based Amsterdam Brewery. I highly recommend this beer for only tried and tested IPA fans, but even then a pint of the unfiltered and striking flavour is probably too much. In a world where …

The holidays are almost upon us and what better way to celebrate than by cozying up indoors and celebrating God’s gift to man: ice-cold beer. The following list can be drunk (or sung) in any order, but I highly recommend Waupoos Cider as the antidote for Christmas Day, and the inevitable extended hours sitting with …

Where to find it: Sandy Hill Lounge and Grill (just east of  Chapel Street on Somerset) I hate to admit it, but like quality television, sometimes you have to rely on our friends south of the border to get a winter ale done right. For folks searching for a staple beer of the season, look no further—this beer …

Where to find it: La Maison Drinking Granville Island Brewery’s seasonal beer is like sitting down for a meal of pancakes. After one sip you’re ecstatic, marvelling why you haven’t done this more often. After a few more you never want to see it again until the day you die. A dark beer with hints of sweet toffee, …

Where to find it: Café Nostalgica and Pour Boy (on Somerset just west of Kent) This is the excitement of coming home after a semester away battling exams, essays, and malnourishment trapped in a bottle. Blanche de Chambly is the best of Quebec brewer Unibroue’s unique selection of finely crafted beers. It’s a Belgian-style wheat beer with hints of …

Where to find it: The Royal Oak on Laurier Avenue or pretty much anywhere in Ottawa This local beer is a staple at almost every bar in Ottawa, but just because it’s always on the menu doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. This is one complex lager. It has the polished taste and golden colour of your average easy-drinking …

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