It’s October, and that means different things to different people. For late adopters who don’t follow the orthodoxy of Bavaria, it’s probably time to hoist a Masskrug. For those adhering to the doctrine of the Pumpkin Spice Latte, it’s spooky season; when everything smells like a Yankee Candle. For those poor benighted sinners who overindulged during the summer months and are reaching for the sodastream, it might be Sober October. Whether you’re hoisting a stein or toasting Frankenstein, we’re here with news and beers from around the province.
NEWS
Ingleside Ontario’s Humble Beginnings Brewing Co announced via a Facebook post that their brewery will close this weekend. “…times change and priorities sometimes have to shift too. Over the last few years, this shift for us has come in what is needed for our family – and we need to be able to be more present for them, to support and be there for life’s ups and downs and the journey along the way. The time has come for us to move on from Humble Beginnings.”
HBBCo. will be closing their doors on Saturday, October 5. Until then, stop in to say hi, share a story or favourite memory, or have a pint with them.
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Collingwood Ontario’s Endswell Brewing will open this Thanksgiving weekend with THANKSGIVER! Reached for comment, they replied:
“We have a lot to be thankful for on this 10 year journey to opening, and it’s fitting to share that with our community in the space.
Our hours for that weekend are Sat Oct 12 from 12-9pm, and Sunday Oct 13 from 12-5pm.
Following THANKSGIVER, our regular hours starting the week of Oct 14 will be Tuesday – Saturday 12-9pm and Sunday 12-7pm.”
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Sunrise, sunset. Is it the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end? Sometimes the news rhymes.
EVENTS
Holy Toledo that’s a lot of Oktoberfest events tomorrow. I’m sure there are more happening than I’ve even recorded on the calendar. Get out there and enjoy yourself.
Also worth mentioning, the return of the king. Ralph Morana has announced Cask Days for 2024, which will take place from Friday October 11 to Sunday October 13. Best to start setting aside your pocket money right now.
THE SIX PACK
AMBROISE PUMPKIN ALE
For the first time in 10 months, I’m selecting a beer that isn’t from Ontario for the six pack. There are a lot of well made pumpkin beers in Ontario, but not many of them make the LCBO. If they don’t sell out, they tend to sit on the shelf until April. St. Ambroise makes one that is incredibly well balanced between pumpkin, malt, and spices. It’s about as close to perfection as this gets in terms of balance.
GREAT LAKES DEVIL’S PALE ALE
If you’re looking for a beer that is arguably the starting point for craft beer in Ontario, you could do a hell of a lot worse than GLB Devil’s Pale Ale. It’s your favourite brewer’s favourite beer. I know several brewery owners who order an entire case of this stuff. It’s deep, dark, big and bad. Brewed for the first time 18 years ago, it’s almost old enough to drink itself. If the persistence of time ain’t scary, I don’t know what is.
COUNTERPOINT ONE HOP SCREAMING
A collaboration with Author Mark Leslie, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his compilation of short stories, One Hand Screaming. Bitter, citrus, melon and pine. His short stories are absolutely terrifying. I read one and can now blame any grey hair on my noggin squarely on my sense of abject horror.
TRUE HISTORY OFFICE HOURS ROTBIER
While they’re one of the top five breweries in Toronto at this point, True History relies pretty heavily on instagram for their messaging. This means that this roundup (which is mostly newsletter based) doesn’t always include them. This time, though, they’ve made a Rotbier. It’s a historical German Lager with a reddish amber hue. I never met a True History beer I couldn’t drink three of, so this is worth your time practically by default.
WELLINGTON FRESH OFF THE WIRE WET HOP PALE ALE
Scott Hayhoe. Hop Grower to Ontario. This fine Wet Hop ale uses Comet and Cascade hops in a traditional West Coast mode in order to showcase the finer qualities of Hayhoe. Also, the label is marvelous. I’m not sure if that’s a red tailed hawk or some manner of lesser kestrel. Either way, you’ll be thirsting for an entire kettle of raptors.
HENDERSON ORIGINAL PICKLE LAGER
Do you think Gose is a good idea? Do you wake up in the middle of the night craving garlic and dill? Are you half sour? Well, I’ve got good news for you. The boffins at Henderson have managed to combine lager and pickles. Two great tastes together at last. You might like it, you might not like it, but it’s available at their Picklefest, which has been getting just a ton of promotion locally and which is likely to be a pretty good time.
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