New Ottawa brewery [Booze]
2010 Apr 29
I did a search for Mill Street products and was quite sad to discover that the Mill Street Barley Wine (LCBO 70359) 500 mL | $ 11.95 is discontinued (www.lcbo.com). My guy like this AND collects the bottles to be used for other geeky projects.
Thanks for the Hogsback heads up and I am quite looking forward to trying it.
Thanks for the Hogsback heads up and I am quite looking forward to trying it.
2010 Apr 29
@live4food - The Barley Wine is a seasonal and showing "discontinued" only means that it's done for the year. It says nothing about whether it will be around next year or not.
@Bobby - Nothing at all wrong with describing a beer as spicy, just as there's nothing wrong with saying a beer is fruity or sweet instead of saying it's malty.
As for Hogsback, wake me up when they brew something interesting. Their blog entries certainly aren't getting me excited. I'm not picking up any passion for beer, just a passion for cash and a desire to take a slice of the growing craft brew market. In many ways I find these pseudo-craft brewers more offensive than the macros.
@Bobby - Nothing at all wrong with describing a beer as spicy, just as there's nothing wrong with saying a beer is fruity or sweet instead of saying it's malty.
As for Hogsback, wake me up when they brew something interesting. Their blog entries certainly aren't getting me excited. I'm not picking up any passion for beer, just a passion for cash and a desire to take a slice of the growing craft brew market. In many ways I find these pseudo-craft brewers more offensive than the macros.
2010 Apr 29
Well, yes, "spicey" is a correct beer term, though it is not always interchangable with "hoppy". Some hoppiness is spicey, some is fruity, some is floral, some musty, some citrusy. I'm sure there are more I'm missing. It really depends on the type of hops.
It has been a while since I've had Tankhouse so I don't recall which way I'd categorize it. But probably 'spicy' I suppose since I don't recall it falling into any of those other categories.
So, my bad. Was just making sure it was clear that the character in question in this beer came from hops, and not from any sort of spice (e.g. Wit)
It has been a while since I've had Tankhouse so I don't recall which way I'd categorize it. But probably 'spicy' I suppose since I don't recall it falling into any of those other categories.
So, my bad. Was just making sure it was clear that the character in question in this beer came from hops, and not from any sort of spice (e.g. Wit)
2010 Apr 29
With regard to Hogsback and contract brewing, the Taps Magazine article on their website suggests that contract brewing is a temporary situation and that Hogsback will be setting up shop soon here in Ottawa. From the little I know about the craft brewing industry here in Ontario, this type of setup is not uncommon, particularly for startups. I think it offers them a way to start brewing and learn about the business from experienced craft brewers before sinking a lot of money into capital and striking out on their own.
To clarify, the article says they are working with Michael Duggan, who is now formerly of Mill St. He started his own brewpub in Toronto a few months ago.
Back to Hogsback... Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some further "research" this weekend :-)
To clarify, the article says they are working with Michael Duggan, who is now formerly of Mill St. He started his own brewpub in Toronto a few months ago.
Back to Hogsback... Hopefully I'll get a chance to do some further "research" this weekend :-)
2010 Apr 29
Yes, contract is not at all a bad thing - it is a good thing since it also allows other micros to fill unused capacity. Scotch-Irish did the contract thing for a very long time until finally merging with Heritage. But I did not consider them "local" any more than I do Hogs Back (at the moment at least).
Scotch-Irish is now local, of course.
Scotch-Irish is now local, of course.
2010 Apr 30
"it is a good thing since it also allows other micros to fill unused capacity."...and make tasty beer for me! (Hopefully. Fingers crossed. Knock on wood.)
While I appreciate the merits of local production, I just don't think Ontario would have much of a craft brew industry if breweries didn't cooperate on some level. And cooperation generally means working with someone in a different town or city since there generally aren't too many craft breweries in any given locale.
While I appreciate the merits of local production, I just don't think Ontario would have much of a craft brew industry if breweries didn't cooperate on some level. And cooperation generally means working with someone in a different town or city since there generally aren't too many craft breweries in any given locale.
2010 Apr 30
Oh, I agree completely Downtown. Don't get me wrong. I'm just saying I don't really consider this an "Ottawa" brewery (as per your subject line) - that's it, that's all. I'm still anxious to try their beer, and if it is good I'll support them. I'm not saying what they are doing is bad or wrong, I'm just saying they are not an "Ottawa brewery"
2010 Apr 30
I don't care about where the beer is brewed, I care about the lack of concern for making a good beer. "A little more flavour, a little more colour" is a horrible motto for creating quality product. These aren't brewers, they're a couple business guys that brought in industry consultants who told them what they tell ever businessman who thinks about starting a brewery, "you should brew a middle-of-the-road lager, that's the ticket".
I'll happily eat crow if they turn out to be the most exciting development in the Canadian beer scene this side of DDC or Grand River, but putting out a "traditional lager" as their flagship isn't a promising start.
I'll happily eat crow if they turn out to be the most exciting development in the Canadian beer scene this side of DDC or Grand River, but putting out a "traditional lager" as their flagship isn't a promising start.
2010 Apr 30
On the one hand I agree with you Brian, but on the other hand, that is what Beau's did and they are doing well and also bringing some exciting new beers to market as well, in addition to their flagship beer.
And since it still does not seem to be clear, I don't necessarily care where the beer is brewed either, unless someone wants to call it an "Ottawa" beer, in which case I do care that it is not actually brewed in Ottawa :-)
But at the same time, if there were a beer brewed locally, with 100 mile malt (realistically 200 or 300 mile), I would be more inclined to buy that beer than any other. Most malt comes either from Europe, or Saskatchewan.
I think a brewery could really do well to offer a 100 mile beer (or as best possible - malts grown and malted between Quebec and Montreal). If I were starting a new brewery, that would be my niche that I'd look for. The Organic thing worked well for Beau's, but their organic malt comes all the way from Germany so the ecological value of it is questionable at best. But it is a great marketing tool!
And since it still does not seem to be clear, I don't necessarily care where the beer is brewed either, unless someone wants to call it an "Ottawa" beer, in which case I do care that it is not actually brewed in Ottawa :-)
But at the same time, if there were a beer brewed locally, with 100 mile malt (realistically 200 or 300 mile), I would be more inclined to buy that beer than any other. Most malt comes either from Europe, or Saskatchewan.
I think a brewery could really do well to offer a 100 mile beer (or as best possible - malts grown and malted between Quebec and Montreal). If I were starting a new brewery, that would be my niche that I'd look for. The Organic thing worked well for Beau's, but their organic malt comes all the way from Germany so the ecological value of it is questionable at best. But it is a great marketing tool!
2010 Apr 30
Nope, not yet. Hopefully soon. But I agree with Zym. I wouldn't be enjoying Beau's seasonals if they hadn't bee sucessful with their Lugtread.
Brian Mc is right in pointing out that there is already a Hogs Back in the UK. In fact, you can find their product in the LCBO. Potential conflict ahead?
As a recent transplant to Ottawa, the last point raises a burning question: Can anyone explain to me where the name Hogs Back came from as it pertains to Ottawa? (And, for that matter, Hunt Club)
Brian Mc is right in pointing out that there is already a Hogs Back in the UK. In fact, you can find their product in the LCBO. Potential conflict ahead?
As a recent transplant to Ottawa, the last point raises a burning question: Can anyone explain to me where the name Hogs Back came from as it pertains to Ottawa? (And, for that matter, Hunt Club)
2010 Apr 30
I vaguely remember this from my Grade 9 Geography class (many years ago), but I corroborated with Wikipedia and The History of the Rideau Lockstations web page (www.rideau-info.com).
Hogs Back Road is named for the nearby Hogs Back Falls, which were created as a result of the digging of the Rideau Canal. There's apparently a ridge of rock in the water that looks like the backbone of a hog. I've been there many a time, and I've never noticed. But I'm sure it's there.
I'm fairly certain that Hunt Club Road comes from the fact that there used to be a fairly large hunting club there. Actually, it's still there: it's now the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, at the corner of Hunt Club and Riverside.
Hogs Back Road is named for the nearby Hogs Back Falls, which were created as a result of the digging of the Rideau Canal. There's apparently a ridge of rock in the water that looks like the backbone of a hog. I've been there many a time, and I've never noticed. But I'm sure it's there.
I'm fairly certain that Hunt Club Road comes from the fact that there used to be a fairly large hunting club there. Actually, it's still there: it's now the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club, at the corner of Hunt Club and Riverside.
2010 May 1
Thanks Momomoto! Two mysteries solved.
More big news! There are actually two (2, TWO, II!) new breweries in Ottawa. In addition to Hogsback, there is also Kichessippi Beer Co. which has just launched its Natural Blonde.
www.kbeer.ca
Here's a video of their first offical pour. I think this was at the Cheshire Cat:
More big news! There are actually two (2, TWO, II!) new breweries in Ottawa. In addition to Hogsback, there is also Kichessippi Beer Co. which has just launched its Natural Blonde.
www.kbeer.ca
Here's a video of their first offical pour. I think this was at the Cheshire Cat:
2010 May 1
Not to beat a dead horse (and I'll quit slagging the new start ups), but Beau's didn't just put out a standard euro-lager. They made a concerted effort to do something different. Their kolsch is the first commercially made example of the style made by a stand alone brewery in Ontario as far as I know (and I could be wrong). I think there's a big difference between looking at what most people drink and trying to find an interesting style that won't send them running, and putting out a replica of what people are drinking.
2010 May 1
Well, the thing is, to most people's taste buds there really is no difference between a Euro-Lager and a Koelsch-style beer. I think that is really splitting hairs. It is for all intents and purposes, a "light lager".
But as you note, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Light (coloured) beer does not have to be boring and in fact can be very exciting if brewed properly. It is also one of the most difficult beers to brew because there is nowhere for the brewer's mistakes to hide, like there is in hoppier, darker, maltier beers.
The vast majority of the beer I brew myself is essentially the same thing. Though I am definitely in the minority amongst homebrewers on that one. I once went 3 whole years brewing nothing but variations on the basic grain bill of 100% pilsener malt, just to experiment with all the nuances. I learned quite a lot in those 3 years.
But as you note, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Light (coloured) beer does not have to be boring and in fact can be very exciting if brewed properly. It is also one of the most difficult beers to brew because there is nowhere for the brewer's mistakes to hide, like there is in hoppier, darker, maltier beers.
The vast majority of the beer I brew myself is essentially the same thing. Though I am definitely in the minority amongst homebrewers on that one. I once went 3 whole years brewing nothing but variations on the basic grain bill of 100% pilsener malt, just to experiment with all the nuances. I learned quite a lot in those 3 years.
2010 Jun 6
I sat down with one of the "boys" of Hogsback (as they like to call themselves) a few weeks ago and go to do alittle tasting and chatting
personally, I did not care for the beer
he suggested it was to be on the less bitter side of Creemore but I found it to be moreso
the resident beer & wine snob pronounced it to be a dandy but he, himself, is bit of a dandy so it was decided we would not go with it
the story is: Hogsback is currently brewed in T.dot by the original brewmaster of Mill Street, shipped to the area and stored in the old Hart Brewery fridges to await distribution...plans are to build a brewery next year in the Stittsville area...so we deemed it not local
now, I have had several pints of Kichessippi in the last few weeks (well maybe more than several, LOL)
IMHO, it's quitie a bit like Blanche with its floral and citrus notes without the wheaty cloudiness and spicy coriander
while the owner of the cafe sees it as competition for our second best seller, Blanche, I see it as a way to say goodbye to Keith's and promote the local economy
personally, I did not care for the beer
he suggested it was to be on the less bitter side of Creemore but I found it to be moreso
the resident beer & wine snob pronounced it to be a dandy but he, himself, is bit of a dandy so it was decided we would not go with it
the story is: Hogsback is currently brewed in T.dot by the original brewmaster of Mill Street, shipped to the area and stored in the old Hart Brewery fridges to await distribution...plans are to build a brewery next year in the Stittsville area...so we deemed it not local
now, I have had several pints of Kichessippi in the last few weeks (well maybe more than several, LOL)
IMHO, it's quitie a bit like Blanche with its floral and citrus notes without the wheaty cloudiness and spicy coriander
while the owner of the cafe sees it as competition for our second best seller, Blanche, I see it as a way to say goodbye to Keith's and promote the local economy
2010 Jun 11
Thanks for posting jpm! Had your beer at Johnny Farina's yesterday. A decent Canadian pale ale, found it had a Creemore sorta hop profile. Also, www.bartowel.com is the hangout for the province's beer geeks. They'll probably ream you out for not having a IIPA or Imperial Stout, but they appreciate a brewer who is open and honest about what they're trying to do (in fact there's a review thread of your beer up in the review forum right now).
2010 Nov 26
Kitchesippi blonde is good, a fine beer to drink with spicy foods. Beau's LT is good as well, they are two distinctly different beers however. I find Beau's seasonal offerings to be much more interesting and better tasting than their lug tread, in particular, the Opa's Gose they had at Oktoberfest was the shiz, far superior to LT and I would drink it all year if I could... but that's just my measly opinion ;)
2010 Nov 30
Speaking of Beau's, they have a new beer to try:
www.beaus.ca
Only available at the brewery though, it seems.
www.beaus.ca
Only available at the brewery though, it seems.
2010 Dec 10
Holy poop! Apt613 reported that Kichesippi is set to buy Heritage Brewing, check out the details here: www.apt613.ca
Downtown Diner
Thank's to Inertiaboy on bartowel.com for passing along this news.