Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer- Rum Finish

Category: Import (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Type: Aged Ale

Style: Rum infused Ale

Brewed by:  Innis & Gunn Brewing Co Ltd

Alcohol content: ABV. 7.4%

This is now one of my all time favorite beers from one of the best breweries in the world. I haven't had this particular one prior tasting it for the review but it was superb nonetheless. The flavor of the rum comes through the the beer but doesn't take over or destroy the flavor of the hops. The beer doesn't hide the alcohol, it is present with a fairly high alcohol content, but doesn't drown out the rest of the beer.

Overall this is a great beer; one I will be drinking again.

Innis and Gunn- Blonde

Category: Import (Scotland, United Kingdom)

Type: Ale

Style: Pale Ale

Brewed by: Innis & Gunn Brewing Co Ltd

Alcohol content: Alc. 6.0%

After traveling over to one of the local LCBOs I decided to pick up something that I've had before. From one of the best breweries and one of my favorite beers, Innus and Gunn Blonde is something hard to get tired of. The blonde has an all around flavor, with the classic oak flavor presenting but not taking over the show. It has a mellow flavor which makes it good for any day of the week. 

This is a great beer and worth investing money and time in making a special trip to get it.

Mort Subite- Raspberry Beer

Category: Imported (from Belgium)

Type: White ale

Style: Fruit beer

Brewed by: Anno

Alcohol content: Alc. 4.5%

I was initially unsure about this beer based on its price of almost $5.  However, after the success of Fruli (the strawberry beer), and since raspberry is my favourite fruit, I decided to splurge.  The beer is also appealing aesthetically: it has a champagne style corked seal.

Overall, this beer is well worth the price.  It has a rich raspberry flavour but is not overly sweet.  It is also nice because the flavour of the beer is not overtaken by fruitiness so you still know you're drinking beer, not a cooler.  With some research this brewery also makes a cherry beer.  I am intrigued.

Conclusion: Belgium makes fantastic flavoured beers, even if a bit pricey.

It is also interesting to note the producer of this beer is a part of the Heineken Group.

Sleeman- Honey Brown Lager

Category: Local (Ontario, Canada)

Type: Lager

Style: Light Lager

Brewed by: Sleeman Brewing and Malting Inc.

Alcohol content: Alc. 5.2%

This is your standard issue beer, it comes in cans or bottle and it is neither too expensive nor too cheap. It has a bitter finish but is easily consumed. It is smooth having a slight sweetness to it keeping the alcohol flavor subdued. There really isn't anything that is too special about it.

My verdict is that it is good if you want just to drink, but isn't a beer for someone looking for something special. I would say it is best for weekend barbeques, good to drink with burgers.

Duchy originals: Organic Old Ruby Ale

Category: Import (United Kingdom)

Type: Red Ale

Style: Organic Ale

Brewed by: Wychwood Brewery Co.

Alcohol content: Alc. 5.0%

Before I review this beer, there is something I must make mention of. It is the daily recommendation of beer on the back of the bottle. I have never seen a bottle with one and I have been drinking for a while. What is more is that it is my tendency to drink many different beers from a variety of places. England you have surprised and perplexed me/made me wonder, why?

Anyways back to the review...

This ruby ale is as well rounded as is possible for an ale; it has robust and complex flavor. It relies heavily on the hops for most of the flavoring and is tuned down a small bit by the malt to give it good balance. A strong alcohol flavor is present throughout the experience and grows as the beer starts to return to room temperature.

My final decision... I wound drink it if given but not seek it out again.

ps. The dog greatly approved of the few drops I spilled on the floor.

Fruli - Strawberry Beer

Category: Imported (from Belgiun)
Type: White Ale
Style: Fruit beer
Brewed by: BREWERY HUYGHE
Alcohol Content of: 4.1%

Coming into the local LCBO and heading start for the beer section, I came upon an interesting little bottle. Fruli, a strawberry based beer, is a import to Canada from the nation of Belgium. I decided to give it a shot, they make good chocolate, why not beer? First off this is a very unusual beer. As you, for the most part, do not taste the alcohol at all. It reminds me of a cooler, less of a beer. On top of that it is very sweet, but not sickly sweet (fortunately).

Even so, I like it and will continue to drink to the last drop.