ottawa foodies

Just came back from NYC, where I ordered a pint of Samuel Adams Summer Ale at a dive bar and have been badly craving another ever since. It was so delicious, and really surprising actually, though I admittedly know very little about most of the beer lists presented to me at American big-city bars (so many options, so many crazy names..)

Anyone know if this beer has ever been available anywhere on tap in Ottawa, and if there's a chance it might pop up again? All I've found anywhere in Ontario is a few 6-packs at LCBO locations in three small towns that I've never heard of. I'd love to find it in draught form, but would happily settle for a bottle..

At the same time, if anyone is familiar with it, I wonder if there's a comparable beer that is readily available around these parts?

Not sure what the status of this one is. Used to be a seasonal, but thought it was put into regular rotation. You may see it pop up in the summer, but early rumours don't have it down as a part of the seasonal release. Most lighter wheats would do the trick, Grasshopper, Mcauslan Apricot Wheat, Wellington Silver Wheat maybe. There will be a handful of quality wheat beers in the summer release, but most of them will be more traditional Hefes.

I don't see Sam Adams on tap much but according to their website, the Highlander carries a Sam Adams seasonal. I'm not sure if we're in season yet or not but it might come your way. I think I've noticed Sam Adams at... Irene's, maybe... at some time but I imagine it's more likely that places would carry the Boston Lager rather than the seasonal.

I've also noticed the summer ale in the LCBO for the past year or two once we get into the real summer months so I'm hoping that your patience will be rewarded and at least an LCBO or two around here will carry it.

Only 7 bottles in lcbo inventory, all in 3 Northern Ontario towns (that is if Hornepayne is in the north). Gotta be last summer's stock.

Hey Brian Mc what about Amsterdam's Oranje Weisse - quite enjoyable stuff, nice on warm days lately; I bought the last 5 bottles in E. Ont last week.

Can't say I've had it Andy. I've neglected wheat beers for awhile, should really try to sample some more this summer. Come to think of it, I'm not sure I've ever had an Amsterdam.

Thanks for the tips

Only able to find regular Sam Adams lager at the SAQ near the casino. I also checked Shipyard and Geary's, two Maine micros who also produce their own summer ales: no luck. Only found Shipyard IPA at the same store.

Just saw the summer ale at the Rideau/King Edward LCBO. Probably at others now too.

I know where! Firkin Knights Pub on Merivale...they had it last year but not sure if they still have it. Im in the same boat...love that beer!