Volo Cask Days - Final Details

The final confirmed beer lists and other details on the week of events that make up this year's Cask Days at Volo have been announced.

In addition to the main ticketed event on Friday October 30th and Saturday October 31st, the 5th annual edition will also include Pre-Cask Days sessions focused on Traditional English Ales (Monday October 26th to Wednesday October 28th), and the four top beers from last spring's Cask IPA Challenge (Thursday October 29th), with a special early opening at 2 PM on each day.

There will also be Post-Cask Days "wrap-up" events on Sunday November 1st & Monday November 2nd to drink up any beer left from the main event.

All of the info follows after the jump.

PRE-CASK DAYS: TRADITIONAL ENGLISH ALES
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26TH - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28TH, 2009

No tickets required, serving between 2:00pm-2:00am
All servings will be 1/2 ($4.50) and full pints ($6.50)
No taps will be served during these sessions. Until Supplies Last

Pale Ale - Durham's Signature Ale, Magnotta Pale Ale
Bitter - Granite Best Bitter Special, Saint Andre Brass Monkey Ordinary Bitter
E.S.B - Chesire Valley ESB, Durham ESB , Maclean's Battle X ESB, Mill St. ESB (Dry Hopped), Duggan’s #6 ESB
I.P.A - Durham Triple X IPA, Granite IPA
Brown - Hockley Valley Traditional Dark Ale
Mild - Grand River Mill Race Mild
Porter - Scotch Irish Black Plain Porter, F&M Porter
Stout - Durham Blakk Katt Stout
Strong Ale - Wellington Iron Duke Strong Ale
Old Ale - Granite Peculiar Old Ale
Barleywine - Granite Gin Lane
Gruit Ale - Great Lakes Eunuch Brew
Guest - Fullers ESB / Fullers London Pride

PRE-CASK DAYS 2009: FINAL FOUR I.P.A. RE-CAP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2009

The final four beers in the Ontario Cask IPA Challenge will revisited for a second tasting.
No tickets required, serving between 2:00pm-2:00am.
All Servings will be 1/2 ($4.50) and Full Pints ($6.50)

1st Place Mike Duggan No. 9 IPA
2nd Place Durham Hop Addict IPA
3rd Place Granite Hopping Mad IPA
4th Place Scotch Irish Sgt.Major IPA

CASK DAYS 2009: MAIN EVENT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30TH, 2009 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST 2009

Session One - Fri 4:00pm - 8:00pm $15 (100 Tickets)
Session Two - Sat 9:00pm -1:00am $15 (100 Tickets)
Brewer’s Breakfast - Sat 10:00am - 3:00pm $35 (25 Tickets)
Session Three - Sat 12:00pm - 3:00pm $10 (35 Tickets)
Session Four - Sat 4:00pm - 8:00pm $10 (100 Tickets)
Session Five - Sat 9:00pm - 1:00am $10 (100 Tickets)

Some sessions sold out. Remaining tickets available at Volo.
Beers will be served in 1/4 pints ($2), 1/2 pints ($4) and full pints ($8).
$2 from each ticket will be donated to Colon Cancer research.

ONTARIO EAST
Scotch Irish Brewing Company - Black Plain Strawberry Porter
Heritage Brewing Company - Hop Fresh 2009
Beau 's All Natural Brewing - Tommy Gun Pale (Caba Caba Hey) / Night Märzen Aged in Wood Cask
County Cider* - Waupoos Cider
Barley Days - Harvest Gold Pale Ale
Church Key - Purple Loosestrife Mead / Oaked Islay V Scotch Ale
Publican House* - McHenry Red Ale

ONTARIO NORTH EAST
Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery - 2009 Harvest Ale
Hockley Valley - Peanut Butter and Jam Ale
Flying Monkey* - Netherworld India Pale Porter
King - Dry Hopped/Unflitered Pilsner
Black Creek* - Traditional Pumpkin Ale
Magnotta - Festa Best Bitter (Dry hopped mid Atlantic Pale Ale)

ONTARIO NORTH WEST
Thornbury Village* - Peeler Cider
Battleaxe Brewery* - Old Angus Old Ale
F&M Brewery - Nightmare On Ale Street
Wellington - Iron Duke Strong Ale
Grand River - Highballer Pumpkin Ale

ONTARIO SOUTH WEST
Railway City - Dead Elephant Ale
Stratford - Empire Strikes Black
Niagara’s Best - Portage Pale Ale
TAPS Brewing Company* - Rosberg's Porter (Dry Hopped)
Nickel Brook - Wooden Nickel IPA
Trafalgar - Pickled Corpse
Cameron's - Vanilla Dark Ale

ONTARIO (TORONTO)
Mill St. - 08/09 Blend Barley Wine (Dry Hopped)
Granite Brewery - Gin Lane Barley Wine
Duggan's Brewery* - Duggan’s #7 Stout
Denison’s - Dunkel from a Wood Barrel (Not Cask-Conditioned) Session 3A Only
Durham Brewing Company - Black Eye Ale
Amsterdam - Oaked Oktoberfest 2009
Great Lakes - Morning Glory Breakfast Stout
Great Lakes & BarVolo - Matt’s Marathon Mild
Black Oak - Lime Light Pale
Cheshire Valley Brewing* - Ginger-Lime Ale
St. Andre - Freshly Squeezed Barley Juice

GUEST (QUEBEC & ENGLAND)
Brasserie Benelux* - Amato Texas Reserve Brown
Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel! - Corne Diable IPA / Péché Mortel / Penombre Black IPA
Brasserie Hopfenstark - Post Colonial IPA
Fullers - London Pride Pale Ale / Extra Special Bitter / India Pale Ale / Red Fox Red Ale

POST-CASK DAYS 2009: WRAP-UP
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2009 FROM 12:00PM - 9:00PM

No advance tickets will be required for this session. With 2009
Cask Days Glass No Admission at Door. Without Glass $10.00.

POST-CASK DAYS 2009: $5.00 MONDAY NIGHT PINT NIGHT
MONDAY,NOVEMBER 2ND, 2009

All remaining casks will be sold for $5.00/per pint.

Upcoming Beer Events in Toronto & Elsewhere

There are a slew of beer events coming up in Toronto, as well as a couple happening elsewhere that will be worth the trip. Here's the full list:

Thu Oct 8 - Great Lakes Project X @ Great Lakes Brewery (Etobicoke)
Thu Oct 8 - Mill Street Brewmasters Dinner @ Mill Street Brewpub
Tue Oct 13 - Cask Days 2009 tickets on sale @ Volo
Sat Oct 17 - CASK! Social @ C'est What
Sat Oct 17 - Brewery Collectibles Show & Sale @ Hardball Cafe
Sat Oct 17 - HOPS! Beer Benefit @ Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Sat Oct 17 - Oktoberfest Party @ Cole's (Buffalo, NY)
Mon Oct 26 to Wed Oct 28 - Pre-Cask Days 2009: Traditional English Ales @ Volo
Thu Oct 29 - Pre-Cask Days 2009: Final Four IPA Re-Cap @ Volo
Thu Oct 29 - Cameron's Cask Night @ Cameron's Brewery (Oakville)
Fri Oct 30 & Sat Oct 31 - Cask Days 2009 @ Volo
Sun Nov 1 & Mon Nov 2 @ Post-Cask Days 2009 Wrap-Up
Fri Nov 6 & Sat Nov 7 - Italian Craft Beer Tasting @ Cole's (Buffalo, NY)
Thu Nov 12 - Great Lakes Project X @ Great Lakes Brewery (Etobicoke)
Thu Nov 12 - Tutored Tastings of Classic Beer Styles @ Black Creek Historic Brewery
Fri Nov 20 - The King of Quads: A Quadrupel Latteral Tasting @ Volo
Sat Nov 21 - A Night at the Brewery @ Black Creek Historic Brewery
Thu Nov 26 - Cameron's Cask Night @ Cameron's Brewery (Oakville)
Nov (tba) - Moylan's Brewery Tasting @ Volo
Nov (tba) - Phillips Beer Company Tasting @ Volo
Fri Dec 4 to Sun Dec 6 - Buffalo Cask Ale Festival @ Cole's & Mr. Goodbar (Buffalo, NY)
Thu Dec 10 - Great Lakes Project X @ Great Lakes Brewery (Etobicoke)
Sat Dec 12 - Hopfenstark Tasting @ Volo
Jan 2010 (tba) - First Annual Ontario Stout/Porter Cask Challenge @ Volo

For more information and discussion about all of these events, see the Events area on the Bar Towel Forum.

Grand River Beer Dinner at Golden Kiwi

The Golden Kiwi in Cambridge is hosting a dinner on Oct. 3rd at 7pm featuring the beers of Grand River Brewing.

One of the entree servings will be served with a Black Cherry Pils that brewer Rob Creighton has done as a trial batch and which will only be available at the dinner.

The cost is $45.00+taxes. Call 519-622-3722 to reserve.

Vankleek Hill Oktoberfest 2009

Beau's All-Natural Brewing is partnering with acclaimed restaurateurs to create a unique Oktoberfest celebration in picturesque Vankleek Hill on October 3rd from 11am to 9pm at the Vankleek Hill Fairgrounds. The event will raise money for the Vankleek Hill Agricultural Society, and will feature Guest of Honour, actor George Wendt (Norm from "Cheers").

The Bavarian-inspired food will be provided by some of the best restaurants in Ottawa: Allium, Domus, Murray Street Murray Street Kitchen Wine & Charcuterie, Pascale's All Natural Ice Cream, The Piggy Market, Urban Pear and Whalesbone; and a few hidden gems from further out: Ballygiblins (Carleton Place), The Branch Organic Restaurant (Kemptville), Knox Fine Dining (Moose Creek) and Mary's Country Kitchen (Vankleek Hill). The event also boasts 8 hours of live Oompah music, haywagon rides, free brewery tours, free games for kids and adults, homebrewing demonstrations and more. Beau’s All Natural will also be releasing its Fall seasonal beer, the Night Märzen, a traditional Oktoberfest lager. More announcements of entertainment will be announced shortly.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the gate. Bus packages including return trips from St. Laurent Shopping Centre are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at all Bridgehead locations, the Piggy Market (400 Winston Ave, Ottawa), at the brewery in Vankleek Hill and by phone at 866-585-BEER (2337).

HOPS! Beer Benefit Event for Oakville Historical Society and Oakville Museum

HOPS! - an afternoon of beer tasting to benefit the work of the Oakville Historical Society and the Oakville Museum - will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Studio Theatre, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

Attendees will learn about the rich brewing heritage of the province and sample superb craft brewed ales from Trafalgar, Black Oak, Grand River, Wellington and Scotch-Irish representing the most popular styles of the 19th century.

Enjoy light refreshments, door prizes, and a performance by the Oakville Ale and Sword.

Tickets are $35 per person and must be reserved. Call 905-338-4400 for reservations and more information.

Wellington Brewery Realists' Party

The Wellington Brewery invites everyone to their 9th Annual Realist Party happening on Saturday September 26th, 2009. The event will feature food, beer samples, brewery tours, and a free decaled Wellington Brewery mug (while supplies last).

The Realist party is an annual customer appreciation party where beer lovers can have the opportunity to sample cask conditioned real ales, have a guided tour of our brewing facility, and sample the time honored ales that we’ve become known for. The afternoon’s events will start at 1pm and go until 6pm in the Iron Duke House located at the Wellington Brewery at 950 Woodlawn Rd. West in Guelph, Ontario. The event is free.

If you have any questions, contact Wellington at 1 (800) 576-DUKE.

C'est What 21st Annual Fall Festival Of Craft Breweries

C'est What (67 Front Street East) will be holding their 21st Annual Fall Festival Of Craft Breweries on Friday, October 2nd from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

While the line-up is far from complete, there are going to be two notable entries: C'est What Big Butt, the newest seasonal ale made with smoked malt and a touch of fennel seed; and a cask of authentic early-nineteenth century beer from Black Creek Brewery.

The Black Creek offering will be, in the words of their owner, "..a warm, flat, dark lumpy beer... People would have to be forewarned that it was brewed without any electricity and over an open flame so it will not be their normal beer."

There will be several dozen beers available in all, and as always, there is no admission charge and most samples will cost a loonie. We'll pass along further details as they become available.

Dieu du Ciel! Launch Party at Volo

HMH Beer Negotiants would like to invite you to spend an evening with Microbrasserie Dieu Du Ciel! on Saturday October 3rd. 2009.

The DDC founders and brewers will be present to celebrate the release of their Peche Mortel (Imperial Coffee Stout) and Corne Du Diable (American IPA) into the LCBO. The tasting will take place between 7pm-2am at Volo (587 Yonge Street), where you will be able to try a handful of Dieu Du Ciel beers on tap and cask!

Beers Available:
Aphrodisiaque – Cocoa and Vanilla Stout
Corne du diable (Horn of the devil) – American Style IPA
Dernière Volonté (Last will) - Abbey-style blond beer
Péché Mortel (Mortal Sin) – Imperial Coffee Stout with Coffee
Rigor Mortis ABT (Rigor Mortis ABT) - Quadrupel
Rosée d'hibiscus (Pinkish Hibiscus) - Hibiscus Flower Wit
Solstice d'hiver 2009 (Winter solstice 2009) – Barley Wine
+ 2 Surprise Casks!

Admission will be $10.00 which includes a Dieu Du Ciel! Glass. $2.00 will be donated to Sick Kids charity. If you would like to return the glass you will receive $8.00 back at the end of the evening.

This is a 19+ event with a capacity of 100 people. Beers are subject to change.

Volo Cask Days 2009 - Details Announced

Some details for Volo Cask Days 2009 have been announced, along with several pre- and post-Cask Days events.

Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
Cask Days 2009 Tickets go on sale @ time TBC - prices TBA

October 26th-27th-28th, 2009
Pre-Cask Days 2009: Traditional English Ales (20 Pins)
Three day event during regular business hours - Details TBA - No Tickets Required

October 29th, 2009
Pre-Cask Days 2009: Revisiting the Final Four
The final four in the Ontario Cask IPA Challenge revisited for a second tasting - Details TBA - No Tickets Required

Friday, October 30th, 2009
Cask Days 2009 Session 1: 4pm-8pm
Cask Days 2009 Session 2: 9pm -1am

Saturday, October 31st, 2009
Cask Days 2009 Brewers Breakfast 10am-3pm
Cask Days 2009 Session 3: 4pm-8pm
Cask Days 2009 Session 4: 9pm-1am

Sunday, November 1st, 2009
Cask Days 2009 Rap-Up - No Tickets Required

Monday, November 2nd, 2009
Post-Cask Days 2009: $5.00 Pint Night!

We'll provide more details as they are made available.

Feast of Fields 2009

Organic Advocates, a non-profit organization that supports organic food awareness, celebrates the 20th Anniversary of its Feast of Fields event at the Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan on Sunday, September 13 from 1 to 5 pm.

The event will feature food and drink from 100 vendors including 40 chefs, organic/local food suppliers, a number of wineries, and 12 breweries including:

Cameron's Brewing Co.
Creemore Springs Brewery
F & M Brewery
Great Lakes Brewery
Niagara's Best Beer
Mill Street Brewery
Nicklebrook Brewery
St. Peter's Organic Ale
MacLean's Ales
Steam Whistle Brewing
Black Creek Historic Brewery
Black Oak Brewing

Tickets for Feast of Fields are $100, and include all food and drink, and a carry bag with a keepsake cook book of recipes prepared for the day and a selection of favourite recipes from previous years. Tickets can be purchased through the Feast of Fields website or by phone at 905 859 3609.

Upcoming Beer Events in Toronto

You might expect the number and frequency of beer events to slow down now that the summer is almost over, but that's definitely not the case, as there are several dinners, tastings and other events on the horizon. Here's a quick run-down of a few of them:

Wednesday, September 9th
Allagash Brewing Beer Dinner
beerbistro, 18 King Street East
This dinner will feature six courses and seven beers, and Rob Tod of Allagash Brewing of Maine will be in attendance to present the beers.
Cost: $95 - call 416-861-9872 to reserve
[more info]

Thursday, September 10th & Thursday, November 12th
Tutored Tastings of Classic Beer Styles
Black Creek Historic Brewery, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
Tutored tasting led by beer expert Mirella Amato. Sample and compare classic beer styles, discover their origins and different brewing techniques, enjoy tasty snacks with the different beer varieties, and experience a working historical brewery and see what you are drinking.
Cost: $25 - call 416-667-6295 to reserve
[more info]

Saturday, September 12th & Saturday, November 21st
A Night at the Brewery
Black Creek Historic Brewery, Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway
An entertaining evening including fine food and craft beers at a fully operational recreation of an 1860s Ontario brewery. Guests will interact with colourful historical characters, join a lively a tour of the historic Mill and Brewery, and enjoy a delicious three-course meal prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Each course is paired with a selected craft beer. Enjoy Black Creek Beer samples and homemade root chips throughout the evening.
Cost: $75 - call 416-667-6295 to reserve
[more info]

Friday, September 25th
Düsseldorf Altbierfest
Fermenting Cellar in the Distillery District, 55 Mill Street
Presented by the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. The featured beer for the evening will be Frankenheim Alt, which is being imported especially for the event. Admission includes live entertainment, sausage with sauerkraut, breads & dips, and 5 beer tickets.
Cost: $35 - call 416-598-7081 to reserve
[more info]

Friday, September 25th
Evening With a Brewer: Jon Conquer
The Rhino Bar & Grill, 1249 Queen Street West
Jon worked at the Kawartha Lakes Brewery for a number of years before starting up at the Publican House brewery in Peterborough. Jon will discuss how knowledge, creativity and hard work all contribute to his success at these breweries. Presented by the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association.
Cost: $10 for CABA members, $20 for others
[more info]

Friday, October 2nd
The Bar & Bench
Campbell House Museum, 160 Queen Street West
Benefit event for The Canadian Athletes Now Fund, a non-for-profit organization devoted solely to raising money and awareness for Canada’s amateur athletes, featuring rare British beers imported especially for the event, along with fine wine and spirits, gourmet food by The Monk's Table, live athletic performances and much more.
Cost: various prices - see link for details
[more info]

August Beer Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, August 16th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM:

This month, they're going to be taking some time to get to know more about hops, sampling a range of beers with hop influence ranging from subtle to strong.

Tickets are $30. RSVP to book a table (416.699.8272 castroslounge@hotmail.com, 2116 Queen St East), though, as always, walk-ins are welcome.

Field to Firkin Fridays at Black Creek Historic Brewery

Every Friday evening in August and September starting at 6:30 PM, the Black Creek Historic Brewery is holding an event called "Field to Firkin". Here's the description from the brewery website:

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Visit the Black Creek Historic Brewery in the evening and take in the timeless mood of the Village at dusk, when the crowds have gone home. The Friday evening Field to Firkin experience gives adults a chance to meet the Brewmaster and taste beer brewed the old-fashioned way – with natural ingredients and no chemicals or artificial filtration. Join the popular tour of the brewery and meet some colourful characters along the way. Afterwards, relax with your friends in the pub or restaurant and find out why everyone loves our homemade root chips. Enjoy! The first pint is on us.

$15 per person, $13 for members (plus taxes and gratuities)
Call 416-667-6295 for tickets

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As a special offer to Bar Towel readers, the folks at Black Creek are offering a discounted admission of $10 for all Fridays in August. All you have to do is provide them with some feedback at the end of the evening to let them know how they're doing.

To get the discounted rate, call the number above and identify yourself as a "public reviewer". If they ask where you found out about the offer, tell them Bar Towel.

Great Lakes Caskapalooza!

Great Lakes Brewery have announced that they've prepared casks of 20 different one-off beers for Toronto’s Festival of Beer, which takes place in Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place this coming Thursday, August 6th through Sunday, August 9th.

The brewery will be celebrating “Caskapalooza!” by tapping the following beers at various points over the course of the weekend:

416 Summer Fix
Superior IPA
Pompous Ass Pale Ale
Morning Glory Breakfast Stout
Green Tea Ale
Silly Pucker Raspberry Rhubarb
Uvula Ale
Waupoosalizer Snakebite
Sage and Spruce Wit
Blond Jagerbomb
Black Forest Porter
Sweet Pete’s Peach Wheat
Snaggle Tooth Pumpkin Ale
Kaptain Kolsch
Up In Smoke Rauchbier
Iron Eagle Pilsner
Lil Abbey Ale
Soggy Summer Ale
Neutron Bomb Double IPA
Simon Says Stout

The Great Lakes booth will be located in the southwest corner of the Festival grounds.

Ontario Craft Beer & Artisan Cheese at Culinarium

On Wednesday, August 19th, Culinarium (705 Mount Pleasant Road) will be holding a Craft Beer & Artisan Cheese tasting. Culinarium is a gourmet food shop that focuses exclusively on artisanal products grown and made in Ontario.

Led by Kathleen Mackintosh of Culinarium and Mirella Amato of Beerology, the tasting will feature pairings of Ontario craft beers and Ontario-made cheeses.

Tickets are $49 and can be reserved at the Culinarium website.

Girl's Guided Beer Tour at Toronto's Festival of Beer

Local beer writer/expert Mirella Amato is presenting a special girls-only tasting event on the first night of Toronto's Festival of Beer (Thursday August 6th), with sessions at 5:30 and 7:00.

Here are the full details:

Looking for a fun time and a chance to hang out with the girls this summer?!

Head to Toronto's Festival of Beer at Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place and join the Girl’s Guided Beer Tour!

This is a fun, interactive, event designed to educate women about the wonderful, tasty beverage known as beer.

Toronto’s Festival of Beer is very excited about this new initiative and we hope you’ll come out on Thursday, August 6th, 2009 and experience some of the finest breweries featured at this year’s Festival. You’ll enjoy many different styles of beer, as well as learn about the history of this malted libation and the roles women have and have held in the beer industry.

Exciting news – not only is your ticket to the Girl’s Guided Beer Tour the SAME price as regular admission to the Festival on Thursday night, but in addition you will receive the following as an added bonus:

Ø Entry through the VIP gate – bypass those line-ups!

Ø Five sample tokens for you to enjoy a sample at each of the stops on the tour – sip and savour the golden beverage courtesy of the brewers participating in the tour

Ø Gain unforgettable knowledge about select breweries – learn how their brewery impacts women!

Ø Receive exclusive Girl’s Guided Beer Tour merchandise – a special treat courtesy of Toronto’s Festival of Beer!

Ø Enjoy a full pint on us in the Beerlicious VIP Lounge after the tour – a nice cold, frothy beer in a glass!

Ø Access to the VIP washrooms in the Beerlicious VIP Lounge – forget those port-a- potties!

Ø An additional 5 tokens – enjoy more beer on us after the tour!

Ø An experience of a lifetime – you and your girlfriends could be one of only 40 people to take the tour!

So, call up your friends, get together with your co-workers or clients and take part in a great summer event – The Girl’s Guided Beer Tour at the 2009 Toronto’s Festival of Beer!

To buy tickets, click here or contact Helen at helen@eventrix.ca

A Night at the Brewery in Black Creek Pioneer Village

A Night at the Brewery in Black Creek Pioneer Village
A Fun Evening Featuring Gourmet Local Food Paired with Great Craft Ales

Dates: Saturday, July 25 (also Saturday, August 15 & 22, September 12, and November 21)
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto

An entertaining evening including fine food and craft beers at Toronto’s newest tourist destination – a fully operational recreation of an 1860s Ontario brewery.

Event Details:

Guests will interact with colourful historical characters, join a lively a tour of the historic Mill and Brewery, and enjoy a delicious three-course meal prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Each course is paired with a selected craft beer. Enjoy Black Creek Beer samples and our popular homemade root chips throughout the evening.

Menu:

The menu includes an Ontario hot house tomato salad drizzled with a sweet balsamic glaze and a chiffonade of basil, followed by seared goat cheese stuffed chicken breast served with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes, topped off with a warm crepe filled with apples, covered in a maple caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream. Vegetarian options are also available.

Pricing:

Reservations Required.
Adults: $75
Members: $67
(Plus taxes and gratuities)
To book your reservation call: 416-667-6295

Directions:

Black Creek Pioneer Village is one block east of Jane St., south off Steeles Avenue, right next to York University. The Village is south east of Hwy 7 and Hwy 400. Parking is available on site.

Public Transportation:

From the Finch subway station using the Steeles 60 West route, or from the Jane Station using the Jane 35 route. Visit www.ttc.ca. York Region Transit has several options available. (For more information visit www.yorkregiontransit.com).

Unaffected by the City Workers’ Strike:

Like all facilities operated by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Black Creek Pioneer Village and Black Creek Historic Brewery are not affected by the current municipal workers’ strike.

About Black Creek Historic Brewery

Opened to the public in June 2009, the Black Creek Historic Brewery recreates a working brewery, as it would have been in the mid-1800s. Brewmasters in period costume handcraft the same ales and porters enjoyed in Ontario's country villages before Confederation. The Black Creek Historic Brewery acknowledges the support of the Ontario Ministry of Culture, and is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). For more information, visit www.blackcreekbrewery.ca

About Black Creek Pioneer Village

Black Creek Pioneer Village is Toronto’s premier outdoor living history museum. Visitors can explore 40 heritage homes, shops and buildings restored to re-create an 1860s Ontario village. Historic interpreters in period dress demonstrate how villagers lived, worked and played. The Village hosts learning programs and special events that highlight local heritage and culture. The tranquil setting, rural landscapes, heritage gardens and period farm animal breeds make Black Creek Pioneer Village the perfect place to break out of the modern world and journey into the past. Located in north Toronto, Black Creek Pioneer Village is owned and operated by Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA). Visit http://www.blackcreek.ca

The King Street Crawl

King Street Crawl: a free summer beer-sampling event at some of Toronto’s most popular drinking establishments along King Street.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
King Street West (Between Spadina and Bathurst)
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

The King Street West district invites you to join them in a celebration of beer! The King Street Crawl is a summer beer-sampling event at some of Toronto’s most popular establishments along King Street from Bathurst to Spadina. Over the last five years this event has tripled in size, with most King Street West bars and restaurants participating! Crawlers sip and socialize with friends while enjoying a sample of the different golden beverage sample at each stop on the Crawl.

Guests will be able to visit preferred establishments and pick-up their free “King Street Crawl Passport” at any of the King Street locations one week prior to the event! Crawlers stamp five sample locations in their Passport and deliver their Passport at the after party location, Cheval, for a chance to win the Grand Prize of the “Ultimate Beer Festival Experience” courtesy of Beerlicious Inc. and Four Points Sheraton. This prize package includes four tickets to Toronto’s Festival of Beer for Sunday, August 9th, four tickets to see Nickelback live at the Molson Amphitheatre on Sunday, August 9th, and two double-rooms at Four Points Sheraton.

The King Street Crawl is an open event, an invitation to Toronto to come out, enjoy some beer and celebrate summer! Tastings are courtesy of participating brewers and sponsors Virgin Radio 99.9, bet365.net, Toronto’s Festival of Beer and Great Lakes Brewery.

Mill Street Tasting at Opera Bob's

Opera Bob's Public House (1112 Dundas St. W, just east of Ossington) will be holding a Mill Street beer tasting on Mon July 20th at 7:00 PM, presented and led by Mill Street brewmaster Joel Manning.

The tasting will feature Tankhouse, Belgian Wit, Cobblestone Stout, the newly reformulated Pilsner, the newly reformulated IPA (in dry-hopped cask conditioned form) and the new summer seasonal Lemon Tea Beer. There will be a lot of discussion about why these beers are the way they are and where Mill Street is going with new beers.

Tickets are $20 and admission includes a sample of each of the brews mentioned above, some great appetizers and a take home glass. Tickets can be reserved by calling 416-536-5585 after 5:00 PM.

Neustadt Springs Brewery Open House

You are invited to Neustadt Springs Brewery (456 Jacob St., Neustadt) to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the oldest operating brewery building in Ontario.

On Saturday, August 15th, Neustadt Springs will open its doors to the community of family, friends and beer lovers from all over to celebrate the brewery's history. Brewery owners Val and Andy Stimpson have invited the brewery's original founding family - the Huether Clan - from all over the world to attend the historic celebration.

The 22,000 square foot brewery building was originally built in 1859 by Henry Huether who opened the Crystal Springs Brewery over the source of one of Canada's clearest spring waters, which still flows through a network of caverns beneath the brewery today. The building is essentially unchanged since 1869 and has always operated as a brewery, apart from closing down during prohibition when it was a creamery, egg grading station, town hall and dance hall.

Neustadt Springs was opened in 1997 by Val and Andy Stimpson who had immigrated to Ontario from England. This award-winning brewery is nestled in the heart of one of "Canada's prettiest villages" (according to Harrowsmith in 2000), a rural and picturesque village steeped in tradition.

Neustadt Springs is enjoying great success as an Ontario Craft Brewery and has won numerous prestigious honours, including a recent gold medal for its 10W30 from this year's Mondial de la Biere, the largest international beer festival in the world.

We hope you can get away from the city to join Val and Andy for a great day of fun and tradition. There are plenty of wonderful places to stay or visit in Neustadt, around Grey/Bruce County and on the shores of the great Lake Huron.

For more information visit www.neustadtsprings.com

Beer List Announced for Victory Summer Cask Ale Festival

The folks at the Victory Cafe (581 Markham Street) have announced the beers that will be available at their 2nd annual Summer Cask Ale Festival, taking place Sunday July 12th starting at 12 noon:

Black Oak Summer Saison (Marmalade Edition)
C'est What? Caraway Rye (County Durham Brewing Company)
Compass Albion Ale (Better Bitters Brewing Company)
Cheshire Valley IPA
Cheshire Valley English Mild
Durham Hop Head
Durham Hop Addict
Durham Witbier
Grand River C'est Wheat
Granite Summer Ale
Granite Hopping Mad
Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale
King Pilsner (unfiltered)
MacLean's Farmhouse Ale
Michael Duggan No.9 IPA
Mill St. IPA (dry hopped)
Neustadt Black Velvet
Cameron's Brewing Company TBD
F&M Brewery TBD

There may also one more cask from Better Bitters which would make it 20 in all.

Beer samples will be offered by the half-pint measure, purchased with beer tickets available at the festival. A selection of food will also be available.

Tickets can be purchased at the festival entrance:
$12 – admission, souvenir glass, two half-pint beer tickets, plus one food ticket
$8 – admission, souvenir glass, and two half-pint beer tickets
$4 – additional food ticket
$3 – additional beer ticket

July Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, July 12th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

This month they're pitting two power-houses against each other: German Weisse Beers vs Belgian Wit Beers. Four on four, with representation from both origin countries as well as Canadian versions.

Cost is $30. RSVP (416.699.8272, castroslounge@hotmail.com, 2116 Queen St east) to book a spot, though walk-ins are always welcome.

Volo Ontario Cask IPA Challenge: The Final Showdown

Volo (587 Yonge St.) have announced details for the 4th and final round of their Ontario Cask IPA/Pale Ale Challenge.

Starting on Thursday, July 9th and running through the weekend, the two beers that made it through the previous rounds - Durham Hop Addict and Mike Duggan Number 9 - will be going head-to-head. Both beers will be available in a blind tasting, and once the votes are tallied, the champion Cask IPA in the province will be crowned.

Great Lakes Project X

Great Lakes Brewery have announced the launch of Project X, a monthly event at the brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd, Etobicoke) that will feature a new and limited cask beer only available for the night. They invite all to become a member and experience these unique and adventurous beers.

Entry to each monthly event will include samples of the monthly cask conditioned beer, 2 drink tickets, and beer-themed food. Admission is only $10, and requires a membership ($10). All members will receive an exclusive t-shirt and membership card.

Held on the second Thursday of each month, the first event is July 9, from 6:30-9:00. Great Lakes staff will be on hand to tour, taste, and talk about the world of beer.

To get on the list, email info@greatlakesbeer.com or sign up in our retail store.

The brewery is a short walk from the Mimico GO Station or a quick bus ride from the Royal York Subway, so please don't drink and drive!

Brewfest 2009 at Capers Brasserie

Capers Brasserie (272 Front Street, Belleville) will be hosting Brewfest 2009, an evening of microbrews and ciders, on Thursday June 25 from 7pm - 10pm.

Come sample locally produced beer and ciders, as well as featured brews from Premier Brands (importers of Warsteiner and Bavaria) and a special selection of international premium beers sourced from the LCBO.

Participating suppliers: County Cider Co. (Prince Edward County), Church Key Brewing (Cambellford), Barley Days (Picton), Premier Brands, and specially selected brews from Capers' sommelier, Astrid Young (there will be some 'under the table' items available for tasting, details only at the event)

$40pp (inclusive) for entry gets you a glass, unlimited sampling of all products and paired food items. Call 613-968-7979 for more details.

First Annual Father’s Day BBQ at Cameron's Brewery

Cameron’s Brewing (1165 Invicta Drive, Oakville) will be opening their doors on Sunday June 21st from 12noon - 5pm for their First Annual Father’s Day Brewery BBQ. Stop in for brewery tours, grade ‘A’ burgers from Whole Foods Markets, educated tastings with Brewmaster Jason Britton and brewery fresh Cameron’s.

Bring your dad, bring your son, bring your family and friends or come on your own. All are welcome.

For more information, call the brewery at 905.849.8282

Upcoming Ontario Beer Events

The Bar Towel Ontario Beer Events Calendar has just been updated with a bunch of events taking place this summer throughout the province.

Here's a quick list of what's coming up:

Sat Jun 13 - Great Canadian Homebrew Conference and Competition - Rhino Bar & Grill, 1249 Queen St W, Toronto
Sun Jun 14 - June Tasting at Castro's Lounge - Castro's Lounge, 2116 Queen St. East, Toronto, ON
Wed Jun 17 - Summer White Beer Dinner - St Veronus, 129 Hunter Street West, Peterborough
Fri Jun 19 - Brewmasters Dinner with Cameron's and Mill Street - Holiday Inn Kitchener, 30 Fairway Road South, Kitchener
Sat Jun 20 - Ontario Cask I.P.A Challenge Round 3 - Volo, 587 Yonge Street, Toronto
Sun Jul 12 - Victory Summer Cask Ale Festival - The Victory Café, 581 Markham Street, Toronto
Fri Jul 17 to Sun Jul 19 - Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show - Victoria Park, Kitchener
Thu Jul 30 - Hart House Craft Beer Festival & Summer BBQ - Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto
Thu Aug 6 to Sun Aug 9 - Toronto's Festival of Beer - Bandshell Park, Exhibition Place, Toronto
Sat Aug 29 - Golden Tap Awards - beerbistro, 18 King Street East, Toronto
Sat Aug 29 - Muskoka Beer Festival - Annie Williams Park, Bracebridge

For further details on all of these events, check out the Calendar.

Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale & 6th Annual Charity BBQ

Great Lakes Brewery have announced the release of this year’s edition of their popular summer seasonal, Orange Peel Ale.

Brewed using five specialty malts, five varieties of hops, and plenty of fresh oranges and orange peel, Orange Peel Ale is available now at the brewery in 650ml bottles, and it should be arriving in LCBO stores and on draught at various locations in and around Toronto this week.

Great Lakes has also announced the details of their annual charity BBQ, set to take place on Saturday, May 23 from 12 noon to 6 pm at the Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd, near Royal York and the Queensway in Etobicoke).

The event will feature live bands, complimentary soft drinks and food, and lots of beer, including a specialty cask of Orange Peel Ale. Proceeds from all Great Lakes beer sold at the BBQ and LCBO locations on the 23rd will be donated to The Gatehouse, a local charity for abused children.

C'est What Spring Festival of Craft Breweries

C'est What's 5th annual Spring craft beer festival takes place on Friday May 22, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. There will be over three dozen of the best brews Canada has to offer in sample sizes at a loonie each. Some of the beers on tap just for the festival will include:

Amsterdam Spring Bock
Barley Days German Bock and Summer Light Ale
Black Oak Chocolate Cherry Stout (oak cask)
Creemore Keller Beer
Durham Hop Addict (cask)
F&M Maple Red Ale
Flying Monkeys Hoptical Illusion
Grand River Russian Imperial Stout
Great Lakes Orange Peel Ale (cask)
King Unfiltered Pilsner
MacLean's Bitter (cask)
McAuslan Vintage Ale
Mill Street Hefe Weiss and Milk Stout
Muskoka Hefe Weiss
Neustadt 300 (cask) and Texas Tea (nitro)
Nickel Brook Juniper Sahti and Pale Ale
Okanagan 1516
Unibroue Chambly Noire

May Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, May 17th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Here are the details:

If nobody has invited you to their cottage, and you don't own one yourself, don't despair. Join us at Castro's Lounge this Sunday, May 17th, at 3pm for our long weekend beer tasting.

We will be sampling 8 brews from Ontario, all perfect for sitting on the dock, a game of scrabble, or relaxing by the fire. We will be serving cottage snacks to accompany the beers, and to help you hear the waters of lovely Lake Rosseau lapping at the curb of Queen St East.

Cost is $30. RSVP (416.699.8272, castroslounge@hotmail.com, 2116 Queen St east) to book a table, though walk-ins are always welcome.

Black Oak Brewery Grand Opening

Ken Woods from Black Oak Brewing has sent us the following info about the grand opening of the new Black Oak facility in Etobicoke:

The Black Oak Brewing Company is finally having a Grand Opening

You are invited to attend a private event at the new brewery.
Be a Black Oak Brewing Best Friend Forever (BOBBFF)
On Saturday April 18, from 4:00 pm - Midnite

(note: early people will forced to help set up & clean up and then wait last in line for beer)

No Need to RSVP, Just show up.

Location: 75 Horner Ave, Unit #1 Etobicoke, M8Z 4X5
Just south of Evans Ave

Note: Our Retail Store Will be Closed for the Event.

Special Whiskey Barrel Aged Nut Brown and Double Chocolate Cherry Stout will be available in casks. Also Hop Bomb Cask Pale Ale will be available. In addition our regular draft beer will also be available. Soft Drinks will be available.

Live Music will be provided by local bands. For your enjoyment we will be serving some comfort food off the BBQ as well as chili from Local 4's own Nancy.

We have chartered the Magic Bus Company to pick up at the following Locations & Times:
Victory Cafe: 3:30
Volo: 4:30
C'est What?: 5:30

The bus will pick up and then drop at the brewery and then go to the next pick up location. If you miss the bus then you're on your own for getting to the brewery.

This Bus will also be doing runs to the Islington Subway starting at 10:00 pm, then at 11:00pm and the final bus will depart for the subway at midnite. We will also have taxis available at the door after 10:00pm.

To ensure everyone enjoys themselves and gets home safely, no Excessive consumption will be allowed. Guests abusing this privilege will be sent home.

Drinking and Driving will Not Be Permitted!!

Ontario Cask IPA/Pale Ale Challenge: Round 2

Volo (587 Yonge St.) have announced details for Round 2 of their Ontario Cask IPA/Pale Ale Challenge.

On Saturday May 23rd and Sunday May 24th starting at 12 noon each day, the following 10 beers that won in the first round will be served in a blind tasting format:

Granite Hopping Mad
Publican House Square Nail
Grand River Plowman's
Durham County Hop Head
Mike Duggan Number 9
Magnotta West Coast
Heritage Scotch-Irish Sgt. Major
Mill St. IPA
Mill St. Tankhouse
Durham Hop Addict

This will be a “pay as you go” event with no admission charge. The beers will be sold in 1/4-, 1/2- and full-pint measures while quantities last, and there will be food available as well.

April Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, April 19th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Here are the details:

"Wenn ist das Nunstruck git und Slotermeyer? Ja! .. Beiherhund das Oder die Flipperwaldt gersput!"

If you haven't died laughing yet, you obviously need to brush up on your German. And there is no better way then to join us, this Sunday the 19th at 3PM, at Castro's Lounge. We will be doing a tasting of 8 German or German-style Bocks. Ranging from Maibocks for the monks, to Doppel-bocks for the big drinkers, and Ur bocks for the wealthy, we will be tasting a wide variety of the style.

The tasting is $30, and includes some light snacks. RSVP to reserve a table at castroslounge@hotmail.com or 416.699.8272, though walk-ins are always welcome.

Black Oak Grand Opening Party

Black Oak Brewery will be holding an official grand opening party for their new brewery in Etobicoke next Saturday. Here are the details direct from brewery president Ken Woods:

The Black Oak Brewing Company is finally having a Grand Opening

You are invited to attend a private event at the new brewery.
Be a Black Oak Brewing Best Friend Forever (BOBBFF)
On Saturday April 18, from 4:00 pm - Midnite

(note: early people will forced to help set up & clean up and then wait last in line for beer)

No Need to RSVP, Just show up.

Location: 75 Horner Ave, Unit #1 Etobicoke, M8Z 4X5
Just south of Evans Ave

Note: Our Retail Store Will be Closed for the Event.

Special Whiskey Barrel Aged Nut Brown and Double Chocolate Cherry Stout will be available in casks. Also Hop Bomb Cask Pale Ale will be available. In addition our regular draft beer will also be available. Soft Drinks will be available.

Live Music will be provided by local bands. For your enjoyment we will be serving some comfort food off the BBQ as well as chili from Local 4's own Nancy.

We have chartered the Magic Bus Company to pick up at the following Locations & Times:
Victory Cafe: 3:30
Volo: 4:30
C'est What?: 5:30

The bus will pick up and then drop at the brewery and then go to the next pick up location. If you miss the bus then you're on your own for getting to the brewery.

This Bus will also be doing runs to the Islington Subway starting at 10:00 pm, then at 11:00pm and the final bus will depart for the subway at midnite. We will also have taxis available at the door after 10:00pm.

To ensure everyone enjoys themselves and gets home safely, no Excessive consumption will be allowed. Guests abusing this privilege will be sent home.

Drinking and Driving will Not Be Permitted!!

Cask Ale Crawl Beer List Finalised

Toronto's first ever Cask Ale Crawl, presented by CASK!, takes place this weekend at six pubs around the city - C’est What (67 Front Street East), Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Avenue East), Mill Street Brewpub (55 Mill Street, Building 63), Rhino (1249 Queen Street West), Victory Café (581 Markham Street) and Volo (587 Yonge Street).

From Friday at 5 PM until closing time Sunday (while supplies last), these pubs will be pouring a selection of 19 cask ales. There is no admission charge, it's a "pay as you drink" event.

Here's the finalised list of beers that will be available (assuming no last minute changes):

Granite Brewery:
Granite Best Bitter Special
Granite IPA
Granite Hopping Mad

Mill St. Brewpub:
Mill St. IPA

C’est What:
County Durham Hop Addict
County Durham Hop Head
Grand River Curmudgeon IPA
Grand River Plowman’s Ale
Neustadt Big Dog Porter

Rhino:
County Durham ESB
Black Oak Pale Ale
Cheshire Valley Dry Stout

Victory Cafe:
Compass Starlight Ale
County Durham Signature Ale
Nickel Brook Sour Cherry Ale

Volo:
C’est What Chocolate Hazelnut Ale
Grand River Russian Gun Imperial Stout
MacLean’s Country Organic Ale
Neustadt Texas Tea Stout

(Note: Volo is participating on Friday & Saturday only due to their Cask IPA Challenge on Sunday.)

There will also be free Festival Passports available at all locations. Get your Passport stamped at all six pubs, and enter it into a draw for gift certificates from the pubs and other prizes.

Note that there will be a limited number of Passports available at the pubs (50-100 per location), but you can download a PDF version and print your own to make sure you don't miss out.

Beer Dinner with Kevin Brauch at Fynn's of Temple Bar

Fynn's of Temple Bar (489 King Street West) will be presenting a beer dinner on Monday April 27th with host Kevin Brauch of The Thirsty Traveller and Iron Chef America fame.

This will be Brauch's second dinner at Fynn's, and it will feature four food courses each paired with a different beer, with a fifth "toasting" beer being likely. The list of beers to be featured is being kept under wraps until the night of the dinner, when they will be presented with tasting notes and pairing information.

To reserve tickets ($50) or for more information, email info@fynnstemplebar.com. The previous dinner sold out all 100 seats, so early reservations are recommended.

Danish Beer Dinner at beerbistro

beerbistro (18 King Street East) and Roland + Russell proudly present a great evening celebrating Danish cuisine and craft beer on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009.

Throughout the evening, Brian Morin and his team will be offering eight courses highlighting a chef’s interpretation of traditional and modern Danish cuisine. Each dish will be perfectly matched with one of eight spectacular beers being specially brought in for this event.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to taste beers from two of Denmark’s finest breweries – Nørrebro Bryghus and Mikkeller. One of the world’s leading beer experts, Canada’s own Stephen Beaumont will provide an unbiased and passionate sketch of Denmark’s vibrant craft beer landscape.

Tentatively confirmed for this evening is Anders Kissmeyer, the man behind Nørrebro Bryghus and one of Denmark’s most recognized artisanal brewers.

Featured beers are: Mikkeller’s Warrior IPA, Jackie Brown, Beer Geek Brunch and Alesmith Mikkeller Stone; and Nørrebro’s La Granja, Skargaards Porter, Paske Bock and Old Odense.

To close this evening on a high note, a special beer will be served as a nightcap. We are leaving the name of the beer a mystery, but we can assure you that you won’t be disappointed.

Tickets go on sale March 27th and are available at a cost of $120 plus applicable taxes and gratuities. To purchase tickets, please contact: Kathleen McGinn or Cheri Dueck at 416.861.9872

Cameron's March Cask Night

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details for the March edition of their monthly "Let's Drink the Cask" night. Here are the details...

This month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday March 26th from 6:00 - 8:00pm. Please note that we only have 40 spots remaining, so RSVP's will have to be sent straight away. If you try to RSVP and get an auto-responder, we apologize, but we are full. If you don't get a response, consider your RSVP valid.

Also, for this month's Cask Night, Cameron's has partnered with the Kerr Street Ministries to help gather non perishable food for their food bank. We encourage everyone to do what they can. We will be weighing the food upon arrival and the person who brings the most food will Win a Cameron's Keg Party - complete with a draught unit, C02, cups and host t-shirt (value $200)

Cameron’s Cask Nights have become a monthly ritual at the brewery for beer lovers to try a 'one off' beer - different from anything they've ever had.

The guestlist only event is $5 for admission however, your admission covers a selection of food from Whole Foods Markets as well as a glass of the cask and two additional drink tickets. As well, your $5 admission can be applied to a beer or swag purchase on your way out. Pretty sweet deal.

Cask night is also a great chance to tour the brewery, meet your favorite brewer, talk about the industry and pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer to get you through these chilly days.

We encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join us. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

To get in the know on Cameron's Cask Nights, sign up for our newsletter on our homepage.

Details Announced for Volo’s Ontario Cask IPA/Pale Ale Challenge

Volo (587 Yonge St.) have announced more details for their Ontario Cask IPA/Pale Ale Challenge, which is taking place on Sunday April 5th from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM.

There will now be 18 ales available, as opposed to the originally announced 16, including the following:

Durham Hophead IPA * Grand River Curmudgeon IPA * Mill St. Tankhouse PA * Durham Hop Addict IPA * Grand River Plowman’s Ale * Scotch Irish Sgt. Major IPA * Church Key West Coast PA * Publican House Square Nail PA * Granite Hopping Mad PA * Mill St. IPA * Black Oak PA * Great Lakes Superior IPA * Cameron’s Auburn Ale * F & M Maclean’s PA * Neustadt Double Fuggled PA * Magnotta IPA * Maclean’s Country Organic IPA * Cool IPA (Name TBA)

This will be a “pay as you go” event with no admission charge. The beers will be sold in 1/4 pint and 1/2 measures while quantities last, and there will be food available as well.

Innis & Gunn Launch at Chancey Smith's in London

On Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009, Chancey Smith's (130 King St,. London) will be hosting an exclusive dinner to launch Innis & Gunn Blonde Ale for the first time in North America.

I&G brand ambassador Neil Innis Sharp will be in attendance, and the menu will feature the following:

Cured and Roasted Sea Scallops
With vanilla mango salsa
paired with Innis & Gunn Blonde Ale

Roasted Chicken with Original Ale infused BBQ sauce
Potato pave with Manchego cheese
paired with Innis & Gunn Original Ale

Caribbean Pineapple Cake
With rum butter cream
paired with Innis & Gunn Rum Cask Ale

Tickets are $55 (including dinner, beer samples, all taxes and gratuity). Call 519-672-0384 to reserve or more more information.

Two CASK! Events in April

CASK! is pleased to announce two exciting cask ale events happening in Toronto next month:

Cask Ale Crawl
Friday, April 3rd - Sunday, April 5th, 2009
various locations around Toronto

Gather your friends and join the Cask Ale Crawl - an informal trail around six of Toronto’s best cask ale pubs. There is no fixed schedule or sequence, and no admission charge, just show up at each pub and sample the specially selected cask conditioned ales that will be on offer, with up to 15 different cask ales available in total. Pick up a festival passport at any participating pub and collect stamps at each stop to be entered into a prize draw.

The event runs all weekend, starting on Friday April 3rd at 5:00 P.M. until Sunday April 5th (at each pub’s discretion and while supplies last). Participating pubs include C’est What (67 Front Street East), Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Avenue East), Mill Street Brewpub (55 Mill Street, Building 63), Rhino (1249 Queen Street West), Victory Café (581 Markham Street) and Volo (587 Yonge Street). All pubs on the Crawl are accessible via TTC. The final list of beers available at each pub will be posted on the CASK! website nearer the time.

[NOTE: Volo will only be participating the Crawl on Friday & Saturday due to their own Ontario IPA/Pale Ale Cask Challenge on Sunday.]

Beer for a Cure Gourmet Cask Ale Dinner
Saturday, April 25th, 2009
7:00 PM
Granite Brewery & Restaurant, 245 Eglinton Avenue East

Come out and enjoy a four-course dinner matched with cask conditioned ales in support of Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada. Featuring new cask ales from MacLean’s Ales and Grand River Brewing, plus additional cask ales from Granite Brewery, this event will be a real treat for anyone who likes good food and great real ale. And with St. George’s Day falling on April 23rd, this event is also being held in honour of England’s patron saint.

The evening promises to be hugely entertaining with a guest speaker, silent auction and door prizes. Tickets are $65 per person, and can be purchased by calling Caroline or Robert Hughey at 416.462.3788.

Great Lakes Green Tea Ale Launch Party

Great Lakes Brewery will be holding an event later this week to celebrate the release of their newest seasonal beer, Green Tea Ale.

The party is taking place at the Dominion on Queen (500 Queen Street East) on Thursday, March 12th starting at 6:00 PM. There will be lots of samples and food prepared by the Dominion chefs to pair with the beer.

To get on the list, RSVP to info@greatlakesbeer.com

March Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, March 15th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Here are the details:

Beware the Ides of March!!!

If the soothsayer spoke of your death, and you believed him, what would you do? Probably drink a beer or eight. This month, on the anniversary of the other JC's death, we commemorate the sad event with a beer tasting. The theme will be: "The eight beers I would drink if I knew I was about to die" by Chris Schryer. Varying from European Pilsners to Hoppy IPAs to Belgian Ales, there will be something for nearly every taste.

The tasting will be accompanied by an optional meal, perfect for a rainy spring day or the last day of Chris' life: A nice robust bowl of chilli served with nachos and bread for dipping. The tasting is $35, and the meal is an additional $10.

Reservations can be made at (416) 699-8272 or castroslounge@hotmail.com, and walk-ins are also welcome.

Stout Stand-Off at The Abbot on the Hill

On Tuesday, March 17th starting at 5:00 PM, The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge Street) will be marking St. Patrick's Day with a Stout Stand-Off.

For $20, attendees will be served blind samples of Guinness and Murphy's - as well as a bowl of Irish Stew to pair with them - and they'll be asked to pick their favourite of the two stouts. The winner will be put on tap as the Abbot's regular stout offering for the next year.

To reserve a spot or for more information, call 416-920-9074.

Ontario IPA / Pale Ale Cask Challenge at Volo

Volo (587 Yonge St.) will be hosting a monthly series of tasting events through the spring and summer to find Ontario's best cask IPA or Pale Ale.

The first will take place on Sunday April 5th starting at 11 AM, with 16 different IPAs and Pale Ales available for tasting. Attendees will be asked for vote for their favourites, and the top 8 will proceed to the next round in May, where the top 4 will be picked for the June round, and finally the top 2 for July.

Keep an eye on the Volo website for more details to be announced soon.

Grand River News: Stout and Porter Tasting & Beer Dinner at The Golden Kiwi

Grand River Brewing have some details to share about two events that they have coming up.

The first is on March 10th, and it's the final a series of three beer tastings that have been held at the brewery this winter, with this one featuring Stouts and Porters. Included will be Hockley Stout along with brewer Andrew Kohnen, Black Oak Double Chocolate Cherry Stout with owner Ken Woods, Mad Anthony's Old Fort Porter, New Holland 'The Poet' Oatmeal Stout and Michigan Brewing Imperial Russian Stout at a whopping 14.9% abv. Along with this will be Grand River brewmaster Rob Creighton's usual historical musings about the development of the styles. This event is sold out, but Creighton says they hope to do more tasting nights in the future.

On Thursday, March 26th, Grand River is teaming up with the Golden Kiwi (15 Petty Place, Cambridge) for a beer pairing dinner. Chef Judie Owens will incorporate a number of Grand River beers including Curmudgeon IPA, Jubilation Spiced Ale and the new Russian Gun Imperial Stout into her food offerings, and each course will be matched to a beer. The cost is $45.00+taxes, and spots can be reserved at 519-622-3722.

Cameron's February Cask Night

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details for the February edition of their monthly "Let's Drink the Cask" night. Here are the details...

January's Cask Night was one of the more interesting casks yet. The Cask was a Rauch Bier - a German style 'smoke' beer. The beer had a strong smoke aroma, a very present smoke flavour and paired very nicely with the special offering from Whole Foods Market. When some folks arrived at Cask Night, they thought something was on fire...nope, that was the beer...it was smokey.

This month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday February 26th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

The guestlist only event is $5 for admission. Your admission covers a selection of food from Whole Foods Markets as well as a glass of the cask and two additional drink tickets. As well, your $5 admission can be applied to a beer or swag purchase on your way out. Pretty sweet deal.

Cask night is also a great chance to tour the brewery, meet your favorite brewer, talk about the industry and pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer to get you through these chilly days.

We encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join us. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

Please note: January's Cask Night sold out in 3 HOURS, so please RSVP quickly.

To get in the know on Cameron's Cask Nights, sign up for our newsletter on our homepage.

Two Events at Volo

Volo (587 Yonge St.) will be holding two events in the next couple of weeks:

Double Chocolate Cherry Stout Lateral Tasting
Thursday, February 26th - 4:00 pm

Meet the makers Adrian Popowycz & Ken Woods from Black Oak Brewery, and enjoy a lateral tasting of Black Oak Double Chocolate Cherry Stout in three different containers - bottle, keg and cask - while supplies last. This trio will be accompanied with homemade chocolate.

Craft Beer & Artisan Cheese Tasting
In support of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
Sunday, March 1st - 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Learn about the craft of brewing specialty beers and the art of making some of the world's finest cheeses, and enjoy pairings of five hand-crafted Ontario beers with local artisan cheeses. Jamie Mayo & Ralph Morana will present the intricacies of these fine samples.

This is a benefit supporting cancer research through the Ride to Conquer Cancer. Come enjoy some great beers and cheeses and support a great cause!

Advance tickets (required) are $50 and available from Lori Fox Rossi (416.806.0729) or at Volo (416.928.0008).

February Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting their next monthly beer tasting on Sunday, February 22nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The tasting will have a Family Day theme. Host Chris Schryer will introduce attendees to his family, or more specifically, beers that represent various people in his family. From lovely locals, to opinionated Brits, to sexy Netherlanders, the tasting runs the gamut, and features a few harder to find bottles.

The tasting is accompanied by an optional meal of fancy grilled-cheese sandwiches and salad (much like Chris might serve you if you dropped by his place for lunch). The tasting is $25, and the meal is an additional $10.

Reservations can be made at (416) 699-8272 or castroslounge@hotmail.com, and walk-ins are also welcome.

Upcoming Events at Abbot On The Hill

The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge Street) has two events happening next weekend:

Sat Feb 21st: Charles the V's Birthday

Notorious and colourful ruler Charles the V influenced the world of beer with his unusual preference for beer over wine - uncommon for a medieval aristocrat. The Het Anker Brewery of Belgium has commemorated his life with the Gouden Carolus series of beers.

On the 21st, The Abbot will be celebrating his birthday with a 3-course Belgian prix fixe menu, served with your choice of Gouden Carolus Classic, Gouden Carolus Tripel or Gouden Carolus Ambrio.

$40 - call (416) 920-9074 to reserve.

Sun Feb 22nd: Oscar Party

Sponsored by Tuborg Gold, first brewed in 1895 for export and nicknamed "The Golden Lady" after the company made TV commercials for the beer in the late 1950's starring model and actress Annette Stroyberg, a Danish Brigitte Bardot.

The Oscars will be on several TVs as well as the speakers throughout the pub. Free platters of oysters and poached shrimp will be on offer, and there will be giveaways including an Oscar pool, thousands of dollars in gift certificates from Catherine Curtis, a gourmet wine basket for the best dressed woman at the party, and a gourmet beer basket for the best dressed man.

Admission is free, but reservations are recommended - call (416) 920-9074 to reserve.

Pepperwood Beerfest

Pepperwood Bistro & Brewpub (1455 Lakeshore Road, Burlington) will be holding their annual Pepperwood Beerfest on Sunday, February 22nd, 2009 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The list of participating breweries includes Amsterdam, Barley Days, Beau’s, Black Oak, Cameron’s, Denison’s, F&M Brewery, Grand River, Great Lakes, Mill Street, Niagara, Nickel Brook, Sleeman and Trafalgar. And as always, Pepperwood brewmaster Paul Dickey will be brewing a couple of special beers for the event, including a cask of English Mild.

Tickets are $35 and can be reserved at the Pepperwood or by calling (905) 333-6999.

The Brewers Plate 2009

Green Enterprise Toronto, Local Food Plus and Slow Food Toronto present

The Brewers Plate
A Local, Sustainable Spring Feast Celebrating Independent Brewers, Chefs and Food Artisans

Friday, April 17, 2009 - 6:30 to midnight
Hart House, University of Toronto, 7 Hart House Circle
$90 + GST & service charge ($96.86 total) at brewersplate.eventbrite.com

What does a great local feast look like in April in southern Ontario? Artisanal cheeses, breads, and sausages, roasts and stews of wild game and root vegetables, local greenhouse produce, pickles and preserves of every description, fruit pies, and of course, libations from our great local breweries.

Featuring finely crafted beers from Cameron’s, Mill Street, Wellington, and Black Oak, just to mention a few. To compliment dishes from Cowbell, The Gladstone, Jamie Kennedy Kitchens, La Palette, The Rebel House, and Veritas, as well as a variety of food artisans and live jazz to round out the evening.

This second annual event celebrates slow food, local-sustainable food and farming, and import substitution in the winter/spring season in the Toronto region.

The Art of Beer at Niagara Arts and Cultural Center

The Niagara Arts and Cultural Center (NACC) in Niagara Falls, NY, will be presenting their 3rd Annual Art of Beer Festival on Friday, February 27th, 2009.

The Art of Beer, which is a beer and food tasting event with live music, has proven to be the NACC’s premier annual fund raising event. In addition to excellent micro brewed beers and scrumptious food pairings there will be two live bands - The Lakeside Blues Band and The Twigz - performing alternating sets of music on two floors. There will also be an art sale and auction, as well as a number of raffles with great prizes.

Breweries participating will include Pearl Street Grille & Brewery, Flying Bison, Buffalo Brew Pub, Southern Tier, Ellicottville Brew Company and more.

Advance tickets are $20 (US) and can be purchased using PayPal via the NACC website. Any remaining tickets will be available for $25 at the door.

Victory Café Winter Cask Ale Festival - Beer List Announced

The complete list of beers to be available at the Victory Café Winter Cask Ale Festival on January 31st has been announced:

Nickel Brook Cuvee '08, Better Bitters Brewing Company
Winter Ale, Great Lakes Brewery
Neustadt 180, Neustadt Springs Brewery
StoneHammer Oatmeal Coffee Stout, F&M Brewery
Hopping Mad, Granite Brewery
Blak Katt Stout, County Durham Brewing Co
C'est What Old Town Brown, County Durham Brewing Co
Double Chocolate Stout, Black Oak Brewery
Jubilation Ale, Grand River Brewing
Peculiar, Granite Brewery
Red Dragon, County Durham Brewing Co
Scotch Ale, MacLean's Ales
Victory Café Compass Empire Ale, Better Bitters Brewing Company

For admission/ticket details and other information, see our original announcement about the Festival.

John By Lateral Tasting at Volo

Volo (587 Yonge St.) will be hosting a lateral tasting of Scotch-Irish John By Imperial Stout on Wednesday, January 21st starting at 4 PM.

The beer will be available in three different serving formats: cask, draught and in bottles. They will be available in 4oz tasters as a sample trio while supplies last.

Belgian Beer Tasting at Castro's Lounge

Castro's Lounge (2116 Queen St. East) will be hosting a beer tasting this Sunday, January 18th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The tasting will feature 8 different Belgian and Belgian-style beers, and is accompanied by an optional meal of mussels and frites. Cost is $30 for the tasting, and an additional $10 for the optional meal.

Reservations can be made at (416)699-8272 or castroslounge@hotmail.com, and walk-ins are also welcome.

Scottish Food and Beer Pairing at The Abbot on the Hill

The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge Street) will be marking Robbie Burns Day with a three course Scottish Food and Beer Pairing on Saturday January 24th.

The Scottish draught beers available will include:
Belhaven Wee Heavy
Belhaven Best Cream Ale
Belhaven Twisted Thistle

The Fare for the evening will be:
Cock a Leekie Soup
Haggis with Neeps & Tatties
Scotch Whisky Brownie served with Single Malt Ice Cream

Flights of Scottish single malts will be available on request.

Reservations are required, with a cut off date of Jan 22nd. Call 416.920.9074 to reserve or for more infomation.

Artisanal Brewers at Todmorden

Artisanal Brewers at Todmorden
Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills Museum, 67 Pottery Road

A celebration of Todmorden Mill’s artisanal beer making history from the 1820s. Choose from eight pairings of craft beer produced by Ontario brewers and cuisine created by local Toronto restaurants. Take home a souvenir tasting glass.

Saturday, February 7
7 – 10 pm
$50 (plus taxes and gratuity)
416-396-2819 to reserve

Part of the Winterlicious Culinary Events Series.

Cole's Rare Beer Festival & Barley Wine Festival

Cole's (1104 Elmwood, Buffalo) will be holding two mini-festivals this winter:

Cole's Rare Beer Festival will take place on Saturday, January 24th & Sunday, January 25th. As with the recent Buffalo Cask Ale Festival, this will be a free admission, pay-as-you-go event. The beers available will include the following (with more to be confimed):

On Tap:
Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA
Dogfish Head World Wide Stout
Harviestoun Ola Dubh 30 Yr
North Coast Old Stock Ale 2007
Oscar Blues Oak Aged Gordon
Oscar Blues Oak Aged Ten Fidy
Oscar Blues Oak Aged Old Chub

In Bottles:
Lost Abbey Gift of the Magi
Le Proef & Allagash Les Deux Brasseurs
Jolly Pumpkin Weizen Bam

This will be followed by the annual Cole's Barley Wine Festival on Saturday, February 21. Admission will be $25, and the event will feature "the world's best barley wines on draft and in bottles". Further details will be announced soon.

Grand River Beer Club & Newsletter

Starting in January, Grand River Brewing in Cambridge will host several comparative beer tastings discussing different styles of craft beers.

Tuesday January 13, 2009 will feature Winter Warmers
Tuesday February 10, 2009 will showcase India Pale Ales
Tuesday March 10, 2009 will present Stouts and Porters

The meetings will be co-hosted by Rob Creighton, Grand River’s brewer, and Bob Hanenberg, Grand River’s president. Guest brewers will also be invited (more details to come).

Price $15 per session. No charge for designated drivers.
Time 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Grand River Brewing, 295 Ainslie Street S., Cambridge, Ontario.
Please call 519-620-3233, email jsouthgate@grandriverbrewing.com or drop into the store to reserve a spot. Each session will be limited to 25.

Grand River is also launching Grand River Growler, a quarterly newsletter to keep craft beer drinkers informed about new Grand River beers, events that the brewery will be participating in, and beer and food recipes. Email jsouthgate@grandriverbrewing.com with 'Newsletter' in the subject line to be added to the newsletter list.

Robbie Burns Banquet at The Granite

The Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Ave. E.) will be holding their annual Robbie Burns Banquet on two nights in January. Here at the details from their latest newsletter:

Friday, January 23, 2009 at 7 pm
&
Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 7 pm

$50 per person
(includes all taxes and service charges)

Our Traditional Burns Supper
with a fine beverage served with each course, of course!

Featuring
Pipers, Great Food & Drink and lots of Haggis!
Kevin Pett is back as our Piper
Graham Small will "Address the Haggis"
Alastair Fairweather will do the “Immortal Memory”

Seating is limited.
Call 416-322-0723 or email ron@granitebrewery.ca to reserve.

Cameron's Announces Details for December Cask Night

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details for the December edition of their monthly "Let's Drink the Cask" night via a post on their blog. Here's what they had to say...

‘Let's Drink the Cask' Night on Thursday November 27th was a great success. We had a great turn-out of loyal faithfuls as well as a number of new faces. The beer was a remake by Adam of our heralded High Hop Silver, and the food from Whole Foods Markets went fast, which is always a good sign.

We announced at this past Cask Night that our December event would be different in a couple of ways.

First, the date has been moved to December 18th - as the last Thursday is Christmas Day.

And second, we are letting you choose the cask for December.

Simply leave a comment on this blog post with your suggested cask for December. We will choose one of the suggestions and will attempt to make it. As always, the cask will sure to be an interesting and unique brew.

As well, we will be offering limited edition Cask Night t-shirts that outline all of the casks we attempted throughout 2008. There will be a very limited number of these T's and they will be available mainly through pre-order. If you are interested in this concept, email mike@cameronsbrewing.com to reserve your shirt. More details including t-shirt design to follow...

Until then, leave a comment with your cask suggestion and we will see you all at Cask Night on December 18th.

To get in the know on Cameron's Cask Nights, sign up for our newsletter on our homepage.

Cheers.

Brewmaster's Dinner at Holiday Inn Kitchener

Nickel Brook and Cameron's will be featured breweries at the Kitchener Holiday Inn and Conference Centre (30 Fairway Road South, Kitchener) for their annual and renowned Brewmaster's Dinner on Friday December 19th from 7pm to 10pm.

The evening features 6 gourmet courses prepared by Chef David Goodwin. Each course is paired (and prepared) with an Ontario craft brew to match the flavours of the local ingredients. Representatives from the breweries educate the attendees on the beer for each course while Chef Goodwin discusses how that specific beer inspired the preparation.

The Kitchener Holiday Inn and Conference Centre have set the bar with regards to supporting local. The menu for their Market Grill is inspired by the popular local Farmers Market and offers a mouth watering array of culinary creations by their always creative Chef Goodwin. The Market Grill pours exclusively Ontario Craft Beers on tap and is a true representation of what the local community produces.

For more information or to reserve your tickets, contact Chris McDougall at cmcdougall@fortisproperties.com or by phone at 1.866.375.8240.

Fuller's Beer Dinner at The Abbot on the Hill

To mark the debut of Fuller's Chiswick Ale in Canada, The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge St.) will be dedicating their usual Monday night tasting menu on Monday December 8th to the entire Fuller's family of beers, with five courses of gastro pub fare paired up with five premium English Ales.

The menu will be as follows:

Fuller's Honey Dew
Stilton Ale Soup

Fuller's Chiswick Ale
Ginger Beer battered Salmon

Fuller's Extra Special Bitter
Mini Veg Wellington

Fuller's 1845
Beef Tenderloin
Horse radish au jus
Champ

Fuller's Porter
Porter vanilla float

For reservations or more info, contact The Abbot on the Hill at 416-920-9074.

Notes On An Afternoon with Nick Pashley

To celebrate the release of the newly revised edition of his book "Notes on a Beermat: Drinking and Why It's Necessary", author Nick Pashley will be presenting a reading/talk and book signing at Volo (587 Yonge Street) on Sunday December 7th at 2:00 PM.

Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and several exclusive cask ales will be available to enjoy, including Durham’s Black Katt Stout, Great Lakes Green Tea Ale and Great Lakes Sage And Spruce Winter Wit.

Victory Café Winter Cask Ale Festival

Following the success of its first cask ale festival this past summer, The Victory Café (581 Markham Street) will be hosting a Winter Cask Ale Festival on January 31st, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 7:00 PM.

This festival will feature a broad selection of winter ales covering many different styles to celebrate the season. Sharing the same goals as the previous festival, this event pays tribute to local traditional cask ales and welcomes everyone who would like to sample the pleasures of these wonderful brews.

There will be twelve cask conditioned ales on offer, all from local Ontario microbreweries. The full list of beers will be announced at a later date.

Beer samples will be offered by the half-pint measure, purchased with a beer ticket available at the festival. Hearty food suitable for the season will also be available with a food ticket.

Tickets can be purchased at the door:

$12 - admission, souvenir glass, two half-pint beer tickets, plus one food ticket
$8 - admission, souvenir glass, and two half-pint beer tickets
$4 - additional food ticket
$3 - additional beer ticket

Upcoming CASK! Events

CASK!, the local cask ale appreciation group, will be presenting two events in the coming weeks.

On Tuesday, November 18th, they're teaming up with C'est What (67 Front St. E.) for CASK! Challenge, a tasting event will compare the relative merits of hand-pulled cask ale and the more typical gas dispensed beer. Attendees will be served sample pairs - both cask and keg - of the following five beers: C’est What Coffee Porter, Black Oak Pale Ale, Granite Best Bitter, McLean’s Pale Ale, and Wellington County Ale. A brewer or two will be on hand to explain the differences in style and production. Click here for more details.

This will be followed on Saturday, December 6th with a bus trip for the Buffalo Cask Festival taking place at Cole’s (1104 Elmwood Ave.) and Mr. Goodbar (1110 Elmwood Ave.) in downtown Buffalo. Tickets will include return transportation from Toronto to the festival via luxury coach, as well as lunch and your first pint at Cole's. Click here for more details.

Bar Towel 10th Anniversary Party - November 4th

Next Tuesday, November 4th, marks the 10th anniversary of the original domain name registration of BarTowel.com, leading to the site that you know today.

To celebrate, we're having a casual pub night and Bar Towel meet-and-greet at the Victory Cafe (581 Markham Street) starting at 6pm in the upstairs bar. There will be a couple of casks available at the upstairs bar, plus the Victory's always-excellent lineup of draughts.

November 4th is also the U.S. election, and the election coverage will be on the big screen at the upstairs bar as well. So if you were thinking about heading out to watch that you'll be able to do so here!

Doors will be at 6pm. There is no admission charge or RSVP list, just show up! Looking forward to seeing some Bar Towel regulars there.

Cameron's Cask Night - Thursday October 30th

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their next cask night event. Here are the full details taken from their latest newsletter:

Last month's Cask Night was simple, yet delicious creation. The cask was named L-Squared because it was a balanced mix of our Cameron's Lager and our Dark 266 Lager and then dry hopped with a Golding Hop - one we have never used before. The end result - a very drinkable, yet flavourful dark lager mix.

This month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday October 30th (devil's night), from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Costumes will be welcomed to this Cask Night. There will be prizing for best costumes. Adam at the brewery has already predicted that he will take home the top costume prize. Don't fret if you are coming from work and don't have a costume, you will still be more than welcome to attend.

Cameron’s Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guestlist only event is $5 for admission however, your admission covers a selection of food as well as a glass of the cask and two additional drink tickets. As well, your $5 admission can be applied to a beer or swag purchase on your way out.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As well, it’s a great time to pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer for the weekend.

We traditionally tap the Cask at approximately 6:15pm.

Whole Foods Markets have graciously donated some delicious food for the event that is specifically made to pair with the casked brew.

As always, the event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVP’s always come flooding in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

We encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join them this month. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven’t already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

Our on-site retail store will be open throughout Cask Night for those that want to pick up beer for the weekend.

For more information or to get directions, visit this Cameron’s link.

Volo Cask Days 2008: The Extended Version

As anyone who attended Volo Cask Days 2008 this past weekend can attest, it was a fantastic event with a helluvalot of casks to sample from. There were so many, in fact, that even six sessions over the course of the weekend couldn’t drain them all, and a number of them weren’t tapped at all.

Sticking to the old adage of “waste not, want not”, Volo is continuing to serve beer from the casks that were tapped this weekend as long as they remain drinkable. Several of the casks tapped on Friday were already dumped on Monday, as Ralph at Volo didn’t feel that they were in a good enough state to be consumed, but there are a good number of casks still on the go, being sold for $4 a pint while quantities last.

Beyond that, here is the planned schedule for the remaining casks that weren't tapped on the weekend:

Wednesday October 22nd
Amsterdam Framboise

Friday October 24th
Dieu du Ciel Vaisseau des Songes
Hopfenstark Postcolonial IPA

Sunday October 26th (opening at 12 noon)
Cameron's Clove and Dagger Amber Ale
County Durham Hop Head IPA
Granite Hopping Mad Pale Ale
Great Lakes Chocolate Oatmeal Stout
Scotch Irish Black Irish Plain Porter
Wellington Iron Duke Strong Ale
(all for $6 pint / $4 half-pint)

Friday October 31st
Grand River's Highballer Pumpkin Ale

Friday November 7th
Fuller's ESB
Fuller's London Pride

Ontario Fall Colours Beer Tour

On Saturday, October 17th, the Beer Lovers' Tour Co. will be hosting their first Ontario Fall Colours Beer Tour.

A country day-tour of discovery, the Ontario Fall Colours Beer Tour explores the historic beer-brewing counties of Grey and Wellington. Starting and ending in Toronto, beer lovers will enjoy a day that includes a steam train ride, scenic country drives, three Ontario Craft Brewery visits, tutored tastings, lunch, a gourmet Beer Dinner, bus transportation and the services of international beer expert, Oliver Dawson.

The first stop will be Tottenham, Ontario to take in the fall colours during a ride on the historic Simcoe Steam Train to Beeton and back. This will be followed by lunch and a VIP tour at Neustadt Springs Brewery; a guided tour of the town of Neustadt; a brief visit to the historic Formosa Springs Brewery; a VIP tour at Wellington County Brewery; and a four course dinner at the Woolwich Arms in Downtown Guelph.

Price is $199 per person and includes all beer samples and VIP tours, lunch, dinner, coach transportation, historic train ride and hosting by beer expert, Oliver Dawson.

For more information please call Oliver at 905-850-9570. Seating is limited to 20.

C'est What Fall Festival - Update

C'est What have updated the list of beers that will be available at their 20th annual Fall craft beer festival, which takes place on Friday October 3, 2008 from 5:00 to 10:00.

Unfortunately, the highly anticipated beers from Quebec's Hopfenstark Brewery didn't clear the LCBO processing in time, so they won't be able to sample. But here are the beers that will be there (assuming there are no last minute changes):

Amsterdam - Oktoberfest, Pommegranate Wheat
Big Rock - Black Amber
Black Oak - Wasabi Pale Ale (cask)
C'est What / Durham - Caraway Rye Beer, Chocolate Ale, Coffee Porter, Sierra's Excellent (Summer) Ale
Denison's / Cool Brewing - Denison's Weissbier
Durham - Hop Addict, Witbier
Grand River - Bumbleberry Wheat, Hannenberg Pils, Highballer Pumpkin Ale (cask)
Granite - Hopping Mad
Great Lakes - Pumpkin Ale
King Brewery - Unfiltered Hopped-Up Pilsner
MacLean's / F&M - MacLean's Pale Ale (cask)
McAuslan - Apricot Wheat, Cream Ale, Pumpkin Ale, St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
Midland Beer Works / Hockley Valley - Georgian Bay Dipper
Mill Street Brewery - Oktoberfest, Organic Helles Bock
Neustadt - Elderbrah (cask), Scottish Pale Ale
Niagara's Best - Blonde
Nickelbrook - Oak-aged Kriek, Sahti Juniper Beer
Railway City Brewing - Iron Spike Copper Ale
Scotch Irish / Heritage - Corporal Punishment
Sleeman - Okanagan Pale Ale
Steam Whistle - Pilsner
Trafalgar - Smoked Oatmeal Stout
True North / Magnotta - Altbier
Unibroue - Chambly Noire, Don De Dieu
Wellington - Iron Duke (cask)

C'est What Fall Festival Of Small Breweries

C'est What's 20th annual Fall craft beer festival takes place on Friday October 3, 2008 from 5:00 to 10:00. There will be well over three dozen of the best brews Canada has to offer in sample sizes at a loonie each. Some of the beers on tap just for the festival confirmed so far are:

Amsterdam - Oktoberfest
Church Key - Rosemary Ginger Ale
Grand River - Pumpkin Ale
Great Lakes - Pumpkin Ale
Hopfenstark - Blanche De L'ermitage, Post Colonial IPA, Saison Station 55
Midland Beer Works / Hockley Valley - Georgian Bay Dipper
Niagara's Best - Blonde Dry-hopped Cask
Nickelbrook - Oak-aged Kriek
Railway City - Copper Ale
Scotch Irish / Heritage - Corporal Punishment
Sleeman - Okanagan Pale Ale
True North / Magnotta - Altbier

As usual there will be much more to come.

Volo Cask Days 2008 - Session & Ticket Details Announced

The website for Volo Cask Days has been updated with full details about the tasting sessions and tickets for this year's event, taking place Friday October 17th to Sunday October 19th.

Tickets
Ticket sales start at 12pm on Sunday, September 28th at Volo (587 Yonge Street). All sales are in-person and cash only. Capacity for each session is 100. Price of admission includes a souvenir event glass, 1 cheese sample and 10 beer sample tickets. Each 4oz sample is 2 tickets, premium samples are 3 tickets. Additional beer sample purchases will be available. A portion of sales will be donated to the event charity, Colon Cancer Canada.

Sessions & Ticket Prices
Fri - 12-4 - $40 (First Tasting/Media Preview)
Fri - 6-10 - $35
Sat - 10-4 - $65 (includes Ploughman's brunch with the brewers, 25 tickets available)
Sat - 12-4 - $35
Sat - 6-10 - $35
Sun - 12-4 - $35
Sun - 6-10 - $35

Brewers (so far)
Beau's
Scotch Irish
Barley Days
Church Key
County Durham
Hockley Valley
King Brewery
Magnotta
Neustadt
Maclean's Ales
Wellington
F And M
Grand River
Cameron's
Trafalgar
Nicklebrook
Stratford
Mill Street
Granite
Amsterdam
St-Andre
Great Lakes
Black Oak

Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale Launch Party

Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale is now available at Great Lakes Brewery (30 Queen Elizabeth Boulevard, Etobicoke) and select LCBO stores. Production was tripled this year so they hopefully won't run out as soon as last year.

To celebrate the kick-off of their fall seasonal, Great Lakes will be having a launch party at the Victory Café (581 Markham Street) on Thursday, October 9 from 6:00 on featuring live music, pumpkin themed food and other great tricks and treats. Space is limited, so drop them a line at info@greatlakesbeer.com to get on the guest list.

Upcoming Events at Abbot On The Hill

The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge St.) have released more details about their Oktoberfest Olympic Fundraiser on Thanksgiving weekend, and have also announced a dinner celebrating the launch of Czechvar on draught.

CZECHVAR DINNER

On Monday, October 6th, the debut of Czechvar on draught in Ontario will be marked with a three-course dinner, including a pint of Czechvar:

Shaved Duck on a bed of arugula
Blueberry Vinaigrette
duck liver dumplings

Zapekane Rezne (a layered pork and cheddar cream sauce)
stuffed tomato in bread crumbs

Palcinka (crepe stuffed with strawberry and chocolate)
sweet cottage cheese

Public dinner seating is at 8 PM, following a media/trade reception. Tickets are $30 - call (416) 920-9074 to reserve.

OKTOBERFEST OLYMPIC FUNDRAISER

As announced previously, The Abbot on the Hill will be holding an Oktoberfest-themed fundraised on Saturday, October 11th and Sunday, October 12th to benefit five young ladies from the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and one of the Men’s Eight Man Rowing teams.

Both days of the weekend will feature $20 prix fixe brunch and dinner seatings, plus a number of Oktoberfest and other German beers on tap, including Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen (first time in Ontario), Hacker Pschorr Dunkel Weisse, Konig Ludwig Weisse, Warsteiner Premium Vernum and Warsteiner Dunkel.

The brunch menu will include a selection of German-style dishes. The dinners will feature a choice of one of the following:

Traditional Pork Schnitzel
12 oz "on the bone" Veal Schnitzel
Bratwurst Sausage
Rouladen
German Vegetable Salad

Dinners will also include braised cabbage, sauerkraut fritters, and your choice of mashed or potato salad.

Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are only available in person at the Abbot on the Hill. For more information, contact Adam at adam-onthehill@hotmail.com.

1st Annual Buffalo Cask Festival - December 5th-7th, 2008

On Friday, December 5th to Sunday, December 7th, 2008, the 1st Annual Buffalo Cask Festival will be taking place from 12 noon to 12 midnight each day at Cole’s (1104 Elmwood Ave.) and Mr. Goodbar (1110 Elmwood Ave.) in downtown Buffalo.

There will be no advance tickets or entry fee, and least 15 casks will be available between the two locations on a pay-per-serving, first-come first-served basis. The beers will be available while stocks last, and empty casks won’t be replaced, so attendees are advised to come early to avoid disappointment.

This event is being co-presented by Alex Smith of The Gotham Imbiber - who also runs cask events in Manhattan [2nd Annual, Sept. 19-21] and Brooklyn [16th Annual, Nov. 7-9] - and the Great Lakes Brewing News.

Wellington Brewery 8th Annual Realists' Day

Wellington Brewery invites one and all to their 8th Annual Realists' Day, taking place Saturday, September 27th from 1:00 to 6:00 PM in the Iron Duke House at the Wellington Brewery, 950 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph.

The day will feature food, beer samples, brewery tours, and a free decaled mug (while quantities last).

The Bar Towel Ontario Beer Events Calendar

In order to help Toronto and Ontario beer drinkers keep track of upcoming festivals, dinners, tastings and other beer events, the Bar Towel is now hosting an Ontario Beer Events calendar via Google Calendar.

The calendar is embedded in this post, and can also be accessed and bookmarked directly at this link.

If you know of any beer events in Ontario or surrounding areas (Quebec, Western New York and Michigan) that should be listed, please let us know at news@bartowel.com

Upcoming CABA Events

The Canadian Amateur Brewers Association have announced the details of two upcoming events that are open to both members and non-members. Advance tickets for both events are available now via the CABA website.

An Afternoon of Homebrewing
Saturday September 27th 2008
Time: 1 - 5 pm (Upstairs room at The Rhino - 1249 Queen St. W.)
Cost: $10 (Members) $20 (Non-Members)

In our past evenings, we have featured some of the best brewers from the Ontario craft brewing scene. Now we are going to showcase homebrewers and their equipment that keep the craft brewing spirt moving forward.

This evening will be all about the homebrewers, the ingredients they use, the methods they employ, and the equipment that makes great beer.

We will get the homebrewers and suppliers face to face, members are encouraged to bring along equipment they would like to show, trade or sell. We'll have homebrew suppliers represented with tables of ingredients and equipment demonstrations. If you are or may be interested in homebrewing, or maybe you want to go to the next level, you won't want to miss this day.

If you have anything you would like to present or sell, contact Kevin (president@homebrewers.ca) before Sept 20th.

CABA AGM and Bus Tour
Sat, November 8 2008
Time: 10am - 7pm approx. (Doors open at 9:30)
Cost: $60 for members $70 for non-members

Ask anyone who has been on the AGM bus tour what happened and you will get hundreds of answers. Ask if they had a good time and you will get a resounding YES!

This year we've put together a great time and some special treats that can only be had on this tour.

9:30 am Coffee and Muffins at the Rhino

10 am Bus departs the Rhino

Snacks and 3 samples at the Pepperwood Bistro (and a special beer by Brewmaster Paul Dickey)

Buffet lunch at The Huether Hotel

Tour and samples at the Sleeman Brewery

Other bus tour fun (you have to be there to find out)

Return to the Rhino

Oktoberfest Olympic Fundraiser at Abbot On The Hill

On Thanksgiving weekend (October 11th & 12th), join the staff of the Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge St.) at their Oktoberfest Olympic Fundraiser.

Your $20 brunch or dinner ticket entitles you to admittance (the restaurant will be open only to ticket holders for the weekend), a choice of five authentic traditional Oktoberfest dishes for your meal, door prizes, silent auctions featuring signed paraphernalia from our Olympic athletes, and if you are one of the first fifty in the door you keep your authentic branded glassware.

Proceeds from the two-day event benefit five young ladies from the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and one of the Men’s Eight Man Rowing teams. Olympic athletes will be in attendance.

Unlike other Oktoberfests in the province, this will not feature generic lagers from massive corporations, but authentic Oktoberfest and German beers, and traditional Oktoberfest food. The beer line-up will include:

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest Marzen (first time in Ontario)
Hacker Pschorr Dunkel Weisse
Konig Ludwig Weisse
Warsteiner Premium Vernum
Warsteiner Dunkel

Tickets must be purchased in advance, and are only available in person at the Abbot on the Hill. Brunch and dinner menus will be announced on September 7th. For more information, contact Adam at adam-onthehill@hotmail.com.

Black Creek Brews Fest 2008

Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto’s premier living history museum, is presenting their 2nd annual Black Creek Brews Fest on September 6 and 7, 2008. This unique event connects Ontario's rich brewing history with today's growing craft brewer industry – all in a family-friendly setting.

Highlights
- Meet the brewers and sample their wares: some of Ontario's finest craft brewers such as Great Lakes Brewery, Steam Whistle Brewery, Black Oak Brewery, Neustadt Brewery, Scotch Irish Brewery, Magnotta Brewery, and others, will be there.
- Lunch with Stephen Beaumont: three courses accompanied by three beers introduced by world-renowned beer expert, and Toronto resident, Stephen Beaumont.
- Cheese Pairing: Julia Rogers gives tastings of local cheeses with local micro beers.
- The "Making of Beer" Walking Tour with Roger Mittag, Canada’s "professor of beer."
- Tutored tastings with Mirella Amato of the Beer Lovers Tour Company.

Other Attractions
Beer memorabilia from the Brewrianists Society; music workshop: "Songs of Drunkenness and Temperance;" coopering – the barrel-making demonstration; food cooked with beer (all with suggested beer pairings), corn-on-the-cob cooked in a 1870s Steam Engine cooker, and lots more.

Live Music
Tanglefoot, the Sky Diggers, Freshwater Trade, the Creaking Strings Quartet, and more.

TICKET GIVEAWAY

The contest is now CLOSED. Thanks to all who entered.

Black Creek Pioneer Village has provided the Bar Towel with six free pairs of tickets good for admission on either day of the Black Creek Brews Fest.

For your chance to win, simply send an email with news@bartowel.com with "BREWS FEST CONTEST ENTRY" in the Subject line, and your full name in the body of the email.

Winners will be chosen at random next Thursday, September 4th and notified via email. Winners' names will be on the guest list with a '+1' at the Black Creek box office. Good luck!

Cameron's Cask Night - Thursday August 28th

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their next cask night event. Here are the full details taken from their latest newsletter:

Following last month’s very popular Lagerita-ville by Cameron's brewer Jason, this month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday August 28th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm and this cask will be a touch spicy.

Cameron’s Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guestlist only event is $5 for admission however, your admission covers a selection of food as well as a glass of the cask and two additional drink tickets. As well, your $5 admission can be applied to a beer or swag purchase on your way out.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As well, it’s a great time to pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer for the weekend.

We traditionally tap the Cask at approximately 6:15pm.

Whole Foods Markets have graciously donated some delicious food for the event that is specifically made to pair with the casked brew.

As always, the event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVP’s always come flooding in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

We encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join them this month. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven’t already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

Our on-site retail store will be open throughout Cask Night for those that want to pick up beer for the weekend.

For more information or to get directions, visit this Cameron’s link.

Beer Store Protest Day

According to a story in today's Toronto Star, rabble-rouser Derek Forward is moving his battle to break-up the Beer Store monopoly to the next level with an official Beer Store Protest Day this coming Saturday, August 30th.

Here are the details for those who are interested in participating:

Derek Forward is urging sympathizers to spend a few hours collecting signatures for a petition to be presented in the Ontario Legislature next month.

His local MPP, Ted Chudleigh, has agreed to read the petition there in hopes of getting Premier Dalton McGuinty to reconsider his position that The Beer Store isn't broken and doesn't need to be fixed.

[...]

Hard copies of the petition can be downloaded from either of two websites, tedchudleigh.com or nobeerstore.ca, and mailed to Forward at the address provided.

People can collect signatures at a beer store or anywhere they want on Saturday, Forward said. The petition replaces an online version Forward set up last month to test reaction to his idea. He said he has 7,000 signatures so far.

Forward himself will be collecting signatures outside of The Beer Store at 614 Queen St. W. from 12 noon to 3 PM this Saturday.

Pilsner Urquell Dinner at beerbistro

On Wednesday, August 20th, beerbistro (18 King St. E.) will be hosting a beer dinner to mark the official launch of Pilsner Urquell on draught in Canada.

The evening will start at 5:30 PM with a reception featuring passed hors d'oeuvres and Pilsner Urquell, as well as a toast by Richard Krpac, Consul General of the Czech Republic.

From 6:00 to 10:00 PM, guests will be served a prix fixe dinner featuring courses paired with Pilsner Urquell. Hosting the dinner will be Ryan Johnson, Trade Brewer at SAB Miller.

Tickets for the dinner are $45, and can be reserved by calling beerbistro at 416.861.9872.

Artisanal Brewers at Todmorden Mills

On Thursday, August 21st from 7:00 to 9:30 PM, Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre (67 Pottery Road, east of the Bayview Extension, just west of Broadview Avenue) will present a tasting of local craft, artisanal and organic beers with food pairings.

In the 19th century, residents of Todmorden provided beer, lumber and paper for the growing city of Toronto. The Helliwell family established a successful brewery at the site in 1821. The Helliwell home and part of their brewery still remain at Todmorden Mills Museum.

Brewers participating in the tasting include Black Oak Brewery, Denison’s Brewing Company, Granite Brewery, Mill Street Brewery and Wellington Brewery, and food will be provided by Starfish Oysterbed and Grill and other purveyors.

Tickets for the tasting are $24, which includes 6 beer and food pairing samples and a complementary tasting glass. Additional pairings will be available for $2 each.

For more information or to reserve tickets with Visa or MasterCard, call 416-396-2819. Proceeds benefit historical interpretation and programming at Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre.

Cameron's Cask Night - Thursday July 31st

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their next cask night event. Here are the full details taken from their latest newsletter:

Following last month’s very popular Orange Cream-sic-ALE by Cameron's brewer Adam, this month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday July 31th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm and it will have a summer twist this month.

Cameron’s Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guestlist only event is free of charge and mainly a chance for us to share a glass of our latest creation with our friends, supporters and our local community.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As well, it’s a great time to pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer.

We will be tapping the Cask at approximately 6:15pm.

Whole Foods Markets have graciously donated some delicious food for the event. The food will be available at 6pm.

As always, the event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVP’s always come flooding in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

Due to the good weather and overall cheer at the brewery, we encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join them this month. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven’t already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

For more information or to get directions, visit this Cameron’s link.

Toronto's Festival of Beer Ticket Giveaway

This year's edition of Toronto's Festival of Beer at Historic Fort York is just over a week away, and your time to get tickets is rapidly running out, as are the tickets themselves - Friday and Saturday are already sold out.

The folks behind the Festival have provided Bar Towel with four complimentary tickets for the opening night Bowman's Ball, which takes place on Thursday August 7th and will feature a live performance by Dave Wakeling and The English Beat.

To win one of these tickets, you simply have to be one of the first four people to email news@bartowel.com with the answer to this skill-testing question:

Name one of the bands that was formed by members of the English Beat when the original line-up split up in 1983.

Winners will be sent printable tickets in PDF format.

UPDATE: All tickets have been won. Congrats to the winners!

Note that admission to Toronto's Festival of Beer is restricted to those 19+ years of age, and photo ID may be required for entry. Visit the FAQ section of the TFOB website for further terms and conditions.

Cole's IPA Festival

Veteran Buffalo beer bar Cole's (1104 Elmwood) will be holding their 4th annual IPA Festival on Saturday, August 16th.

The fest runs from 1 PM to 5 PM, and the $25 admission charge gives you access to 25-30 different IPAs and Double/Imperial IPAs, plus food. Tickets will be available at the door only.

LCBO Summer Craft Beer Tastings

As part of the LCBO's current International Beer Expo promotion, a number of members of the Ontario Craft Brewers will be holding tasting events at LCBO outlets around the province.

A full list of tastings has been posted to the OCB website, and info can also be found at the International Beer Expo promotion microsite.

Upcoming Beer Events

Here's a handy guide to the beer events taking place in Toronto and surrounding areas in the coming weeks and months:

Events in Toronto:

Thu Jul 29 2008 - Hopscotch: Whisky, Scotch and Beer Dinner - Mill Street Brewpub - CANCELLED
Thu Jul 31 2008 - Craft Beer Festival & Summer BBQ - Hart House
Thu Aug 7 to Sun Aug 10 2008 - Toronto's Festival of Beer - Fort York
Thu Aug 21 2008 - Todmorden Mills Craft Beer Tasting - Todmorden Mills
Sat Aug 23 2008 - Golden Tap Awards 2008 - beerbistro
Sat Sep 6 and Sun Sep 7 2008 - Black Creek Brews Fest - Black Creek Pioneer Village
Sat Sep 27 2008 - An Evening of Homebrewing - The Rhino
Sat Oct 18 to Mon Oct 20 2008 - Volo Cask Days 2008 - Volo
Sat Nov 8 2008 - Canadian Amateur Brewers Association AGM and Bus Tour - departing/arriving at The Rhino

Events further afield:

Fri Jul 25 and Sat Jul 26 2008 - Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival - Ypsilanti, MI
Fri Aug 1 to Sun Aug 3 2008 - Belgium Comes to Cooperstown - Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY
Fri Aug 1 to Mon Aug 4 2008 - Ruggerfest: Amherstburg International Rugby Tournament and Beer Festival - Centennial Park, Amherstburg, ON
Fri Aug 15 2008 - Flour City Brewers' Fest - Frontier Field, Rochester, NY
Sat Aug 23 2008 - Buffalo Brewfest - HSBC Arena, Buffalo, NY
Sat Aug 23 2008 - Creemore Copper Kettle Festival - Creemore Springs Brewery, Creemore
Fri Aug 29 to Mon Sep 1 2008 - La Fête Bières & Saveurs de Chambly - Chambly, Quebec

Beer List for Victory Summer Cask Ale Festival

The list of beers to be available at the Victory Café's Summer Cask Ale Festival on Sunday, July 13th have been announced:

Summer Ale, Granite Brewery
Hop Head, County Durham Brewing Co.
Hop Bomb IPA, Black Oak Brewery
Granite IPA, Granite Brewery
Plowman’s Ale, Grand River Brewing
MacLean’s Pale Ale, F&M Brewery
Signature Ale, County Durham Brewing Co.
Best Bitter Special, Granite Brewery
Triple X, County Durham Brewing Co.
StoneHammer Dark Ale, F&M Brewery

Full details on the festival can be found in our previous post about the event.

Hogtown Hoedown

C'est What is teaming up with Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar and other local restaurants, farmers, breweries, and wineries to present the first annual Hogtown Hoedown in Market Lane Park (next to the St. Lawrence Market North Building).

The festival spans two days with two different events. A gala multi-course charity dinner takes place on the evening of Friday July 18 and al la carte tasting samples served on Saturday July 19 featuring local restaurants, GTA craft brewers, and fine Ontario wineries.

To date, confirmed breweries for Saturday include Amsterdam, Black Oak, Denison's, Durham, Granite, Great Lakes, Magnotta, Steam Whistle, Ste. Andre, and Trafalgar. For apple fans, County Cider will also be showing off their wares.

Proceeds from Hogtown Hoedown are in support of Eva's Initiatives, a local charity that works with homeless and at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 to get them off the streets permanently.

Friday July 18 - Gala Charity Dinner

A glamorous all-inclusive five-course dinner under a canopy featuring local food paired with fine VQA wine exclusively prepared by the area's top chefs led by Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar. Cocktails and hors d'ourvres from 6:00, dinner starts at 7:00.

$175 per ticket (Charitable receipt issued for $100)

For tickets call the St Lawrence Centre box office at 416-366-7723, toll free at 1-800-708-6754, or online at StLC.com

Group discount rates are available call Al Smith at 416-410-9242. Eight tickets for $1000.

Saturday July 19 - Festival

- Family friendly, all ages, free admission
- Farmers Market 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Police pancake breakfast from 9:00 to 11:00
- Free Movie Babe at Rainbow Theatre (PWYC for Eva's) 11:00
- Local food, beer, and wine booths from 11:00 to 5:00
- Live music and entertainment with Strange Potatoes

Kids Programs in Piglet Pen include: Face painting, clown, twisty balloons, art and kids cooking classes.

More information on both events is available at MeetMeAtTheMarket.com.

Ruggerfest: Amherstburg International Rugby Tournament and Beer Festival

Ruggerfest
August 1-4, 2008
Centennial Park
Amherstburg, Ontario

The town of Amherstburg, Ontario will be the host of a new, international rugby tournament, commencing August first of 2008, and running until the fourth of August, 2008 in H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. This festival will be a first for the County of Essex, home to a growing number of rugby players and enthusiasts. The festival will be called "Ruggerfest." The centrepiece of the festival will be an international rugby tournament and beer festival.

This new festival will be a celebration of the venerable sport of rugby and the traditions of spectatorship attendant upon it. Events such as rugby workshops for beginners, and children's flag rugby are intended to encourage visitors of all ages and skill levels to have active fun while learning about rugby play. International food and beer tasting tents will be open to the public for a fee, with accredited beer experts conducting free beer literacy seminars throughout the length of the festival.

Brewers confirmed to be attending so far include Guinness, Harp, Steam Whistle, Walkerville, Sleeman and Steelback, with more t.b.c.

Hart House Craft Beer Festival & Summer BBQ

Hart House Craft Beer Festival and Summer BBQ
Thursday, July 31st, 2008. 7pm – 12am
Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, University of Toronto
$30 per person ($20 U of T Students), Admission restricted to 19+
Tickets available at UofT Tix Box Office

On Thursday, July 31st Hart House will present a Craft Beer Festival and Summer BBQ. The event will feature samples from local Craft Breweries, complimentary BBQ nibbles and live musical entertainment.

Come celebrate the best that Ontario Craft Brewers have to offer along with savoury Barbeque snacks and live musical entertainment by joining us at Hart House, University of Toronto. Dedicated to preserving traditional brewing methods, Craft Brewers use natural ingredients and time honored traditions to create distinctly flavourful brews that appeal to beer drinkers with an appetite for adventure.

Curious about local beers? Mirella Amato, Toronto’s Cultural Craft Beer Expert will also be on hand to share beer-savouring tips and tackle all questions beer-related. The live musical entertainment portion of the evening will feature performances by Brittlestar, Dinosaur Bones and Nachtmusik.

Participating Craft Breweries:
Great Lakes Brewery • Grand River Brewing • Cool Beer Brewing Company • Creemore Springs Brewery • Mill St. Brewery • Wellington Brewing Company • Cameron’s Brewing Company • Big Rock Brewery • F&M Brewery • Barley Days • Black Oak Brewery • Hockley Valley Brewing

Buffalo Brewfest 2008

7th Annual Buffalo Brewfest
August 23, 2008 - 2:00 – 6:00 PM
HSBC Arena, Buffalo
$20 presale, $25 at the door

Please join us August 23rd as we proudly carry on our tradition of helping worthy causes by indulging in our love of quality beer from some of the world's best breweries. We have something to suit every taste with over 100 different beers available. This year's venue will provide ample space to mix and mingle as well as abundant parking for all attendees. Free parking will be available in the ramp attached to the Arena.

The Buffalo BrewFest is a true "beer tasting". This is where you can compare the various styles of beer side by side and discover what you really enjoy. It's also the perfect opportunity to show your friends or relatives who have been drinking the same brand of beer since 1979 how much they have been missing.

Your ticket includes admission to the event, a souvenir tasting glass, program, and 20 tasting tokens which can be redeemed for one 3 oz beer sample each. Additional tokens are available for $1.00 each.

All proceeds of the Buffalo Brewfest benefit Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center.

Toronto's Festival of Beer Satellite Events

The organisers of Toronto's Festival of Beer (August 7th-10th at Fort York) have announced their line-up of pre-festival satellite events for this year. Tickets for all events are on sale now, and each ticket purchased also includes free admission to Toronto's Festival of Beer for the Bowmans Ball on Thursday, August 7th.

Here are the details on all of the satellite events:

Thursday, July 17th, 2008
A Pint of Class: A Beer Event for Women
6 – 11pm
The Berkeley Church Fieldhouse, 315 Queen Street East
$80 + GST
Ladies!! This is your chance to celebrate and learn more about beer. Featuring food and beer pairing stations and educational mini-seminars, this stylish event will have you leaving with your pint glass of knowledge half full instead of half empty! Be sure to come out for an evening filled of brews, news and BBQ. All lovely ladies will receive a great gift bag of goodies as well as the chance to win some awesome prizes!

Tuesday, July 22th, 2008
Amsterdam Poker Slam
8 - midnight
Amsterdam Brewery, 21 Bathurst Street
$80 + GST
Go “All In” for a good time at this poker event for Beer Lovers! Settle into your chair for a night of fantastic beer and good times; Amsterdam Brewing and Bowmans.net play host to this open poker tournament where guests will have the exciting opportunity to play poker while enjoying some of Ontario’s finest beer! Entrants will also have the chance to mingle with the Argo’s Cheerleaders and win great prizes throughout the evening including a Grand Prize trip for two! Each ticket includes one pint of Amsterdam Beer, hors d’oeurves throughout the evening and chances to win great prizes!

Thursday, July 24th, 2008
The King Street Crawl
6 - 10pm
King Street West between Bathurst and Spadina
FREE
A Beerlicious summer sampling event featuring beer and food pairings at 14 hopping King Street West locations located between Bathurst and Spadina. The King West district extends to you an invitation to join them for this unique event, to come out for a beer, stay to dine and dance like a King! Sip and socialize with your friends as you sample a different golden beverage at each stop on the Crawl! You don’t need a ticket for this party, but we HIGHLY recommend you pick up your FREE PASSPORT (available at any of the participating restaurants). Get it stamped at some of King West’s FINEST establishments and you could be off on a KING sized trip for 2.

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008
Hopscotch: Whisky, Scotch and Beer Dinner
7 - midnight
Mill Street Brew Pub, 55 Mill Street
$90 + GST
Welcome to Hopscotch, Canada’s premium Scotch, Whisky, and Beer tasting. We are constantly amazed at the amount of people who have expressed their passion for Whisky, Scotch and Beer. This event gives these very same enthusiasts an opportunity to learn, sip, and sample some of the world’s finest offerings. Each ticket includes a superb five course meal featuring Beer and Scotch pairings with live entertainment

Victory Summer Cask Ale Festival

Victory Summer Cask Ale Festival
Sunday July 13th 2008
12:00 – 7:00 P.M.
The Victory Café, 581 Markham Street, Toronto

The Victory Café is hosting a cask ale festival on the patio this July as part of ‘Pedestrian Sundays’, the summer street festival in Mirvish Village, Toronto. The aim of this cask festival is to celebrate local traditional cask ales and to introduce new people to this wonderful product.

Cask conditioned ale, also known as ‘real ale’, is beer that is brewed from traditional ingredients (malted barley, water, yeast and hops) and matured naturally in the cask where it undergoes a secondary fermentation. This imparts unique characteristics and greater depth of flavour. Cask ale is a fresh, natural product and is free from the chemicals and preservatives found in many of today’s mass-produced beers.

There will be ten traditional cask beers on offer, all from local brewers. The full list of beers will be announced at a later date.

Beer samples will be offered by the half-pint measure, purchased with a beer ticket available at the festival. A food buffet will also be available.

The cost of admission is $6.50 per person, payable at the event, which includes a souvenir glass and two half-pint sample tickets. A $10.00 admission includes access to the food buffet. Additional beer and food tickets will be available at a reasonable price.

Returns for Leukemia Research Bottle Drive

On Saturday, May 24th and Sunday, March 25th, all 441 retail locations of The Beer Store will be holding Returns for Leukemia Research, a bottle drive collecting funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Customers returning beer, wine and spirit bottles will be invited to donate all or a part of their deposit refund to the drive, with the goal of raising more the $500,000 for Leukemia and Lymphoma research over the course of the two-day drive.

Returns for Leukemia Research is a fundraising initiative of The Beer Store and its employee union, UFCW Local 12R24. For more information, visit bottledrive.ca.

Cameron's Cask Night for May

Cameron's Brewing have announced that this month's Cask Night will take place at the brewery (1165 Invicta Drive, Oakville) on Thursday May 29th from 6pm to 8pm.

As always, the night will feature a one-off cask of a beer brewed especially for the event, and this month, food will be provided by professional BBQ master Jason Rees.

The event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVPs always flood in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible by emailing promotions@cameronsbrewing.com.

For more information or to get directions, visit the Cameron’s website. Cameron’s Brewing is only a short jaunt from the Oakville GO Station, so feel free to make the trip that way as well.

C'est What Spring Festival Of Small Breweries

C'est What's next semi-annual beer festival takes place on Friday, May 23 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

There will be the usual and unusual, thirty-five to forty examples of the best beer Canada has to offer in sample sizes at a loonie each.

Beers confirmed so far include:

Amsterdam Pomegranate Wheat
Barley Days Summer Breeze Light Ale
Big Rock MacNally's Irish Ale (bottle)
Church Key Honey & Water Meade
Church Key Cranberry Wheat
Durham Belgian Wit
Grand River Pilsner
Heritage Maple Bush Lager
King Pils Bock
Neustadt Scottish Ale (cask)
Nickel Brook Cuvee '07
Unibroue Ephemere Pomme (& all of the new-to-Ontario Unibroue bottles)
Wellington SPA (cask)

Great Canadian Homebrew Conference 2008

Great Canadian Homebrew Conference
June 7th 2008
Time: 10:30 - 4:00 pm (Doors open at 10:00)
Rhino Bar and Grill (1249 Queen Street West)

What goes together after a long Canadian winter better than a sunny patio and a refreshing wheat beer?

This year the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association (CABA) Great Canadian Hombrew Conference will be focusing on Wheat Beer styles and brewing. Michael Hancock, brewmaster at Denison's, will be discussing his Weissbier and other German Wheat Beer styles. His Weissbier is one of the highest rated beers on ratebeer.com, and not just in the Wheat Beer category, but in the top one percent of all beers on the site.

Lunch (included) will be German themed with wheat beer pairings to highlight the flavours of these refreshing summer beers.

Brewing demonstrations and Q&A on the patio will help you make great wheat beers from all grain or kits.

Tickets for the day are $55 for CABA members or $65 for non-members, and can be purchased via the CABA website.

The Beer Lovers' Tour Company Celebrates 10 Years

2008 marks the 10th anniversary of The Beer Lovers' Tour Company, the folks behind the Old Toronto Beer Tour and other beer travel events. Below is the press release announcing their plans for 2008, including trips to the Creemore Copper Kettle Festival and the Chambly Beer Festival, as well as a Fall Colours Country Beer Tour to several breweries in south-western Ontario.

THINK GLOBALLY, DRINK LOCALLY
The Beer Lovers’ Tour Company
Celebrates 10 Years And With It Expands To 18 Tour Dates
From May 10 until October 4, 2008

(Toronto – May 5, 2008) Due to a growing thirst for tours combining beer appreciation and travel, The Beer Lovers' Tour Company has expanded and offers 18 tour dates on the 2008 Old Toronto Beer Tour this year: starting May 10th and going strong till Oct 4th!

The Old Toronto Beer Tour (Sat May 10 - check for other dates at www.beerloverstour.com) is a city tour unlike any other. Featuring four outstanding local breweries (Steam Whistle, Amsterdam, Mill Street and the Granite), this day-trip blends the experience of Toronto's rich brewing history with a celebration of Toronto's world-class lagers and ales. Complimentary lunch, VIP tours, tutored tastings, a historic walking tour and pub visit as well as a four-course gourmet beer dinner are among the many delights to be enjoyed on this splendid day in the city. Prices range from $99-$149 per person, including transport, taxes and gratuities.

Since 1998, the Beer Lovers' Tour Company, led by craft-beer industry veteran and company president Oliver Dawson, has been hosting specialty tours designed for the culturally-minded beer enthusiast. "Today's beer drinker is much more open-minded than even ten years ago," muses Dawson. "The out-dated perception that only the best beers come from Europe has been neutralized given the quality and style-selection offered by many Ontario producers. The continued expansion of world-class Ontario Craft Breweries has intensified demand for tours featuring local producers, and we’re happy to expand The Old Toronto Beer Tour to fill the demand.”

Whether you are a visitor to Toronto or a long-time resident, The Old Toronto Beer Tour will show you the city, and its fine brews in a new light, you will discover things about Toronto you never knew. The Old Toronto Beer Tour also makes a unique gift, and Special group rates make it an even more affordable event for friends to spend the day together.

The tour is hosted by beer ambassadors Oliver Dawson and Mirella Amato, both seasoned tour-guides and qualified beer experts:

Beer Lovers' Tour Company president Oliver Dawson is a long-time veteran of the craft-beer industry. Following fourteen years with the original Upper Canada Brewing Company, he decided to follow his passion for beer, travel and culture and founded The Beer Lovers' Tour Company. An authority on the beer industry and professional public speaker, Oliver has also led beer appreciation courses at George Brown College, appeared often on radio and television and has been a contributor to such publications as Food and Drink magazine.

Mirella Amato is an established beer writer whose extensive knowledge is exceeded only by her passion for great beer. She is a regular host on Legourmet.tv online, where she interviews. Mirella has sat on the panel of many beer competitions in Canada as well as abroad and recently completed the Beer Judge Certification Exam. She has taken various courses and seminars on beer appreciation, including an advanced brewing certificate from Maska Laboratories.

If something farther afield strikes your fancy, there are three out-of-town trips planned for the 2008 season:

Creemore Copper Kettle Festival Tour: On Saturday August 23rd we help the town of Creemore celebrate their annual Copper Kettle Festival. With the street closed off to traffic and a VIP pass to the Creemore Springs Brewery and local events, guests will have time to relax and enjoy the antics of the afternoon at leisure. But getting to Creemore will be half the fun. A scenic back road drive, including a special visit to the Hockley Valley Brewing Company will make the journey both interesting and informative. A dinner is also planned with all-inclusive pricing at $150 per person including the meal.

Chambly Beer Festival Tour: if you really want to get away, join us over the Labour Day Weekend (August 29, 30) to experience the legendary Chambly Beer Festival just outside of Montreal. Featuring local artisan producers of beer and cheese as well as imported brewery exotica not easily found in Ontario, this festival is one of the great ones to attend. Local Brewery visits will include internationally recognized McAuslans and Unibroue. A Montreal city tour, a special brewery meal, a guided pub crawl and lots of leisure time should make this Montreal visit a memorable one. To keep costs down this tour will not include transport to and from Montreal. However, a special beer lovers' trip-tych will be offered for the DIY travelers. Check for final details soon!

Fall Colours Country Beer Tour: Saturday, October 18th is the first Fall Tour that takes in the colours, the scenery and the local beer culture of Wellington, Waterloo and Grey counties. Planned VIP visits to Ontario Craft Brewery (OCB) facilities, Wellington County, Brick and Neustadt Springs will highlight a day featuring scenic country drives, visits to antique markets and historic towns. Being a full day, tour meal stops will be part of the days events.

For more information about the the Old Toronto Beer Tour, and Beer Lovers’ Tour 2008 season, visit www.beerloverstour.com or call 905 850-9570.

The Beer Lovers' Tour Co.
beerloverstour.com@sympatico.ca

Great Lakes Brewery Events

Etobicoke's Great Lakes Brewery have two fun events coming up:

Great Lakes Brewery Orange Peel Ale Release Party
Thursday May 15th @ The Victory Cafe

Join us as we celebrate the launch of Orange Peel Ale for another year! Available on draught since early April, it will be hitting LCBO shelves province-wide in late May.

The festivities run from 6-10 (and perhaps beyond...) upstairs at the Victory Cafe. There will be a selection of Great Lakes beers, a live band, and lots of orange-themed food to keep everyone going. To get a free ticket or your name on the guest list, email us at info@greatlakesbeer.com

Great Lakes 5th Annual Charity BBQ
Saturday, May 24th @ Great Lakes Brewery

Join us for our annual kick off to summer BBQ from 12 noon to 6 PM. Bring your friends and family for a fun day and help to raise funds and awareness for "The Gatehouse". There will be plenty of entertainment and refreshments.

REMINDER: Southern Tier IPA Launch Events

Just a reminder about the two Southern Tier launch events taking place this weekend. There are still tickets available for the dinner, and the Volo event is now free (except for the beer, which you'll have to buy). Hope to see you there!

The Bar Towel is pleased to announce that we're teaming up with import agency Roland + Russell, and Toronto's premier food & drink website, Taste T.O., to co-present a pair of tasting events on Friday, April 25th and Saturday, April 26th marking the arrival of Southern Tier IPA at the LCBO.

Southern Tier is a relatively new brewery from Lakewood in western New York State, but in the four short years they've been in business, they've attracted a ton of acclaim from beer geeks on both sides of the border, so the addition of their IPA to the LCBO general list is quite a coup for Ontario's craft beer lovers. To help celebrate the occasion, Southern Tier co-founder Phin DeMink as well as his brewmaster will be coming to Toronto for special events at two of the city's best beer destinations.

________________________

Friday, April 25th, 2008
Southern Tier Beer Dinner
The Academy of Spherical Arts, 1 Snooker Street (formerly 38 Hanna Avenue)
6:00 PM
$75 (including all taxes and gratuities)
call 416-532-2782 to reserve

Dinner & Beer Pairing Menu:

Butternut Squash, roasted pear and cheddar soup
served with Phin & Matt's Extraordinary Ale

Baked black cod with sweet potato, rapini and a walnut butter sauce
served with Southern Tier Porter

Spicy chicken panang with scented rice, crisp garlic and onions
served with Southern Tier IPA

Bitter Chocolate mousse with fresh raspberries and sauce
served with Southern Tier Raspberry Wheat Beer

The dinner will be hosted by Cass Enright (The Bar Towel) and Greg Clow (Taste T.O.), with Phin and his brewmaster also saying a few words. After dinner, all are welcome to stay to enjoy more libations and shoot some stick on the Academy's renowned pool tables.

________________________

Saturday, April 26th, 2008
Southern Tier Beer Tasting
Volo, 587 Yonge Street
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
free admission

A casual meet & greet event with Phin and his brewmaster, with Southern Tier's Hoppe, Big Red, Un*Earthly, and IPA available for tasting.

________________________

Cameron's Cask Night for April

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their "Let's Drink The Cask" Night for April:

Following last month's infamous Dark Cherry Lager Cask, this month's Cameron's 'Let's Drink the Cask Night' will be on Thursday April 24th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Cameron's Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guestlist only event is free of charge and mainly a chance for us to share a glass of our latest creation with our friends, supporters and our local community.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As well, it's a great time to pick up some brewery fresh Cameron's beer.

We will be tapping the Cask at approximately 6:15pm.

Whole Foods Markets have graciously donated some delicious food for the event. The food will be available at 6pm.

As always, the event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVPs always come flooding in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

Due to the good weather and overall cheer at the brewery, we encourage everyone to invite a guest (or a few) to join them this month. Just indicate how many people will be coming with you on your RSVP.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven't already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

For more information or to get directions, visit the Cameron’s website.

Cameron’s Brewing is only a short jaunt from the Oakville GO Station, so feel free to make the trip that way as well.

Upcoming Beer Events

Here's a handy guide to what's coming up on the beer scene in Toronto and surrounding areas in the coming weeks and months.

Events in Toronto:

Sat Apr 19 2008 - Canadian Brewery Collectibles Show & Sale - Amsterdam Brewing
Sat Apr 19 2008 - McAuslan Beer Dinner - Local 4
Sun Apr 20 2008 - Volo 20th Anniversary - Volo
Fri Apr 25 2008 - Southern Tier Beer Dinner - Academy of Spherical Arts
Sat Apr 26 2008 - Southern Tier Meet & Greet - Volo
Wed May 28 2008 - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner - beerbistro
Thu Aug 7 to Sun Aug 10 2008 - Toronto's Festival of Beer - Fort York
Sat Sep 6 and Sun Sep 7 2008 - Black Creek Brews Fest - Black Creek Pioneer Village

Events further afield:

Sat May 3 2008 - Church-Key Spring Revival - Church-Key Brewery, Campbellford
Fri May 16 & Sat May 17 2008 - 13th Annual World Expo of Beer - Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, MI
Wed May 28 to Sun Jun 1 2008 - Mondial de la Bière - Windsor Station & Courtyard, Montreal
Fri Jul 4 to Sun Jul 6 2008 - Barrie Brews and BBQ Festival - Centennial Beach, Barrie
Fri Jul 11 2008 - Empire State Brewing & Music Festival - Clinton Square, Syracuse, NY
Thu Jul 17 to Sat Jul 19 2008 - Downtown London Beer Festival - King and Clarence Street, London
Fri Jul 18 to Sun Jul 20 2008 - Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show - Victoria Park, Kitchener
Fri Jul 18 and Sat Jul 19 2008 - Fiesta Buckhorn: A Celebration of Fine Wine, Beer & Cuisine - Buckhorn Community Centre, Buckhorn
Fri Jul 25 and Sat Jul 26 2008 - Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival - Ypsilanti, MI
Fri Aug 1 to Sun Aug 3 2008 - Belgium Comes to Cooperstown - Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY
Fri Aug 18 - Flour City Brewers' Fest - Frontier Field, Rochester, NY

Volo 20th Anniversary Party

This month marks 20 years since Ralph Morana bought Volo (587 Yonge St.), and to mark the occasion, they'll be opening on Sunday April 20th from 12 noon to 10:00 PM for a casual celebration.

Admission will be free (but the beer won't be!), and there will be a half-dozen casks tapped on the patio, as well as a special draught line-up featuring a number of special brews:

Casks
Black Oak Double Chocolate Cherry Stout
Grand River Mild/Plowman's Ale Blend
Cameron's Pomegranate Cream Ale
Amsterdam Framboise
Church Key West Coast Pale Ale Oaked
Durham ESB

Taps
Church Key Grains of Wrath DIPA
King Pilsbock Unfiltered
Nickelbrook Cuvee 07 Strong Spiced Ale
Great Lakes Chocolate Orange Peel Ale
Stratford Common Steam Lager
Barley Days Sugar Shack Ale
Granite Gin Lane Barley Wine
Neustadt Big Dog Porter
Durham Hop Addict IPA Hop Infused
Grand River Ploegers Vlaams Rood
Denison's Weissbier
Koningshoeven Dubbel

Deliciously Dutch Dinner at Esplanade Bier Markt

Originally planned to be a single event on April 9th, the Deliciously Dutch dinner at Bier Markt has now been extended to a promotion running April 9th to 18th.

All dishes can be ordered a la carte or as a 4-course prix fixe ($50), and the suggested beer pairings are available an an additional cost.

ENTRÉES

CHILLED SOUP SHOOTERS $8
Yukon vichyssoise, spicy gazpacho, vodka cucumber
Bier Pairing: Koningshoeven Dubbel Trappistenbier, 6.5% ABV, 330 ml. bottle, $9.27

TORCHON OF LAC BROME FOIE GRAS $12
Koningshoeven Witte-infused moulard foie gras, toasted brioche, sweet shallot jam, Halon Mon sea salt
Bier Pairing: Koningshoeven Dubbel Trappistenbier, 6.5% ABV, 330 ml. bottle, $9.27

~INTERMEZZO OF KONINGSHOEVEN GRANITA~ $5

PLATS

PAN SEARED CERVENA VENISON $28
seared mid-rare, crisp beet risotto arrancini, tri-coloured carrots, Koningshoeven & wild blueberry reduction
Bier Pairing: Koningshoeven Tripel Trappistenbier, 8% ABV, 13 oz, $7.11

TRIPEL BRAISED SHORT RIB $26
caramelized pork belly, Cookstown thumbelina root vegetables, reblochon potato, Koningshoeven Tripel reduction
Bier Pairing: Koningshoeven Tripel Trappistenbier, 8% ABV, 13 oz, $7.11

FIN

ARTISANAL CHEESES $9
selection of bold procured Dutch cheeses, macerated fruit compotes, organic grain crisp, artisanal baguette
Bier Pairing: Koningshoeven Quadrupel Trappistenbier, 10% ABV, 13 oz, $7.33

Koningshoeven Dinner at Vineyards in Ottawa

On Thursday, April 17th, Vineyards Bistro (54 York Street, Ottawa) will be presenting a Brew Masters Dinner featuring three courses paired with the beers of Dutch Trappist brewery Koningshoeven.

Tickets are $60 - call 613-241-4270 to reserve.

Appetizer

Fresh P.E.I. Mussels Steamed with Garlic, Vegetables and Koningshoeven Triple Beer

Entrée

Choice of:
Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillet Served with a Creamy Lemon Pepper Sauce, Multi-Grain Rice and Honeyed Carrots and Parsnips
Or
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Brie and Topped with a Mushroom Dubbel Sauce Served with Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and Stir Fried Vegetable Medley
Or
10 oz Striploin Steak With a Cracked Three Peppercorn Quadrupel Sauce Served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Honeyed Carrots and Parsnips

Dessert

Fresh Strawberry Crepes with Whipped Cream and a Maple Syrup Sauce

Koningshoeven Beers

1. The worlds first and only Trappist White Beer 5.5%
2. Koningshoeven Dubbel 7%
3. Koningshoeven Tripel 8%
4. Koningshoeven Quadrupel 10%

Bavaria/Koningshoeven Beer Dinner at The Abbot on the Hill

On Tuesday, April 15th, Premier Brands and The Abbot on the Hill (1276 Yonge Street) present a dinner to launch two beers in Canada:

Bavaria
Holland’s Premium beer, and largest family owned brewery.
Available for the first time on draught in Canada.

Koningshoeven Trappist Bock
The only Trappist Bock in the world and the first time in the Western Hemisphere.
There is only one keg in Canada and we have it!!

Tickets are $60, with seatings at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Call (416) 920-9074 to reserve.

Menu:
________________________

Bavaria

soft shirred quail egg
ceviche tuna
homemade pumpernickel toast

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Koningshoeven Trappist Bock

oven roasted venison tenderloin
stuffed with apple – wild rice
candied juniper berry demi glace
roast shallot whipped white turnip
buttered brussel sprouts
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Koningshoven Trappist Quadruple

sugar fried brie wedge
homemade beer sorbet

Brewery Collectibles Show & Sale - April 19th

The Golden Horseshoe Breweriana Collectors and the Trillium Can Collectors present their annual show & sale of Canadian brewery memorabilia - bottles, cans, labels, openers, coasters, etc. - from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday April 19, 2008.

The show will take place at Amsterdam Brewing, 21 Bathurst Street (south of Front). Free parking will be available.

For more information, contact Larry at (416) 465-3386.

Beer Dinners: Southern Tier, Dogfish Head & Bavaria/La Trappe

Details are starting to leak out about three beer dinners set to take place in the next couple of months:

Friday, April 25th
Southern Tier Beer Dinner
The Academy of Spherical Arts, One Snooker Street
ticket info t.b.a.
Roland & Russell presents a dinner with Southern Tier’s Phin DeMink to celebrate the arrival of Southern Tier IPA at the LCBO. There will also be a more casual “meet & greet” with Phin on Saturday, April 26th at Volo.

April (date t.b.a.)
Bavaria/La Trappe Beer Dinner
Abbot On The Hill, 1276 Yonge Street
ticket info t.b.a.
Premier Brands presents a three-course dinner to mark the arrival of Bavaria on draught for the first time in Canada, and La Trappe (Koningshoeven) Bock for the first time in the Western Hemisphere.

Wednesday, May 28th
Dogfish Head Beer Dinner
beerbistro, 18 King Street East
$100 - tickets on sale May 1st
A dinner with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head, featuring the beer cuisine of beerbistro chef Brian Morin paired with a number of DFH beers, some available for the first time in Ontario.

With these being added to the list of previously announced Het Anker & Brunehaut and Fuller's beer dinners, as well as the Brewers Table local food & beer event, it looks like fans of beer and food pairings have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks and months.

Line-Up Announced for Stouts & Porters Tasting

The beer line-up has been announced for the Stouts & Porters tasting being presented by The Bar Towel next Wednesday, March 26th at C'est What. The beers to be featured for this "blind" tasting event are:

C’est What Coffee Porter
Mill Street Coffee Porter
C’est What Chocolate Ale
Church-Key Chocolate Porter
Black Oak Double Chocolate Double Cherry (special edition cask)
Neustadt Big Dog Extra-Aged Porter (special edition cask)
Heritage Black Irish Porter
Fullers London Porter
Guinness Stout
Hockley Stout
Amsterdam Two-Fisted Stout
Durham Blak Katt Stout
St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
Wellington Imperial Stout (cask)
Nickel Brook Maple Porter

Tickets are available now via the C'est What website.

Cameron’s Let’s Drink the Cask Night for March

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their "Let's Drink The Cask" Night for March in a posting on their recently launched blog:

Following last month’s infamous Cask 19 Plato, this month’s Cameron’s ‘Let’s Drink the Cask Night’ will be on Thursday March 27th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm

Cameron’s Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guestlist only event is free of charge and mainly a chance for us to share a glass of our latest creation with our friends, supporters and our local community.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As well, it’s a great time to pick up some brewery fresh Cameron’s beer.

We will be tapping the Cask at approximately 6:15pm.

Whole Foods Markets have graciously donated some delicious food for the event. The food will be available at 6pm.

The event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. RSVP’s always come flooding in, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven’t already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com
For more information or to get directions, visit the Cameron’s website.

Cameron’s Brewing is only a short jaunt from the Oakville GO Station, so feel free to make the trip that way as well.

Note: The times in this announcement are correct as they may vary from the times on the website.

Easter Dinner at The Abbot On The Hill

The Abbot on The Hill (1276 Yonge Street) is presenting a special dinner on Easter Monday, March 24th, pairing beers from Belgium's Het Anker and Brunehaut breweries with five delicious food courses.

There will be seatings at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, and the cost is $65. Call (416) 920-9074 to reserve.

Menu for the dinner:

Margriet
Brewed to honour two powerful founding women from the town of Mechelen.

Seared sea scallops
Frissee salad
Lime chilli dressing
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St Martin Blonde
The epitome of true abbey ale.

Smoked salmon stuffed cucumber
Gazpacho drizzle
________________________

St Martin Brune
The darker more mature sibling to the St Martin Blonde

Gorgonzola and brie cheesecake
Prosciutto
Raisin puree
______________________

Gouden Carolus Easter Beer
Bold lemony, with a rich and creamy head. Only 2000 cases are made a year.

Rabbit fricassee
Apricot preserves
Spiced pecans
____________________

Boscoulis
Exclusive to Abbot on the Hill. Fruity and jammy with the perfect combination of sweet and tart attributes.

Battered banana & homemade cider ice cream

Fuller's Dinner with John Keeling

Premier Brands and The Duke Pubs present
AN EVENING WITH JOHN KEELING
Brewing Director, Fuller's Brewery, Chiswick, London, UK

featuring
Fuller's London Pride Ale
Fuller's ESB
Fuller's London Porter
Fuller's Organic Honey Dew Ale

Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
5:00 PM
Duke of Westminster, First Canadian Place, 77 Adelaide St. W.

Taste these fine beers and enjoy a dinner prepared by our chefs.

Tickets: $45 - contact Mark, Elizabeth or Alex at (416) 368-2761 to reserve.

John Keeling, 47, was educated at Herriot Watt University where he got a degree in brewing. Prior to that, he started his career aged 17, at Wilson's Brewery in his hometown of Manchester. Over 22 years ago, he moved to Fuller's Brewery in Chiswick, West London, where he moved up the ranks to Brewing Director with responsibility for the whole brewing process. Fuller's has won five CAMRA Overall Champion Beer of Britain awards during his time at the brewery. He believes that brewing great beer needs real pride and passion.

The Duke Pubs are proud to offer a full selection of Fuller's beer. With over 250 years of experience behind them, Fuller's is recognized as one of the finest breweries around the world. They have won many of the top brewing awards from around the world including CAMRA Overall Champion Beer of Britain and Supreme Champion at the International Beer Competition. Fuller's exceptional range of beers will ensure that even the most discerning drinker goes away satisfied.

The Brewers Plate

Green Enterprise Toronto, Local Food Plus and Slow Food Toronto present
The Brewers Plate

A Local, Sustainable Spring Feast Celebrating
Independent Brewers, Chefs and Food Artisans

What does a great local feast look like in early April in southern Ontario? Artisanal cheeses, breads, and sausages, roasts and stews of wild game and root vegetables, local greenhouse produce, pickles and preserves of every description, fruit pies, and of course, libations from our great local breweries.

Featuring finely crafted beers from Mill Street, Cameron's, Wellington, Church Key, Steam Whistle and Black Oak to compliment dishes from Jamie Kennedy Kitchens, La Palette, Veritas, Cowbell, the Gladstone, and Rebel House, as well as variety of individual food artisans, oysters from Oyster Boy, and live jazz bands.

$150.00+GST per ticket. We expect a sellout crowd of 300.
To reserve tickets with VISA/MC call Leslie Domenico at 416-644-1012

This first annual event celebrates slow food, local-sustainable food and farming, and import substitution in the winter/spring season in the Toronto region. The event also supports the work of Green Enterprise Toronto.

Steam Whistle St. Patrick's Day Bash

All are invited to join The Good Beer Folks at the Steam Whistle Brewery (255 Bremner Blvd.) on Saturday March 15th for their annual St Paddy’s Day celebrations.

Partiers can expect delicious Irish stew and the entertaining Irish St Paddy’s Day dancers to lead the festivities starting at 3pm. There won’t be advance tickets for sale, so this year get there early to avoid line ups.

Proceeds from the event go to the St Patrick’s Day Parade Society, and be sure to get your up close and personal view of Steam Whistle's vintage vehicles as they join the parade Sunday March 16th.

Upcoming Beer Events

Here's a handy guide to what's coming up on the beer scene in Toronto and surrounding areas in the coming weeks and months.

Events in Toronto:

Wed Mar 26 2008 - Stout & Porter Tasting - C'est What
Thu Aug 7 to Sun Aug 10 2008 - Toronto's Festival of Beer - Fort York
Sat Sep 6 and Sun Sep 7 2008 - Black Creek Brews Fest - Black Creek Pioneer Village
2008 (date t.b.a.) - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner with Sam Calagione - beerbistro

Events further afield:

Fri May 16 & Sat May 17 2008 - 13th Annual World Expo of Beer - Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, MI
Wed May 28 to Sun Jun 1 2008 - Mondial de la Bière - Windsor Station & Courtyard, Montreal
Fri Jul 25 and Sat Jul 26 2008 - Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival - Ypsilanti, MI
Fri Aug 1 to Sun Aug 3 2008 - Belgium Comes to Cooperstown - Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY

Blind Stouts & Porters Tasting at C'est What

Bar Towel and C'est What are pleased to present a Stout & Porter Tasting event on Wednesday, March 26th at 7:00 PM.

The tasting will be done in a "blind" format, with an international line-up of at least 10 different stouts and porters being sampled. There will also be door prizes for those who correctly guess the identity of the most beers.

Tickets are available now via the C'est What website. Past events of this sort at C'est What have sold out, so don't be disappointed, get your tickets today!

Cameron's Cask Night for February

Cameron's Brewing have announced the details of their February Cask Night:

This month’s Cameron’s Cask Night will be on Thursday February 28th, from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

Cameron’s Cask Nights are a casual and intimate monthly event at the brewery. The guest list only event is mainly a chance for us to share a glass of our latest creation with our friends, supporters and our local community.

For those who have not been to the brewery before, this is a great chance to meet the folks behind the scenes and to tour our facility. As always, you are welcome to show up between 5pm and 6pm if you’d like a free tour of the brewery.

We will be tapping the Cask between 6pm and 6:15pm. Some people asked for a BIG beer at the last cask night…this one should be BIG.

We will bring in some local food to enjoy as well. The food will be available at 6pm.

The event is capped at 60 people to keep it intimate and to ensure everyone gets a taste of the cask. We have already had some people pre-RSVP, so confirm your attendance as quickly as possible.

For any questions or to RSVP (if you haven’t already), email mike@cameronsbrewing.com

C'est What 20th Anniversary

One of Toronto's most venerable craft beer destinations, C'est What (67 Front Street West), will be marking their 20th anniversary with a party tomorrow night. Here are the full details from their latest newsletter:

To celebrate the occasion of our twentieth anniversary, we are throwing a big bash on Wednesday February 13, 2008.

There will be no Miami Vice re-runs but there will be 1988 pricing in effect on food and selected beverages, special one-off brews, and swag give-aways every hour.

Since this all happens the day before cupid has his way, the music is following a "What's Brewing In Your Heart" theme with some of C'est What's favourite musicians, both past and present, playing songs of love and heartache throughout the evening.

Confirmed performers include: Arlene Bishop, Adam Baillie (Club Treehouse), No 0ry Man, Sarah Burton, The Flints, Laura Repo, Cyrus Sundar Singh, Noah Zacharin, and Adam Faux with The Exploding Band (and guests from the various bands he is in/has been in).

The fun starts at five and continues through until past midnight. No cover, pick up your invite at C'est What.

Gouden Carolus Dinner at Abbot On The Hill

Abbot On The Hill (1276 Yonge Street) are holding a special beer dinner on Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd to mark the birthday of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

This notorious and colourful ruler influenced the world of beer with his unusual preference for beer over wine, uncommon for a medieval aristocrat. The Het Anker Brewery of Belgium has commemorated his life with the Gouden Carolus series of beers.

To mark the Emperor's birthday (February 24th, 1500), Abbot On The Hill will be offering a 3-course Belgian prix fixe menu for $40.00, served with your choice of Gouden Carolus, Gouden Carolus Tripel or Gouden Carolus Ambrio.

Also - exclusive to the Abbot on the Hill is the grand daddy of all the Gouden Carolus beers, Cuvee Van De Keizer, which is brewed once a year on Charles the V birthday. Supplies of this beer are limited.

For more information or to make a reservation (required for the prix fixe menu), call (416) 920-9074.

Hart House Academy of Beer

HART HOUSE PRESENTS AN EVENING OF CRAFT BEER TASTING HOSTED BY MIRELLA AMATO

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST, 2008, 7-10PM
THE MUSIC ROOM AT HART HOUSE, UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, 7 HART HOUSE CIRCLE

Included in each $45.00 ticket is a tasting of 9 speciality craft beers along with a generous portion of gastro-pub nibbles.

TO JOIN US AT THIS EXCLUSIVE EVENT PLEASE CONTACT WWW.UOFTTIX.CA OR CALL 416.978.8849, MONDAY TO FRIDAY 11AM-5PM

Mirella Amato is a proud descendant of the first person ever to brew beer in Canada, Louis Hébert. She likes to think that she is genetically predisposed to champion craft beer. She does this through freelance work in the beer industry, with a focus on public speaking and education. Her work includes guiding a six-hour tour on the brewing history of Toronto, as well as public beer tasting for The Beer Lover's Tour Company. She also prepares and hosts the beer segments for www.Legourmet.tv. In addition to these collaborations, Mirella enjoys organizing tutored beer-tasting sessions privately.

Upcoming Beer Events

Here's a handy guide to what's coming up on the beer scene in Toronto and surrounding areas. We'll edit this entry and push it to the top of the news feed every once in a while so you won't miss anything.

Events in Toronto & area:

Fri Jan 25 and Sat Jan 26 2008 - Robbie Burns Night - Granite Brewery
Sat Sep 6 and Sun Sep 7 2008 - Black Creek Brews Fest - Black Creek Pioneer Village
2008 (date t.b.a.) - Dogfish Head Beer Dinner with Sam Calagione - beerbistro

Events further afield:

Sat Feb 6 2008 - Central New York Brewfest - Empire Expo Center, Syracuse, NY
Sat Feb 16 2008 - Cole's Barley Wine Festival - Cole's, Buffalo, NY
Sat Feb 23 2008 - Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival - Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock, MI
Sun Feb 24 2008 - Pepperwood Beer Festival - Pepperwood Bistro, Burlington
Wed May 28 to Sun Jun 1 2008 - Mondial de la Bière - Windsor Station & Courtyard, Montreal

BJCP Study Group

For anyone interested in becoming a BJCP (Beer Judge Certification Program) certified judge, the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association is holding a study group to help you understand what it takes to do well on the exam.

Developed with the BJCP and a Grand Master judge, the nights will be broken down into: Style Presentation, Style Sampling, Brewing Presentation and Discussion. This is an excellent chance to learn more about beer styles and the brewing process.

Monday Nights Jan 7th to March 3rd 2008 (9 sessions)
Meeting at: The Rhino Bar & Grill 1249 Queen St W Toronto
Time: 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Cost: CABA Members $125 Non-members $135

For more information contact Mirella Amato at bjcp@homebrewers.ca

New Year's Eve Beer Dinners & Events

If you're looking for a beer-friendly way to spend your New Year's Eve, there are a few options available.

Read on for details about NYE happenings at Abbot On The Hill, beerbistro, C'est What, Esplanade Bier Markt, Granite Brewery and Volo.

Abbot On The Hill
1276 Yonge St.
(416) 920-9074

This New Year's we're celebrating Hogmany, the oldest New Year's Eve Tradition in the world, with a five-course tasting menu featuring traditional Scottish fare paired with five Scottish ales.

All proceeds from the dinner will go to six of the young ladies from the Women's Olympic Hockey Team and one of the eight-man rowing teams. Doors open at 7pm and dinner starts promptly at 8pm. Tickets are $150.00 and include dinner and everything you drink for the rest of the night.

arugula wrapped in a Scottish smoked salmon
parsnip pancake
black currant vinaigrette
paired with Fraoch Heather Ale

marinated pheasant
red rose petal and red wine reduction
rosemary tatties
paired with Grozet Gooseberry Wheat Ale

cullen skink potpie
chive biscuit crust
paired with Ebulum Elderberry Black Ale

grilled venison
highland cheese and red wine sauce
paired with Innis and Gunn Oak-Aged Ale

Scottish duo bread pudding
paired with Alba Scots Pine Ale

_________________________

beerbistro
18 King St. E.
(416) 861-9872

Celebrate New Year’s Eve in true beerbistro fashion by booking a table for the New Year’s Eve Prix-Fixe Beer Dinner. We’ve carefully planned each course with a truly unique beer pairing. Please see the menu below for further details.

The first seating will be from 5pm – 7:30pm at a cost of $70 per person. The second seating will be from 8pm – 9:30pm at a cost of $90 per person. Please note that dinner prices do include beer, but do not include taxes and gratuities. The second seating will feature live jazz with our resident-Saturday band, The Gene Poolboys and New Year’s festivities.

Please call us to book your reservation, seating is limited and it tends to fill up fast!

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION BEER DINNER 2007-2008

FIRST PLATE

Hors D’Oeuvre Sampler
paired with DeKoninck

CHOICE OF SECOND PLATES

Warm Foie Gras and Chicken Liver Mousse
roasted pear chutney, winter greens
paired with Cochonette

Wild Mushroom Soup
X.O. and black truffle cream
paired with Fuller’s Limited Edition

Cider Smoked Trout
potato crisp, red onion celery root salad, horseradish crème fraiche
paired with Saison Dupont

Mâche & Frisée Salad
oyster mushroom, parmesan, enoki crisps, walnut, brown ale vinaigrette
paired with Bell’s Cherry Stout

CHOICE OF THIRD PLATES

Pan Seared Black Cod
lobster risotto, arugula, blistered tomatoes
paired with Fin du Monde

Herb Crusted Beef Tenderloin
pommery mustard béarnaise, cambonzola whipped potatoes
paired with Fuller’s London Porter

Butternut Squash & Goat Cheese Gnocchi
morels, roasted shallots, garlic, thyme, nut brown cream
paired with Denison’s Dunkel

Berkshire Bacon-Wrapped Partridge
stuffed with B.C. chanterelles, braised pork belly, savoy cabbage polenta & nut brown jus
paired with Cooper’s Sparkling Ale

DESSERT

Midnight Dessert Sampler
paired with Rochefort 8

_________________________

C'est What
67 Front St.
(416) 867-9499

Serving regular menu - no reservations required.

_________________________

Esplanade Bier Markt
58 The Esplanade
(416) 862-7575

Four course dinner
Early seatings (4PM-7PM) - $69
7:30PM, 8PM, 8:30PM, & 9PM seatings - $99
With bier pairings - $129

BRANDIED LOBSTER BISQUE
cream quenelle, organic grain crisp, white truffle oil
Bier pairing: Stella Artois Lager, Belgium, 5.2% alc/vol, 19 oz
or
SALADE MAISON
apple & cider vinaigrette
Bier pairing: Strongbow Cider, England, 5% alc/vol, 20 oz
or
TARTAR OF ALBERTA BISON
quail egg, cornichons, shallots, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic reduction
Bier Pairing: Affligem Blond Abbey Ale, 6% alc/vol, 17 oz

DEUS CHAMPAGNE ALE & CITRUS GRANITA

BERKSHIRE BACON WRAPPED BEEF TENDERLOIN
served medium rare, Yukon potato charlotte, Cookstown baby vegetables, Leffe Brune demi
Bier Pairing: Leffe Brune Ale, Belgium, 6.5% alc/vol, 18 oz.
or
GRILLED RED SPRING ORGANIC SALMON
dijon crust, braised beluga lentils, caramelized fennel & baby arugula, crème frâiche, extra virgin olive oil
Bier pairing: Leffe Blonde Ale, Belgium, 6.6% alc/vol, 14 oz.
or
FREE RANGE CHICKEN
chicken roulade with wild mushroom & Saint Maure goat’s cheese stuffing, crisp wild rice cake,
Cookstown baby vegetables, pan jus
Bier pairing: Stiegl Lager, Austria, 4.9% alc/vol, 20 oz.
or
FIVE MUSHROOM PAPPARDELLE
porcini, black trumpet, wood ear, chanterelle, & lobster mushrooms,
shaved parmesan, Alba winter truffle infused cream
Bier pairing: Affligem Blond Abbey Ale, Belgium, 6% alc/vol, 17 oz.

BELGIAN CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE
Früli chocolate ganache, macerated berries, Früli coulis
Bier pairing: Früli Strawberry Wheat, Belgium, 4.1% alc/vol, 11 oz.

_________________________

Granite Brewery
245 Eglinton Ave E.
(416) 322-0723

All you can eat Prime Rib Buffet!

Bread Rolls, Garden Salad, Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad, Roasted Potatoes, Vegetables,

Penne Primavera, Roasted Chicken, Prime Rib

Assorted Cakes and Fruit Salad, Coffee or Tea

6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

$19.95

Regular menu also available

_________________________

Volo
587 Yonge St.
(416) 928-0008

Serving regular menu - no reservations required.

Koningshoeven Launch & Dinner at beerbistro

Koningshoeven Launch and Trappist Beer Dinner
Tuesday, November 27, 2007 5pm-10pm

beerbistro brings you another ground-breaking beer event. Come join us in celebrating the official launch of the Koningshoeven (aka La Trappe) Trappist Ales on draught in Canada.

Tuesday November 27th, from 5 pm to 10 pm, we invite you to come and enjoy all five incredible Trappist beers: the Witte - the world’s first and only Trappist white beer; the Blond - which carries a fresh fruity taste with delicate bitterness; the Dubbel - with a ruby colour and touch of sweetness; the Tripel - a powerful dark blond bittersweet ale; and the Quadrupel - a unique and full bodied beer aged for years in the cellars of the abbey.

While it was intended to serve all five beers on draught, the kegs of the Blond and Dubbel will not be arriving in time, so they will be served from bottles. The other three - Witte, Tripel and Quadrupel - will be on tap for the event.

The evening will also feature a Prix-Fixe Beer Dinner that will showcase all five of the Koningshoeven Trappist Ales. Details of the dinner are still to be confirmed, but it is expected that tickets will be around $60 (plus tax and tip) for four courses, an amuse-bouche, and all five beers.

Call beerbistro at 416-861-9872 if you would like to reserve a table for the evening, or stop by after 5pm for a sample or five!

CABA AGM and Bus Tour

The Canadian Amateur Brewers Association have announced the details of their Annual General Meeting and associated bus tour:

CABA AGM Bus Tour
Nov 17th 2007
Meeting at: The Rhino Bar & Grill 1249 Queen St W Toronto

We are going west. We had such a great time last year, we decided to explore the wild west yet again.

The tour will start at the Rhino with coffee and doughnuts to get our energy up. Then off to Grand River Brewing for a tour and samples of thier newest beers. After that we are off to the Woolwich Arms for the AGM and Homebrew awards (Lunch is not included but can be purchased). Back on the bus to Great Lakes Brewery for more insight into beer and brewing, perhaps a sample or two. Last but not least Cool Brewing has a brand new facility that they would love to show us.

Three breweries, the AGM, homebrew awards a busload of great people and maybe some surprises. Only $45 for members $55 for non-members (which includes a membership).

Registration forms and more information are available on the CABA website.

Cameron's Let's Drink The Cask Day

When Cameron's brewed a cask of their Hopburn Ale (a hopped-up version of their Auburn) for Volo's Cask Days, they held back a second cask for a "to be determined special occasion".

That occasion has now been set for Thursday November 8th at the brewery, where they'll be celebrating "Let's Drink The Cask Day". The cask will be tapped in the late afternoon, and local food will be served as well.

For more information or to reserve a spot at the party, contact info@cameronsbrewing.com.

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Liquor Extensions

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche, the all-night art festival is taking place this Saturday, September 29th. As it is considered an event of cultural significance (like the Film Festival), certain bars have been granted 4am liquor license extensions. So you can drink well into the morning at these establishments:

Sammy's Student Exchange (Hart House)
Jamie Kennedy At The Gardiner
Its Not A Deli
Gladstone Hotel
Drake Hotel
Hart House Gallery Club
360 Restaurant

Toast to Michael Jackson at beerbistro

On Sunday, September 30th, bars and pubs across North America will be commemorating the life of Michael Jackson with a toast in his honour. In addition to marking the passing of the great man, the events will also be raising funds for the National Parkinson Foundation, an organisation that helps people who live with Parkinson's Disease, as Michael did.

Here in Toronto, the first establishment to come on board for the event is beerbistro. Here is the official announcement for their contribution to the cause:

Michael Jackson, the English writer who taught millions that beer is “a noble and complex drink”, died in London on August 30, 2007. If you know his writing, you’ll understand what a loss this is to the beer world. If you are now enjoying a range of diverse, beautifully-made beers, it is because of his life-work. Please come raise a glass to his memory, and raise funds for the National Parkinson Foundation, to help people who--as Michael did--live with Parkinson Disease.

In honour of Michael Jackson, beerbistro will be featuring three Dogfish Head beers as toast beers for the evening: ‘Raison d’Etre’--a beautifully complex, deep mahogany artisanal ale brewed with raisins; 60-Minute IPA--a session IPA with prominent citrusy-hop character, and Indian Brown Ale--a cross between a Scotch Ale, an IPA, and an American Brown.

These are world-class beers for a world class individual. All proceeds from the sale of our toast beers will go to support the National Parkinson Foundation.

Sunday, September 30, 2007 9pm EST

To raise even more money for the NPF, beerbistro is also raffling off a Private Tutored Beer Tasting for eight people, which will be hosted in the restaurant's back room by Stephen Beaumont. Tickets are $10 each, or three for $25, and may be purchased in person from beerbistro leading up to and during the event. The draw will take place following the Michael Jackson Memorial Toast at 9pm on September 30.

Volo Cask Days - Announcement and Ticket Info

Volo have officially announced the dates and times for this year's edition of Cask Days, as well as the unique ticket details for the event:

Cask Days At Volo

Cask Days is our homage to cask conditioned beer and the brewers that keep this age old tradition alive. We've asked a few to create something special for the occasion.

This year's event is spread over two days, with two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday. We've added a special one hour preview before session 1 that includes a breakfast with the brewers.

Tickets are on sale for one afternoon only (sorry but it's the only way we can manage it). Can't say just yet, but we will be doing a little something that afternoon. Yes it involves a cask.

Event Schedule

Saturday Oct 20 Session 1 with Preview: 11a-4p
Saturday Oct 20 Session 1: 12p-4p
Saturday Oct 20 Session 2: 6p-10p
Sunday Oct 21 Session 3: 1p-5p

Ticket Details

Tickets available at Volo on Sunday September 30, 11p-2.30p
25 tickets available for Session 1 with Preview @ $45
75 tickets available for Session 1 @ $25
100 tickets available for Session 2 @ $25
100 tickets available for Session 3 @ $25
Limit six tickets per person

Independent Boast & Toast Series

UPDATE: Several participating breweries have been confirmed for this event since the announcement was originally posted in July. They have been added to the end of the announcement.

Industry S.O.S., a consultancy group with the goal to "encourage and assist the profitability of Toronto's independent and locally-owned bars & restaurants", will be holding a series of beer tasting events starting this fall under the banner name Independent Boast & Toast Series.

Members of the Ontario Craft Brewers and other independent brewers will appear at various pubs around the city, to offer samples and discuss the qualities and quirks of their particular brew. Hence, a Boast from the brewers and a Toast to the host pub.

The first event will take place on October 14, 2007 at Rowers Pub (150 Harbord Street). Attendees will enjoy a custom brew-paired tasting menu, a commemorative glass, and the chance to meet and discuss the brewing industry & process with some of Ontario's hardest working and knowledgeable brewing professionals. Of course, the brewers will be offering samples of their beers throughout the event.

Tickets for the inaugural Independent Boast & Toast are $40, and will be available soon at Rower's. The breweries in attendance at the event will include Denisons, Great Lakes, Wellington, Trafalgar and Nickel Brook.

Black Creek Brews Fest - Event Announcement & Ticket Giveaway

The Black Creek Brews Fest, a celebration of Ontario's rich brewing heritage and today's craft brewers, will take place at Black Creek Pioneer Village on August 25th and 26th, 2007. Some of Ontario's finest microbreweries - including Church-Key, Great Lakes, Robert Simpson and more - will be on hand to share their wares and their passion for the craft.

The Brews Fest will provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the art and history of beer making, sample different varieties of beer from the people who brew it, and enjoy a full day of food and live music in a beautiful historic setting. Black Creek Pioneer Village will be open throughout the event making this a family-friendly outing for visitors of all ages.

The Fest will offer two packed days of beer tasting, presentations, and demonstrations, including a re-enactment of a Temperance Rally against the "evils of drink" as seen from an 1860s perspective. Live music will include the brilliant vocal harmonies of Tanglefoot and the raucous alt country sound of Elliott Brood.

The first annual Black Creek Brews Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26, 2007 at Black Creek Pioneer Village, 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto (one block east of Jane St., south off Steeles Avenue, right next to York University). Admission to the Brews Fest is free with regular admission to the Village ($13 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $9 for children 5-14). For more information call Black Creek Pioneer Village at 416-736-1733 or visit www.blackcreek.ca.

Black Creek Pioneer Village has generously provided The Bar Towel with five family passes, good for admission for two adults plus children on either Saturday or Sunday. If you would like to chance to attend this one-of-a-kind event for free, email news@bartowel.com to enter. Winners will be selected at random and contacted on Friday, and their names will be listed at the gate on the weekend.

LCBO Premium Beer Festival

The LCBO Premium Beer Festival will be taking place on Thursday, July 26th to Saturday, July 28th at the Summerhill LCBO (10 Scrivener Square, just south of Summerhill subway station).

The fest will feature 46 different beers - including 19 Ontario brews - being poured over the course of the three days. Attendees will be given 8 tickets, each good for a 1 oz sample.

Here’s a full list of the beers that will be on offer each day:

Thursday (4pm to 8pm)
Tuborg Pilsner, Tuborg Gold, Chimay Premiere, Chimay White Cap, Black Oak Pale Ale, Black Oak Nut Brown, DAB Original, Radeberger Pilsner, Bombardier Ale, Old Speckled Hen, Trafalgar Elora Grand Lager, Trafalgar Elora Irish Ale, Pilsner Urquell, Wolfgang’s German Style Beer, Great Lakes Golden Horseshoe, Great Lakes Red Leaf

Friday (4pm to 8pm)
Heritage Traditional Dark Lager, Scotch-Irish Sgt. Major IPA, Singha Lager, Duvel, Mort Subite Framboise, Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer, Tyskie, Hockley Dark, Czechvar Premium Lager, Zlatorog, Brooklyn Lager, Steelback (Cold-Filtered) Draught, Steelback Red Lager, Kilkenny, Red Stripe

Saturday (2pm to 6pm)
Steam Whistle Premium Pilsner, König Pilsener, Steinlager, Castlemaine XXXX, Mill Street Tankhouse Ale, Mill Street Original Organic Lager, Big Rock Grasshopper Wheat, Big Rock Traditional Ale, Brahma, Alexander Keith’s Red Amber Ale, Nickel Brook Ale, Nickel Brook Green Apple, Svyturys “Ekstra”, Fruli, Marston’s Pedigree

The King St. Crawl

This Thursday July 26th, the folks behind Toronto’s Festival of Beer are presenting The King Street Crawl, a beer sampling event scattered across 11 different bars and restaurants on King Street West between Spadina and Bathurst, including Venice Resto-Bar, Shoeless Joe’s, Crush, Brassaii, Fionn MacCool’s, 2Cats, 577 Lounge, Bar Wellington, KiWe Kitchen, The Banknote Bar & Supergrill and The Wheat Sheaf.

Each location will be pouring complimentary beer samples between 6pm and 10pm, followed by an after-party at KiWe Kitchen until 2am. Attendees will receive a free "passport" during the crawl, and after collecting at least 5 stamps from 5 of the participating locations, the completed ballot can be taken to the after-party at KiWe Kitchen (587 King St. W.) to be entered for a chance to win a "king-sized trip for two", including roundtrip airfare and 7 nights accommodation, courtesy of itravel2000.com and Beerlicious Inc.

Cameron's 10th Anniversary Party

Cameron's Brewing Company are marking their 10th anniversary this year, and they're inviting everyone to help them celebrate with a bash at the brewery on Saturday, July 28th. Here's how they describe the agenda for the day:

Our doors will open at 12 noon for brewery tours, some grub and chit chat with the Cameron's crew.

Local band Run With The Kittens will go on stage at 4:30-ish and will play two great sets.

There will be a psychedelic bus picking people up at the Cameron House (408 Queen Street West near Spadina) at 3pm and returning at 7:30 for $10.00. The bus ticket is redeemable for 2 beers at the brewery. Tickets for the bus are first come, first serve.

For questions or to reserve a spot on the bus, or to RSVP your attendance, please email events@cameronsbrewing.com or call us at the brewery at 905.849.8282

Beer To The Extreme with Stephen Beaumont

As part of their Tasting Club series of food & drink events, the new Leslieville arts & events facility Coupe Space (998 Queen Street East) will be presenting a unique beer tasting hosted by Stephen Beaumont.

Dubbed "Beer To The Extreme", the event will take place on Monday July 9th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, and is described in the Coupe Space schedule as follows:

Think beer is just ice cold lager or draught pale ale? Think again. Stephen Beaumont has spent nearly two decades exploring the world of beer and sampling the weirdest, wildest and most outrageous brews out there. Now he's bringing the Extreme Beer Experience to Toronto. Expect the unexpected!

In a separate email, Stephen promised that "the majority will not be from the ranks of the LCBO" and that some special and unexpected beers may make an appearance.

Tickets for "Beer To The Extreme" are $75, and can be reserved by contacting Sacha at space@coupe-mag.com or 416.469.9656. In addition to the beer, the ticket price includes substantial pre-tasting nibbles and tasting notes.

Spring Festival of Craft Brewers & ESB x 3

Next weekend features two great events for local beer lovers.

On Friday, May 25th, C'est What (67 Front St. E.) presents their annual Spring Festival Of Craft Brewers, featuring 35 beers from 22 Ontario & Quebec craft breweries being served for $1 per 3 oz sample. It runs from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and as always, it's expected to be a full house, so arrive early if you can.

And then on Sunday, May 27th, Ralph will be opening the doors at Volo (587 Yonge St.) for a rare Sunday afternoon event, ESB x 3, featuring cask-conditioned ESBs from Fuller's, County Durham and Mill Street. The event runs from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, although if the last time Fuller's ESB showed up on cask is any indication, then there's a good chance the brews will run out well before the end of the day.

Brewery Collectibles Show & Sale

The Golden Horseshoe Breweriana Collectors and the Trillium Can Collectors are teaming up to present their first joint show & sale of Canadian brewery memorabilia - bottles, cans, labels, openers, coasters, etc.

The show will be taking place on Saturday April 21, 2007, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Amsterdam Brewing, 21 Bathurst Street (south of Front) in Toronto. Admission and parking are free. For ore information, contact Larry at (416) 465-3386.

Unibroue/Sleeman Beer Dinner at Safari

Safari Bar & Grill (1749 Avenue Rd. north of Lawrence) are teaming up with Unibroue/Sleeman for a beer dinner on Wednesday, April 18th. The dinner will be hosted by Roger Mittag, and will feature the following food/beer pairings:

Pre-dinner beer:
John Sleeman Presents IPA

Appetizer:
Seafood Trio with jumbo shrimp, scallop and mussels in a beer broth, paired with Blanche de Chambly

Main:
14oz veal chop in a reduced beer demi-glaze, paired with Raftman

Dessert:
Baked Apple stuffed with Mascarpone with maple englais, paired with Maudite

Cost is $69 per person (plus applicable taxes and gratuity), and reservations can be made at 416.787.6584.

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St. George's Day Beer Dinner at The Granite

The Granite Brewery (245 Eglinton Ave E.) will be celebrating St. George's Day - the feast day for the patron saint of England - with a gourmet beer dinner on Saturday, April 21 at 6:30 PM.

The event will feature a four course dinner with beer pairings, and will be hosted by beer writer Robert Hughey. The night will also include auctions and door prizes, with proceeds going to the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Ontario.

Tickets for the dinner are $65 (a partial charitable tax receipt will be issued), and can be reserved at 416-462-3788 or robert.hughey@sympatico.ca

McAuslan Beer Dinner at Fuzion

On Wednesday, February 28th, Fuzion Resto-Lounge (580 Church St.) will be presenting a special tasting menu featuring pairings with a variety of McAuslan beers. The menu for the evening is available as a PDF file.

The evening will start at 6:30 with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 7:30. Tickets are $65 including all taxes and gratuity. Call 416.944.9888 for further details.

Brooklyn Brewery Dinner at beerbistro

On Tuesday, February 27th, beerbistro and Fine Beers Agency will be presenting a special dinner marking the recent arrival of the beers of Brooklyn Brewery in Ontario. In attendance will be brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster's Table, Garrett Oliver, and Brooklyn Brewery general manager, Eric Ottaway. Tickets are $75 (plus tax and gratuity) and are available now at beerbistro.

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IPA Challenge & Valentine's Dinner at Volo

The following announcement was posted to the Volo website earlier this week:

Ontario brewers have been busy since our last IPA challenge. Two new IPAs have been introduced since then and we now have a respectable local representation of the west-coast style. Who says Ontario isn’t ready for hoppy ales. The next challenge will be a blind taste competition featuring six local IPAs. Attendees will be asked to rate their favourite. The Winner will name all six correctly and not only receive a prize (TBA) but earn instant bragging rights, and celebrity amongst their awestruck peers. So, you think you know your IPAs ?, we’ll see about that. Brewers are encouraged to participate too, that could be interesting. The event is scheduled March 3+4, 12p-5p. $12 will get you a slot. Sign Up: info@barvolo.com. Good luck.

A follow-up phone call revealed that each day's session will be split into ten 30-minute slots, with 3-5 people in each slot, and there will be six 5 oz. samples to taste and rate. And of course, attendees are welcome to hang out before and/or after their tasting slot. If you have a preferred time slot, please mention it in your email, and Ralph & co. will do their best to accommodate you.

Volo will also be hosting a four-course Valentine's Dinner for $36, with a trio of beer or wine pairings available for an extra $12. Seatings are at 6:30 and 9:30, and reservations are required. As an added bonus - or for those without a date on this most romantic of days - they'll also be serving oysters and stouts at the bar, including Black Oak's cask conditioned Chocolate Cherry Stout.

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Winter Warmers Tasting at C'est What

On Wednesday, February 21st at 7 PM, The Bar Towel and C'est What will be co-presenting a Winter Warmers beer tasting.

Eight to ten local seasonal brews will be served in a blind tasting format, and afterwards a draw from among those that have submitted their scores will be held to award a "pool party" to a lucky beer lover and eleven friends. The prize will include two hours of pool at two tables as well as appetizers for all. An additional entry in the draw will be made for each correct guess at the name of each sample.

Tickets for the event are $15 and can be ordered now via the C'est What website.

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Paper Brewery Memorabilia Show & Sale

The Golden Horseshoe Breweriana Collectors are presenting a show and sale of paper brewery memorabilia (coasters, labels, letterhead, invoices, etc.) from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday February 24, 2007 at The Granite Brewery & Restaurant (245 Eglinton Ave. E.). For more information, contact Larry at (416) 465-3386.

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Roger Mittag's Beer School

Beer expert & consultant Roger Mittag will soon be launching The Beer School, a series of four 3-hour courses on various aspects of beer and beer culture.

Presented at various breweries throughout Ontario beginning in February, the themes of the courses will include The Art of Brewing, The Beer Market, The History of Beer and Beer & Food.

Details on each course, including locations and pricing, can be found at the Beer School website.

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New Year's Eve Events

If you're looking for a craft beer friendly way to spend your New Year's Eve this year, here are the details on how a few of Toronto's top beer destinations will be ringing in 2007:

beerbistro
18 King St. E. - (416) 861-9872
Four Course Dinner (two seatings) with live jazz
$90 with beer pairings/$70 without per person

C'est What
67 Front St. E. - (416) 867-9499
Regular menu & prices
No Cover

Esplanade Bier Markt
58 The Esplanade - (416) 862-7575
Four Course Dinner (two seatings - 6:30 & 8:00), followed by entertainment from the Eric Summers Band & DJ Freshstone, hors d’oeuvres, party favours & champagne at midnight
dinner & party: $129 with beer pairings/$99 without per person
party only: $49 per person

Granite Brewery
245 Eglinton Ave E. - (416) 322-0723
All You Can Eat buffet from 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM featuring prime rib, roast chicken, salads & vegetables, desserts, coffee & tea
$19.95 per person - one child under 12 eats free from the Kid’s Menu with each buffet ordered

Local 4
4 Dundonald St. - (416) 915-0113
Prix Fixe Menu starting at 6 PM, party at 10 PM with DJ Victron, party favours & champagne at midnight
No Cover

Mill Street Brewpub
55 Mill St. Building 63 - (416) 681-0388
Three Course Dinner (seating at 8:30) with live entertainment from the Dick Felix Quartet, party favours, snacks & champagne at midnight
$69.99 per person

Steam Whistle Brewery
255 Bremner Blvd. - (416) 362-2337
"New Year's Eve 007": a Bond-themed bash starting at 9 PM with dancing, complimentary appetizers, a casino & cigar lounge, and cash bar (one drink tickets included with admission)
$50 per person

Volo
587 Yonge St. - (416) 928-0008
Closed Dec 24th-26th, Dec 31st & Jan 1st

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The 12 Beers of Christmas

The folks behind Toronto's Festival of Beer have announced the details for a special holiday themed tasting event they are presenting later this month:

The 12 Beers of Christmas
Thursday December 14th
5-8pm
Casey's (123 Front St @ York St)
Capacity is limited so don't wait to RSVP!
UPDATE: The RSVP list for this event is now full.

Sip, savour and celebrate the season at "The 12 Beers of Christmas" beer-tasting event at Casey's on Thursday December 14th, from 5-9pm. The Beer Store would like you to "Get to know beer!", and so our favourite brewery retailer, as well as LibationNation.ca and Toronto's Festival of Beer invite Libation Nation subscribers to attend this "one of a kind" tasting event-and we'll pick up the $20 ticket! And we do mean "one of a kind"! You'll have the opportunity to sample products brewed specially for the season such as Black Oak's Nutcraker and Creemore's UrBock. When the snow is gone, so are they! As well as other festive favourites to complement the many popular holiday activities and occasions. Serving roast beef? Try Wellington's Iron Duke! Hosting the Boss for dinner? Impress with Stella Artois, and then serve Fruili Strawberry beer for dessert. Carolling with the neighbours? Keep a Harp handy, and afterward, warm-up with a Cameron's Cream Ale fireside. Or take a 12-pack of Steam Whistle in festival packaging to the next cocktail party! Casey's appetizers will be offered, and you will have a chance to win "The Ultimate Beer Experience" with the Professor of Beer, Roger Mittag! 19+ and please celebrate responsibly.

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Beer & Mussel Thursdays at Esplanade Bier Markt

Esplanade Bier Markt is offering a complimentary mussel bar and beer sampling on Thursdays between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. Here are the beers to be featured this month:

Thursday December 7th & 14th: McClelland Premium Imports presents Affligem Blond Abbey Ale

Thursday December 21st: Fine Beers presents Sinha Stout

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Wine/Cheese/Beer Mash-Up at Volo

Volo will be holding their second Wine/Cheese/Beer Mash-Up on Sunday, November 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The event will feature wine, cheese & beer tasting trios selected by cheese specialist Tonia Wilson, sommelier Julia Rogers (both from Cheese Culture), and beer expert Robert Hughey.

At time of writing, 11 tickets remain available. They cost $50 each and can be reserved by contacting Volo at 416.928.0008.

Canadian Amateur Brewers Association AGM and Brewery Tour

The Canadian Amateur Brewers Association will be holding their AGM and Brewery Tour on Saturday, November 18th. The bus will be leaving Yorkdale Mall at 9:30 AM and heading west for visits to Cool Brewing, the Woolwich Arms, and F&M Brewery.

Tickets are $40 for CABA members, $50 for non-members (which includes a new membership), and are available at the CABA webstore.

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McAuslan Beer Dinner at Local 4

McAuslan Brewing and Local 4 Restaurant are teaming up for a beer dinner on Thursday November 16th at 7 PM.

Chef Nancy Gilmour will be creating a 4 course menu that will be friendly to both veggies and carnivores alike, and each course will be paired with a different McAuslan brew, including a couple of things very rarely seen before in Ontario.

Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. To reserve tickets, Contact Local 4.

Steam Whistle Halloween Party

Steam Whistle Brewing have announced the details for this year's edition of their annual Halloween bash:

The Legendary Steam Whistle Halloween Extravaganza!

Get Freaky, Frightened and Funked-Up on Saturday October 28th for the 6th Annual Halloween Party.

Get your tickets before they sell out!
(WARING! THE PARTY HAS SOULED OUT IN ADVANCE FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS!)

The Good Beer Folks are mixing up a classic cauldron of freaky beats and wicked tunes, a costume contest with awesome prizes and supernatural surprises.

Get your groove on with costume partiers in three spooky and supernaturally sexy rooms: The Chamber, The Haunted Hall and The Outdoor Inferno (Smoking Lounge).

Questions? Email halloween@steamwhistle.ca, if you dare!

Click here to purchase tickets online

Beer Dinner at Marienbad & Chaucer’s

Marienbad Rastaurant & Chaucer’s Pub (122 Carling St., London) have announced the details for the next event in their recently launched Beer Dinner series:

Fall in Southwestern Ontario Beer Dinner

Monday, November 20th 7:00 PM
$51.95 – includes dinner, beer samples, taxes & gratuity
Seating is limited. Call to purchase your tickets
519-679-9940

In cooperation with Better Bitters Brewing

Nickel Brook Ale
Roasted Pumpkin soup
With walnut cheddar dumplings

Nickel Brook Green Apple Pilsner
Lasagna of free range organic chicken
With wild mushrooms, roasted corn pancakes
Topped with a green apple beer hollandaise.

Nickel Brook Pilsner
Pan seared venison loin
With a sour cherry & roasted beet sauce
On a celery root and potato puree

Nickel Brook Light
Warm apple caramel brioche bread pudding

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Volo Cask Day Sold Out

Ralph at Volo has asked us to pass along word that tickets for the upcoming Volo Cask Day on Saturday, October 21st are sold out. He thanks everyone for their support, and looks forward to seeing those who managed to get tickets at the event.

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London Beer Festival Postponed

The Downtown London Beer Festival originally planned to be held this coming weekend has been postponed. It will now be taking place next summer during a weekend t.b.a.

Volo Cask Day Ticket Info

Tickets are now on sale for Volo Cask Day, taking place on Saturday, October 21st at Volo. Here's the official announcement from their website:

Tickets are now on sale. Contact Ralph @ 416 828-0887. Session 1 [11 AM to 4 PM] - 107 tickets remaining. Session 2 [6 PM to 11 PM] - 118 tickets remaining. Sunday & Monday - All remaining casks will be available for $4/pint.

Discuss this event in the Bar Towel Forum

Winking Judge Fall Festival

After skipping the Spring, 2006 session, Hamilton's Winking Judge pub is bringing back their renowned Winking Judge Beer Fest this Fall.

It will be taking place on Saturday, October 7th from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, and tickets will be on sale next week for $40. This event always sells out in advance, so if you're interested in attending, you should grab a ticket as soon as they're on sale.

Volo Cask Day 2006

For those who enjoyed last autumn's Volo Cask Days 2005 or this past spring's Cask Situation, here's the news you've been waiting for straight from Volo's website:

Volo Cask Day
Saturday, October 21st. Two sessions - 11am to 4pm & 6pm to 11pm. More details to come.

Discuss this event in the Bar Towel Forum

Event Reminder: Toronto's Festival Of Beer

Just a reminder that Toronto's Festival of Beer will be taking place this weekend at Fort York. Saturday is now sold out, but tickets are still available for Friday, August 11th (2 to 10 PM) and Sunday, August 13th (12 noon to 8 PM) for $20 in advance or $25 at the gate - see the tickets page on the Festival website for more information.

Upcoming Events At The Granite

The Granite Brewery has announced two upcoming events in their latest newsletter.

First, they'll be marking their 15th Anniversary with a Customer Appreciation Night on Tuesday, September 19th starting at 6 PM. (Their anniversary officially falls on August 12, but they decided to postpone the celebration for a month since it's tough to get people together over the summer.) They also ask that any of the over 300 people who have worked there over the years please get in touch, as they would like to make the night a Granite reunion of sorts as well.

They will also celebrate their 2nd annual Oktoberfest party on Saturday October 21st at 7 PM. Entertainment will be provided by a live German band, and there will be lots of food, beer and music to carry on the tradition.

TFOB Exhibitors List

The exhibitors list has been announced for this year's edition Toronto's Festival of Beer which takes place at Fort York on August 11-13. Click here for the PDF version, or read on for a text version:

Alliance Brands - Brew Alliance
Alberta’s Best Beer
Poppers Hard Ice
Poppers Pink

Amsterdam Brewing Co.
Natural Blonde Lager
Dutch Amber
Framboise

Better Bitters Brewing Company
Nickel Brook Ale
Nickel Brook Lager
Nickel Brook Pilsner
Nickel Brook Green Apple Pilsner

Black Oak Brewing Co.
Pale Ale
Nut Brown Ale
Summer Saison
Friday only: Hop Bomb Pale Ale Cask Conditioned

Brick Brewery
JR Brickman Pilsner
JR Brickman Amber
JR Brickman Honey Red
Waterloo Dark

Cameron’s Brewing Company
Cameron’s Cream Ale
Cameron’s Auburn Ale
Cameron’s Lager
Cameron’s Dark 266

Carlsberg Breweries
Carlsberg
Carlsberg Light
Carlsberg Red

Cool Beer Brewing Co.
Cool Blonde Lager
Cool Buzz Beer

Esprit Agencies - Beers of the World
Duvel
Chimay
Mort Subite Framboise
St. Peter’s Organic English Ale

Great Lakes Brewery
Golden Horseshoe Premium Lager
Red Leaf Smooth Red Lager
Black Jack Black Lager

Heritage Brewing/Scotch Irish Brewing Co.
Session Ale
Black Irish Porter
Sgt. Major’s IPA
Corporal Punishment
Tsarina Katarina Imperial Stout
Major Misconduct
Captain Cascade
Ginger’s Ale
Vanilla Bean Porter
Heritage Premium Lager
Heritage Traditional Dark
Heritage Passion Brew

Inbev
Brahma
Stella Artois
Leffe Blonde
Belle-Vue Kriek
Hoegaarden

Kawartha Lakes
Raspberry Wheat
Cream Ale
Nut Brown Ale

Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Blue
Budweiser
Bud Light
Kokanee
Alexander Keith’s

Lakeport Brewing
Lakeport Honey Lager
Lakeport Light
Lakeport Pilsener
Lakeport Strong
Lakeport Ice
Brava
Wee Willy

Magnotta Brewery
True North Wunder Weisse
True North Lager
True North Strong Ale
True North Cream Ale
Magnotta Traditional Altbier
Magnotta Classic India Pale Ale

Mark Anthony Brewing Co. (mike’s hard malt beverages)
mike-arita
mike’s hard FROZEN lemonade

McAuslan Brewing
St Ambroise Pale Ale
St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout
Griffon Extra Pale Ale
Griffon Red
McAuslan Apricot Wheat Ale
McAuslan Cream Ale

Molson Canada
Molson Canadian
Coors Light
Rickard’s Red
Rickard’s Honey Brown
MGD
Foster’s
Negra Modelo

Neustadt Springs Brewery
Neustadt Lager
Neustadt Scottish ale
Neustadt 10w30 brown ale
Bruce County Premium Lager

Niagara Brewing Company
Niagara Honey Brown Maple Wheat
Niagara Pale Ale
Olde Jack
Niagara Gritstone Premium Ale
Niagara Millstone Premium Lager

Niagara’s Best Beer Ltd.
Niagara’s Best Blonde Premium Ale
Niagara’s Best Lager

Old Credit Brewing Co.
Old Credit Amber Ale
Old Credit Pale Pilsner

Premium Beer Company
Tuborg Gold
Tuborg Pilsner
Moosehead Lager
Moosehead Light
Tetley’s English Ale
Caledonian 80/- Ale
Double Diamond Burton Ale
Magners Original Irish Cider

Robert Simpson Brewing Co.
Confederation Ale

Sleeman Breweries Ltd.
Sleeman Cream Ale
Sleeman Honey Brown Lager
Sleeman Clear
Upper Canada Red
Upper Canada Lager
Blanche de Chambly

Smirnoff
Smirnoff Ice
Smirnoff Caesar

Steelback Brewery
Steelback Silver Premium Canadian Lager
Steelback Link Light
Tiverton Bear Honey Brown Lager
Tiverton Bear Dark Lager

Trafalgar Ales and Meads
Critical Mass Strong Beer
Korruptor Strong Beer
Raspberry Mead
Black Currant Mead

Walkerville Brewing Company
Walkerville Lager
Premium Blonde
Superior Light

Wellington County Brewery
Arkell Best Bitter
County Ale
Special Pale Ale
Iron Duke
Imperial Russian Stout
Trailhead Lager

Plus...
Castle Lager
Church-Key Brewing
Creemore Springs Brewery
Glenora Springs Brewery
Granite Brewery
Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Beer
Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery
Mill St. Brewery
Mott’s Clamato Red Eye
Multiculture BEVCO
Pilsner Urquell
Premier Brands
President’s Choice Beer
Red Stripe
Saint Andre
Steam Whistle Brewing

Event Reminder: LCBO Summerhill Ontario Craft Beer Festival

Here's a quick reminder about a great beer event taking place at the Summerhill LCBO in Toronto this weeknd:

LCBO SUMMERHILL ONTARIO CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 30 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm

Join us over three days to sample some great beers from the Ontario Craft Brewers. The following brewers will be in attendance: Amsterdam Brewery, Better Bitters Brewing Company, Black Oak Brewing Company, Brick Brewing Co. Limited, Cameron’s Brewing Company, Cool Beer Brewing, Great Lakes Brewery, Heritage Brewing, King Brewery, Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Niagara’s Best Beer, Skeena Brewing Co., Trafalgar Brewing, Walkerville Brewing, and Wellington Brewery.

Discuss this event in the Bar Towel Forum

Brewery Memorabilia Show & Sale

The Canadian Brewerianist Society presents their annual show & sale of Canadian brewery memorabilia from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2006. Collectors from across Canada will be on hand to showcase bottles, cans, labels, openers, coasters and more. Breweriana experts will be on-hand to appraise brewery "treasures".

This event will take place in the York Room at Crowne Plaza Don Valley Hotel, 1250 Eglinton Avenue East (just east of the Don Valley Parkway). Admission is $2.00. For more information, contact Larry at (416) 465-3386.

The King Street Crawl - July 13th

On Thursday, July 13th, Toronto's Festival of Beer presents The King Street Crawl, a beer-sampling event taking place at various bars and restaurants along the King Street West strip. From 6 PM to 10 PM, visit Crush, Brassaii, 8 Below, Touch, 2 Cats, Bar Wellington, Club 606, The Wheat Sheaf and The Banknote to sample some brews, and have your crawl "passport" (available at all locations) stamped at five or more spots for a chance to win a trip for two to London, England to see INXS live in concert. If you're still in the mood to drink after the crawl is complete, head to The Banknote for an after party from 10 PM until closing.

St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Show Cancelled

Perry Mason of Scotch Irish Brewing has mentioned in a thread on the Bar Towel forum that the St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Show scheduled for July 15th & 16th has been cancelled. The organisers hope to reschedule the event for September.

LCBO Summerhill Ontario Craft Beer Festival - July 28-30

While it's mentioned in the full LCBO events listing posted previously, we thought that this event deserved the extra attention of its own post. This is the largest craft beer event ever presented by the LCBO, and hopefully it will be the first of many full-scale Ontario Craft Brewers events to be held at Summerhill and other LCBO locations:

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 30 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
LCBO SUMMERHILL ONTARIO CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Join us over three days to sample some great beers from the Ontario Craft Brewers. The following brewers will be in attendance: Amsterdam Brewery, Better Bitters Brewing Company, Black Oak Brewing Company, Brick Brewing Co. Limited, Cameron’s Brewing Company, Cool Beer Brewing, Great Lakes Brewery, Heritage Brewing, King Brewery, Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Niagara’s Best Beer, Skeena Brewing Co., Trafalgar Brewing, Walkerville Brewing, and Wellington Brewery.

Discuss this event in the Bar Towel Forum

LCBO Beer Events for July & August

Here's a list of beer tastings & events taking place at LCBO locations throughout the province in July & August. These events provide a good opportunity to discover some beers you haven't tried yet, or rediscover some old favourites. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, although there may be a nominal charge for samples. Note that paid events require advance registration, and events may be cancelled or postponed, so you should contact your local location to confirm details.

LCBO Summerhill | 10 Scrivener Square, Toronto | 416 922-0403

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
GREAT BARBECUE BEERS
Join us in the Events Kitchen to sample two great beers, perfect for your barbecue dinner this weekend. Try Cool Lager, with its golden amber colour, toasted malt aromas and clean finish. Next, try Cameron's Cream Ale. It has a floral/fruity aroma with a touch of buckwheat honey, is mildly sweet and has a slightly smoky flavour.

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
HOLSTEN
Indugle in a German beer today. Come in to the Events Kitchen and sample Holsten Maibock and Holsten Festbock. The Maibock is straw yellow in colour, medium- to full-bodied with a sweet, malty mid-palate and pleasant bitter finish. It’s great with some traditional German schnitzel and sauage. The Festbook has a deep amber colour and sweet roasted malt and coffee aromas with a long finish. Try it with stews or some good old baked beans.

Saturday, July 22 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
STEAM WHISTLE INDIE SPOTLIGHT AT THE LCBO
Want to see a live band on your next visit to the LCBO? Mark the date and make sure you don’t miss “The Suits XL” live in the Events Kitchen. Steam Whistle will be sampling its Pilsner; while Ellen McKinney from Food TV’s Fresh and Wild show will be cooking and singing with beer.

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 30 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
LCBO SUMMERHILL ONTARIO CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
Join us over three days to sample some great beers from the Ontario Craft Brewers. The following brewers will be in attendance: Amsterdam Brewery, Better Bitters Brewing Company, Black Oak Brewing Company, Brick Brewing Co. Limited, Cameron’s Brewing Company, Cool Beer Brewing, Great Lakes Brewery, Heritage Brewing, King Brewery, Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Niagara’s Best Beer, Skeena Brewing Co., Trafalgar Brewing, Walkerville Brewing, and Wellington Brewery.

LCBO The Kingsway | 2946 Bloor Street West, Toronto | 416 239-3066

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 22 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
NICKEL BROOK
Burlington’s micro brewery invites you to sample their ale in the Events Kitchen today. Unlike most traditional ales, Better Bitters Brewing Co. uses three different malted barleys creating a medium-bodied amberish ale. They then select European hops and yeast, naturally carbonating and aging the beer for almost four weeks. This produces incredibly smooth ale. Try it in the Events Kitchen with portobello Mushrooms in Nickel Brook Ale.

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
WEST COAST BEER
Join us to sample this tasty beer from the West Coast. Kokanee is pale gold in colour with flowery hop aromas, very light on the palate with a smooth, refreshing finish. It’s a perfect match for salted nuts, chicken wings and ribs with hot sauce.

LCBO Bayview Village | 2901 Bayview Avenue, North York | 416 222-7658

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 22 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
NICKEL BROOK
Burlington’s micro brewery invites you to sample their ale in the Events Kitchen today. Unlike most traditional ales, Better Bitters Brewing Co. uses three different malted barleys creating a medium-bodied amberish ale. They then select European hops and yeast, naturally carbonating and aging the beer for almost four weeks. This produces incredibly smooth ale. Try it in the Events Kitchen with pate and garlic toast with sausage cooked in ale.

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
MILL STREET
Looking to try something new? Sample two beers from an Ontario Craft Brewer today. Mill Street brings you its Coffee Porter and Stock Ale. The Porter is made with coffee beans supplied by the Distillery District’s Balzac's Coffee, and offers a rich, full and unique flavour. Currently, there are no other coffee-flavoured beers in the Ontario market. The Stock Ale is a golden export-style ale made from only malt and hops – no fillers or adjuncts. There’ll be a cooking demonstration with these beers so you can enjoy them fully.

LCBO Maple | 2943 Major Mackenzie Drive, Maple | 905 832-1367

Wednesday, August 9 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm
ONTARIO CRAFT BREWERS | $25
Tonight, we will explore the craft of brewing and discover the wonderful diversity of beer. Join us for an exciting and educational tasting of beer styles from our own Ontario Craft Brewers. The glorious days of patio get-togethers and barbecuing are just around the corner. Join us in sampling a selection of beer perfect for summer entertaining.

LCBO Millcroft Centre | 2900 Appleby Line, Burlington | 905 336-6200

Friday, July 28 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
STEINLAGER
Be one of the first to try this new lager from New Zealand. It has a deep golden colour; cereal, hay and hop aromas; and a hoppy bitter finish. It comes in a 6-pack so why not pick one up and share with friends over a curry or Chinese food? Sample some today along with tasty hors d'oeuvres from M&M Meats.

Monday, August 1 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm
ON TAP - BEERS TO PUT ON ICE | $20
Come summer everything lightens up – brews included. Join us for this world tour featuring some of the finest brews to highlight your summer season. Included will be a few recipes on beer marinades for the backyard chef to enjoy!

LCBO Exmouth Street | 1330 Exmouth Street, Sarnia | 519 542-6836

Thursday, July 20 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
CELEBRATE CANADIAN BREW | $20
Celebrate Canadian brew with a twist! Join our Product Consultant as we explore the craft of brewing and discover the wonderful diversity of Canadian beer. Here’s the twist – it’s a blind beer tasting. Tonight, leave your preconceived notions at the door and rely only on your senses to guide you through this tour.

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
STEINLAGER
Be one of the first to try this new lager from New Zealand. It has a deep golden colour; cereal, hay and hop aromas; and a hoppy bitter finish. It comes in a 6-pack so why not pick one up and share with friends over a curry or Chinese food? Mike’s Hard Berry and Yuha Citrus Mango will also be available so sample some today along with tasty hors d'oeuvres from M&M Meats.

Thursday, August 3 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD | $25
Come and discover why the many styles of beer from around the world are as distinct as the people that brew them. Let our Product Consultant be your tour guide to discover the world of beer, and give your taste buds a tour they will not soon forget.

LCBO Fairview Mall | 311 Geneva Street, St. Catharines | 905 646-1818

Wednesday, August 2 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm
BEER: A STAPLE FOR CANADIAN LONG WEEKENDS | $25
Long weekends are made for barbecuing. Tonight, our Product Consultant will guide you through a tasting of the best beers the LCBO has to offer to complement your backyard bash. Join us as we sample a selection of beer perfect for summer entertaining.

Friday, July 28 | 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
STEINLAGER
Be one of the first to try this new lager from New Zealand. It has a deep golden colour; cereal, hay and hop aromas; and a hoppy bitter finish. It comes in a 6-pack so why not pick one up and share with friends over a curry or Chinese food? Sample some today along with tasty hors d'oeuvres from M&M Meats.

LCBO Nepean Crossroads | 543 West Hunt Club Road, Nepean | 613 224-4333

Monday, July 31 | 6:30 - 7:30 pm
BEER | $20
Beer offers so many flavours and so many styles, each unique and distinctive. Tonight, we explore the craft of brewing and discover the wonderful diversity of beer. Join us for an exciting and educational tasting of classic beer styles from around the world.

LCBO Rideau Street | 275 Rideau Street, Ottawa | 613 789-5226

Friday, July 21 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, July 22 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
SLEEMAN
Join us to sample to brews from Sleeman, one of the fastest growing premium brewers in North America. Try the Sleeman Cream Ale, the first brand produced by the two Guelph brewers, and Original Draught, one of the newest, with some great fingers foods provided by The Honest Lawyer.

Saturday, July 29 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
STEAM WHISTLE INDIE SPOTLIGHT AT THE LCBO
Want to see a live band on your next visit to the LCBO? Mark the date and make sure you don’t miss “The Suits” live in the Events Kitchen. Steam Whistle will be sampling its Pilsner; while Ellen McKinney from Food TV’s Fresh and Wild show will be cooking and singing with beer.

LCBO The Roundhouse Centre | 3165 Howard Avenue, Windsor | 519 972-1772

Friday, July 28 | 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, July 29 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
POZNAŃ
Come and try Tsykie, the most popular beer brand in Poland. The Poznań brewery has several hundred years of experience in brewing, and its adherence to strict international standards and advanced technologies assure top quality in its beers. Also try Poznań’s flagship brand, Lech. Both go well with light appetizers, fish dishes and sandwiches.

Wednesday, August 2 | 7:00 - 8:00 pm
BEER TASTING | $20
The glorious days of patio get-togethers and barbecuing are here, and what better way to celebrate than by tasting and learning about some great brews from around the world! Tonight, we will explore the craft of brewing and discover the wonderful diversity of beer, each unique and distinctive – perfect for your summer enjoyment and entertaining.

Club Spin Beer Tasting

Club Spin - self-described as "a monthly social scrum, rife with freed-up thinking and an exchange of ideas and information in a casual setting" - will be hosting a beer tasting at their next gathering. All are welcome - here are the details:

Beer drinkers, prepare to broaden your horizons at beer tasting and education night at Club Spin - and do your bit to contribute to the more than 133 billion litres of suds consumed worldwide each year.

Join Ingrid and special guest co-host Oliver Dawson, a pre-eminent and most knowledgeable man on the topic of hops & barley chemistry, as we sip, sample and slurp a magnificent selection of 8 specially chosen beers.

Tuesday, July 4, 2006 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Austin Gallery, 12th floor, The Suites at One King West

Food Will be Served | Cost: $35.00 (all inclusive)

Slow Food Toronto Fundraiser

Slow Food Toronto in partnership with Evergreen will be holding a "fun-raising" event on Wednesday, July 12 at the Don Valley Brick Works. Along with fine food from some of Toronto's top chefs & artisan producers, and wine from Ontario vinters, there will also be beer from local brewers who follow the Slow Food philosophy "to protect the pleasures of the table from the homogenization of modern fast food and life".

Read on for the full details...

JOIN SLOW FOOD TORONTO AND EVERGREEN AT THE BRICK WORKS FOR A TERRA MADRE/ MOTHER EARTH FUN-RAISER
A BENEFIT TO SUPPORT TORONTO'S OWN TERRA MADRE DELEGATES

Featuring Toronto's top chefs, including
Jamie Kennedy ~ Michael Stadtländer ~ Anthony Walsh

Wednesday, July 12, 2006 ~ 6-9 pm
Don Valley Brick Works
$75.00
____________________________

Slow Food's new initiative is Terra Madre, a world meeting of food communities.

Terra Madre conference (October 26-30, Turin Italy) is a biannual meeting of 5,000 small-enterprise food producers from around the world who grow, create, distribute and promote food in ways that respect the environment and protect the health of consumers.

Proceeds will be donated to Terra Madre delegates.
____________________________

INDULGE
in good, clean and fair foods prepared by Toronto's top chefs including
~ Jamie Kennedy - Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar and Restaurant
~ Michael Stadtländer - Eigensinn Farm
~ Anthony Walsh - Canoe

SAMPLE
top wines and beers from Ontario

TASTE
treats from local artisan producers
~ SOMA Chocolate
~ Monforte Cheese Dairy
~ Fun Guy Mushrooms
~ Forbes Wild Foods
and others

TOUR
the private buildings on-site at the Don Valley Brick Works, an industrial heritage property in downtown Toronto. Get a sneak preview of the cultural centre under development by Evergreen.

JOIN US
for a convivial event and show your support for tasty, sustainable and ethical eating.
____________________________

The Don Valley Brick Works is located off of the Bayview Extension, 550 Bayview Avenue. Tel: 416-596-1495

FOR TICKETS, visit WWW.EVERGREEN.CA

McAuslan Canada Day Beer Dinner at The Drake

The Drake and McAuslan Brewing present an all-Canadian menu of Beer, Sunshine, Barbeque and Indie Pop.

From June 27 to July 2, the Drake will be presenting a 3 course Canadian and Summer inspired Beer Prix Fixe served in our dining room and on our rooftop and boulevard patios to a soundtrack of Stars, Godspeed, Arcade Fire, Wolf Parade and Broken Social Scene.

Join us on Thursday, June 29th for a special 7 course Prix Fixe featuring Quebec suckling pig, beer cocktails and the president of McAuslan, Peter McAuslan and brewmaster, Ellen Bounsall.

On Canada Day, Beer Dinner participants get a special treat from the Drake as well as a great view of the Symphony of Fire fireworks competition at Ontario Place.

Available by reservation only: 416.531.5042 X113
Hours: Tuesday, June 27 - Sunday, July 2, 6PM-10:30PM
Available in Dining Room, Boulevard Patio and Sky Yard Patio
Thursday, June 29, 6PM - 11PM, Boulevard Patio bbq with Peter McAuslan and Ellen Bounsall (reservations held with credit card guarantee)
Cost: $50 for 3 course prix fixe, $95 for 7 course prix fixe event on Thursday

Father's Day Open House at Trafalgar Brewery

It's a double celebration this Sunday, June 18th at Trafalgar Brewery as they open their doors for a Father's Day beer sampling and officially launch Critical Mass, their new strong Belgian ale that checks in at a hefty 14.7% ABV. Read on for the full press release...

Canada’s Strongest Beer
Set For Father’s Day Release
at Trafalgar Brewery in Oakville

Sunday June 18th, 12:00 Noon - 5:00 pm
Location: Trafalgar Brewery, 1156 Speers Road, Oakville ON

Trafalgar Brewing Company would like to invite anyone and everyone to come down to our brewery in Oakville to celebrate Father’s Day with an open house and new beer tasting this Sunday June 18th, from 12 noon until 5 o’clock pm. This will be Trafalgar’s second annual Father’s Day open house, held as a thank you to the community and as a salute to the eternal love affair between Dads and beer. This event is open to the public, features free beer samples, and guided tours of the brewery. Trafalgar’s brewing staff will be on-hand to give guided tours and explain how our beer is made.

This year’s open house comes with an added bonus: the release of Critical Mass, Canada’s strongest beer! Not for the faint of heart, this supercharged ale is double-fermented and brewed in the Belgian style, with bold coriander and citrus notes. Best of all, Critical Mass boasts an impressive 14.7% alc./vol!!! Critical Mass will be the first in Trafalgar’s line of Very Strong Beers, so any public feedback would be greatly appreciated. Snacks and samples of our other beers and meads will also be available throughout the day in the brewery and at our brewpub, The Tied House.

The Trafalgar Brewing Company was founded by Mike and Nancy Arnold and George Hengstman in 1993, and has grown and diversified ever since to become one of Ontario’s most progressive breweries. As a brewer specializing in small batches of unique craft beer, Trafalgar Brewing has the luxury of experimention. With a small pilot plant and lab facility at the brewery, Trafalgar has been able to produce some of the most distinctive and innovative products ever seen on the Canadian beer market.

So grab your Dad and head down to the brewery on Sunday June 18th--it’s more fun than a lousy tie! This special event will be open to everyone and runs between 12:00 noon and 5:00 pm. The brewery is located at 1156 Speers Road (between 3rd and 4th Line) in Oakville; just look for the big glass of beer on the sign.

LCBO Beer Events for June

LCBO The Kingsway | 2946 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Friday, June 16 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 17 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
WELLINGTON BREWERY
Celebrate the Ontario Craft Brewers this summer. Come in and sample Wellington County Dark Ale from the Wellington Brewery in Guelph. It's a full-bodied traditional ale, that has been matured slowly for smoothness and balance. Wellington brews time-honoured, traditional beers in small batches, using all-natural ingredients, a lot of care, and patience. Fine ale will not be hurried! Some tasty food will be provided by a local restaurant.

LCBO Summerhill | 10 Scrivener Square, Toronto

Friday, June 16 | 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, June 17 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
GREAT SCOT, IT’S GREAT LAKES!
Try something new today. The Great Lakes Brewing Co. is coming to sample Red Leaf Lager. It has a deep copper/amber colour, with hints of caramel malt on the nose. Also try Golden Horseshoe Lager, which is available in a 6 Pack. This brew is complete with yeasty aromas, a light bodied palate and fresh, clean flavours. Enjoy them both with delicious pub fare.

Saturday, June 24 | 12:00 - 4:00 pm
MAKE IT HEADSTRONG
Looking for a new brew? Try Headstrong on for size. It has a medium dark, amber colour with a hoppy, creamy, malty flavour and a nutty finish. It’s perfect with pub fare like English-style fish and chips with malt vinegar. Also try the Headstrong Munich Lager. Sample some today with a new gourmet dip line.

LCBO Bayview Village | 2901 Bayview Avenue, North York

Saturday, June 17 | 1:00 - 5:00 pm
NICKEL BROOK APPLE PILSNER LAUNCH
Be one of the first to try this new brew. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet the Brew Master himself, Harrols Sowad. Enjoy a sample along with some tasty hors d'oeuvres.

Wheat Beer Promotion at Prime Pubs

In celebration of the summer season, the Prime Pubs chain of Irish-themed restaurants - including Fionn MacCool's (Toronto), Slainte (Hamilton), Tir Nan Og (Kingston), Darcy McGee's (Ottawa) & Paddy Flaherty's (Sarnia) - are holding a wheat beer promotion. The featured beers include Hoegaarden White, Hoegaarden Forbidden Fruit, Hoegaarden Grand Cru, Blanche de Chambly, McAuslan Apricot Wheat, Erdinger and Fruli Strawberry (selection may vary by location). Also available is a summer food menu, including fish & chips in a Hoegaarden batter with orange peel & coriander, crab claws on California slaw with a sweet lemon dressing, and a grilled chicken burger with a wheat beer corn relish.

Discuss this topic in the Bar Towel Forum

Ontario Brewing Awards 2006

The 3rd annual Ontario Brewing Awards will be presented at the Esplanade Bier Markt on Wednesday May 31st. The public portion of the event will take place from 5:00 to 7:00 PM and will feature Roger Mittag from Thirst for Knowledge Inc. presenting awards for Best Lager, Best Pilsner, Best Cream Ale, Best Pale Ale, Best Amber Beer, Best Dark Lager, Best Dark Ale, Best Speciality/Flavoured and Best Porter/Stout.

The European Experience at Esplanade Bier Markt

As part of their 4th annual Brewmaster Series, the Esplanade Bier Markt is presenting the following beer and food pairing event:

The European Experience
Wednesday, June 7th - 6:30 PM

An evening of discovery: Beers of character with classic styles from Belgium and Germany are paired to a four-course dinner. A must have for the food and beer lover!

Tickets: $75 (taxes and gratuities included)

For more information, please contact Erin at 416.862.7575 or erinm@thebiermarkt.com

Great Canadian Homebrew Conference

Great Canadian Homebrew Conference
June 10th, 2006 - 1 PM to 9 PM
The Rhino Bar and Grill
1249 Queen Street West, Toronto

Beer and cheese tasting, brewing demonstrations, and much more. The Rhino Bar and Grill and the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association will be going all out for an afternoon of workshops focusing on beer/food pairings and brewing education followed by a dinner prepared with beer and served with beers chosen to compliment.

Alan Moore has created a great dinner, speaker Bill White will guide you through tastings and more throughout the day.

The event will be an afternoon – evening affair that will be of interest to the homebrewer, beer lover or those just curious about beer! There are a limited number of seats so register before May 31.

Please see the CABA website for registration and more information.

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Granite Brewers' Banquet - Real Ale for the Summer Season

The Granite Brewery have announced the final details for their next beer dinner:

Brewers' Banquet - "Real Ale for the Summer Season"
Saturday June 3, 2006

Featuring 5 great cask ales!

Nick Pashley will host the festivities

Menu

Granite Spent Grain Bread
With MacLean's Pale Ale Dry Hopped

Summer Salad
With Cask Conditioned Dry Hopped Granite Summer Ale

BBQ Ribs and Chicken
Smoked in-house and finished with our Stout Drunken BBQ Sauce
With Black Oak's Whisky Barrel Aged Nut Brown Ale in cask

Peculiar Mocha Freeze
Served with cask conditioned Peculiar

Night Cap
Church-Key's Holy Smoke Ale in cask

$45 all inclusive

For reservations, call 416-322-0723 or email ron@granitebrewery.ca

Volo Spring Cask Situation - Update

The upcoming mini cask festival at Volo has increased in scope from four to six brewers. Here is the latest update:

The six brewers participating in the Volo Spring Cask Situation (May 27-29) have been confirmed: Scotch Irish, Church Key, Durham, Black Oak, Granite and Mill St. All six have promised something real special! Complimenting the beer will also be an Ontario cheddar cheese sampling. Mmmmm cheeese......

As noted previously, there will be no admission cost for this event. The casks will simply be tapped and available for sale over the course of the weekend (or until they run out).

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St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Festival

Good news from Good Beer Marketing: their flagship event, the St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Festival, will be returning this summer after being cancelled last year. Here's the official word:

Taste of Old Town - St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Show – July 15-16 – New Format!
The 5th annual Taste of Old Town - St. Lawrence Market Craft Beer Show, will take place in the heart of Downtown Toronto in and around the North Market Building of the St. Lawrence Market Complex. The event will feature craft breweries along with local restaurants from the "Old Town" Toronto area.
Show Hours:
Saturday, July 15 – noon to 10pm
Sunday, July 16 – noon to 6pm

Good Beer will also be presenting a couple of out of town events this summer:

July 7-9 - Downtown Peterborough Rib Fest & Craft Beer Show
July 21-23 - Downtown Kitchener BBQ Cook-Off & Craft Beer Show

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The Bar Towel Taster's Taps: May 23rd

I am happy to announce the newest Bar Towel event, which is taking place on Tuesday, May 23rd in partnership with C'est What. This event ties to CW's Spring Beer Festival on Friday the 26th.

The Bar Towel "Taster's Taps" will be an exclusive advance tasting event preceeding this year's C'est What Spring Beer Festival. At this event 10 beers which will be available at the Spring Beer Festival will be sampled. Attendees will vote on favourites and the top 5 will be specially featured as The Bar Towel "Taster's Taps" at the festival itself. This is a really unique event as it gives Bar Towel members a chance to have a say about which beers will be specially featured at the festival.

The details:

WHEN: Tuesday, May 23rd, 7pm
WHERE: C'est What, 67 Front St. East
WHO: You and up to one guest.
HOW MUCH: $10 which includes the samples

Register here for the Taster's Taps

Space will be limited, so I ask that you register asap. I'll send email confirmations to everyone because there might just not be enough space depending on interest. But of course everyone is welcome to the Friday festival to see the Taster's Taps in action.

Toast: Canadian Cancer Society Fundraiser

The Central Toronto Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society is proud to present its sixth annual Spring fundraiser, Toast, on Thursday, May 4, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This spectacular affair will be held, in the heart of downtown Toronto, at the fashionable Distillery Historic District, The Stone Distillery – Fermenting Cellar (55 Mill Street – Buildings 6 & 7).

At Toast, guests will enjoy live entertainment and samples from numerous wineries and breweries (Mill Street, Steam Whistle, Granite & Amsterdam) while feasting on a variety of delicious cuisine from prominent Toronto restaurants. The evening will showcase an exciting silent auction of fabulous items.

Tickets for this gala fundraiser are $60 in advance, $65 at the door. Call (416) 485-0222 for more information.

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Vendors Day at Premier Gourmet

As part of their 10th anniversary celebrations, the fine food & drink shop Premier Gourmet (3465 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY) will be holding a special Vendors Day on Saturday, April 29th. A wide range of the store's food and drink suppliers will be on hand to serve up samples, including brewers Flying Bison, Magic Hat, Samuel Adams, Victory, Middle Ages and Great Lakes.

Granite Brewers' Banquet - Saturday June 3

From the Granite Brewery's April Newsletter:

Brewers' Banquet - Saturday June 3, 2006

There are a still a few details to be worked out but you will want to mark your calendar for this one.

The focus of the night will be real ale and great food. We will offer several cask conditioned ales handpumped right to your glass.

The final menu and real offerings will be published in early May but it isn't too early to reserve.

You can call us at 416-322-0723 or by email at ron@granitebrewery.ca

The newsletter also mentions that Gin Lane Ale Barley Wine will be retired for the summer on Thursday May 4th, and will be replaced the following day by their Summer Ale.

Volo Spring Cask Situation

The fine folks at Volo (587 Yonge St.) are holding a sequel of sorts to last fall's extremely successful Cask Ale Festival, although as they note on their website, this will be a smaller and more casual affair:

Volo Spring Cask Situation - May 27-29 - "Its not a festival, it's a situation". Volo will be hosting a cask beer event featuring four unique casks made for the occasion by four local brewers. That makes it a multicasking event! (yeah i know). The breweries are: Mill St., St. Andre, Scotch Irish and Black Oak.

There will be no admission cost or special tastings this time around, just four exclusive cask beers from four great local breweries available for all Volo customers to enjoy.

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C'est What Spring Festival of Small Breweries

C'est What's 2nd annual Spring Festival of Small Breweries will be taking place on Friday, May 26th. Expect the usual fine selection of Ontario craft brews to be available for $1 per sample.

Beer and Cheese Tastings - April 27 & May 11

Cheese Culture - aka sommelier Tonia Wilson and cheese specialist Julia Rogers - will be hosting a pair of delicious and educational evenings of beer and cheese later this spring:

Belgian-style Beer and Cheese
April 27, 2006, 7 pm
Belgian-style brews feature innovative fermentation processes, and additions of fruit, herbs and spices, resulting in a range of beer flavours, all quite suitable for accompanying Trappist-style, washed-rind cheeses.

British-style Beer and Cheese
May 11, 2006, 7 pm
The traditional pint and ploughman’s lunch of Cheddar, pickles and bread has been England’s favourite pub lunch for hundreds of years, and with good reason. Discover the delicious range of British-style beers and enjoy them in combination with a variety of superb cheeses.

Both classes will take place at Whole Foods Market Yorkville, 87 Avenue Road. Admission to each class is $50, which includes a tasting flight of five beers and five cheeses, instructional materials and tasting notes. For reservations or information, call 416.944.0500

Cask Ale Launch Party at Victory Cafe

The Victory Cafe (581 Markham St.) is happy to report that their new hand pump is now operational, and the first real ale on offer is a dry-hopped version of F&M Maclean's Pale Ale. To celebrate the occasion, everyone is invited to a launch party on the evening of Wednesday April 5th. Rob and Charles from F&M will be there from 5:00 PM onwards, pints of Maclean's will be available at a reasonable price, and the chef's daily feature will be specially prepared with the MacLean's Pale Ale.

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Brewery Collectibles Show & Sale - April 22

The Golden Horseshoe Breweriana Collectors present their Spring show & sale of Canadian brewery memorabilia - bottles, cans, labels, openers, coasters, etc. - from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday April 22, 2006 at Dominion On Queen, 500 Queen Street East in Toronto. For more information, contact Larry at (416) 465-3386.

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Event Reminder - Toronto Wine & Cheese Show

Just a reminder that the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show takes place this weekend (March 24-26, 2006) at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Mississauga), and while the name doesn't mention it, there will be plenty of beer available.

Breweries on hand will include Amsterdam, Black Oak, Church-Key, Cool, Creemore Springs, Lakes of Muskoka, McAuslan, Mill Street, Niagara's Best, Robert Simpson & Steam Whistle. Several imports will also be represented, some by agencies such as Esprit and Rubaiyat.

The show has also announced the results of their annual beer competition. Read on for the winner's list.

American/Canadian Style Lager
Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery - Premium Lager - Bronze

European Style Lager (includes Czech & German styles)
Steam Whistle Brewing - Steam Whistle Pilsner - Bronze
Radeberger-Gruppe - Northern German Pilsner - Silver

Amber Lager (includes Oktoberfest, Maerzen and Vienna styles)
Cool Beer Brewing Company - Millenium Buzz Bottle - Silver
Cool Beer Brewing Company - Millenium Buzz Draft - Bronze
Lakes of Muskoka - Honey Brown Lager - Silver

Strong Lager (Bock) (includes Traditional Bock, Dopplebock and Eisebock)
Mill Street Brewery - Mill Street Helles Bock - Silver

Cream Ale
Church-Key Brewing - Northumberland Ale - Bronze
Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery - Cream Ale Silver
Robert Simpson - Confederation Ale Bronze

Pale Ale
Black Oak Brewing Company - Black Oak Pale Ale - Gold
Black Sheep Brewery - Black Sheep Ale - Bronze
Mill Street Brewery - Mill Street Tankhouse Ale - Gold

Brown Ale
Black Oak Brewing Company - Black Oak Nut Brown Ale - Bronze
Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery - Dark Ale - Silver

Stout or Porter
Church-Key Brewing - Decadent Chocolate Porter - Silver
Mill St - Coffee Porter - Bronze

Wheat Beer
Brouwerij Bavik - Wittekerke - Bronze

Continental Ale
Brouwerij Bavik - Petrus Old Brown - Gold

Strong Ales
Mill Street Brewery - Mill Street Barley Wine 2005 - Gold

Belgian Style Strong Ale
Esprit Agencies - Duvel - Gold
Esprit Agencies - Chimay Premiere - Gold
Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck - Kasteelbier Dark - Silver

Specialty Beer
Esprit Agencies - Mort Subite Framboise - Silver
Maison Lafragette - X.X. Beer au Cognac - Bronze
Brouweroj Hughe - Floris Ninkeberry - Gold

Church-Key Spring Revival

Church-Key Brewing will be holding their annual Spring Revival on Saturday, May 6th from 11 AM to 7 PM. This outdoor event features fun & entertainment for the entire family, not to mention plenty of Church-Key beer to enjoy. The brewery is located at 1678 County Road #38, Pethericks Corners (near Campbellford, approximately 2.5 hours north-east of Toronto).

Toronto's Festival of Beer & Satellite Events

[This item was originally posted in mid-February, but details about several of the events have changed, so it's been edited & bumped to the top of the queue.]

It's still a few months away, but for those who like to plan things well in advance, the dates have been announced for this year's Toronto's Festival of Beer (TFOB), as well as several satellite events that will be occuring in the time leading up to the main festival.

Wellington's "DAY AFTER" Brunch
"Get your shamrock on at a festive beer luncheon the DAY AFTER!"
Sat Mar 18, 2006 - 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM
Banknote Bar & SuperGrill, 663 King St. W.
$35 (includes Friday or Sunday ticket for TFOB)

Alexander Keith's Lobster Bash
"A rockin’ summer lobster boil on the water!"
Wed Jun 7, 2006 - 6:00 PM to 12:00 midnight
Next Level, The Docks, 11 Polson St.
$50 (includes Friday or Sunday ticket for TFOB)

The King St Crawl
"a summer beer-sampling event courtesy of the King St West District and Mix 99.9"
Thu Jul 13, 2006 - 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
various locations on King St. W.
free

Toronto's Festival of Beer
Fri Aug 11, 2006 - 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Sat Aug 12, 2006 - 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM
Sun Aug 13, 2006 - 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM
Historic Fort York
$20 advance/$25 at the gate (if available) on Friday & Sunday
$25 advance/$30 at the gate (if available) on Saturday

More information & event reminders will be posted here as the dates draw closer.

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The Beer and Cocktail Show

Taking place at the Automotive Building at Exhibition Place on May 11-13, 2006, The Beer & Cocktail Show promises a "sparkling mix of fun and excitment spiced with the unique blend of the world's famous alcohol distributors". Ontario's beer scene will be represented by Brick, Church Key, Cool, County Durham, Great Lakes, Heritage, Neustadt Springs, Niagara's Best, Robert Simpson & Trafalgar. Admission is $15 advance (tickets at TicketBreak.com) or $20 at the door, with sample tickets costing $1 each.

Hamilton Food & Drink Fest

Experience an exciting variety of wines, beers, and culinary sensations created by some of the Hamilton, Halton & Niagara Regions' most popular restaurants, breweries, & wineries at the Food & Drink Fest, taking place March 23-25 at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Breweries scheduled to appear at the festival include Church-Key Brewery, Cool Brewing, Lakeport Brewing, Niagara's Best Beer, Nickel Brook Brewing and Steelback Brewery. Admission is $12 per person at the door (cash only), with additional costs for food and drink sample tickets.

Brewmaster On The Don

The Toronto Festival of Storytelling 2006 in conjunction with The City of Toronto Historic Museums is presenting a series of events under the name Fabled City which feature storytellers who have created new stories that reflect Toronto’s past. One event in particular may be of interest to Bar Towel readers:

FABLED CITY: Brewmaster on the Don
Saturday, April 1st - 4:00 to 6:00 PM

William Helliwell loved brewing beer. In 1832, at the age of 21, he became a partner in the family's Don Brewery and travelled overseas to study with English brewmasters. Come to Todmorden Mills and taste some of Toronto's finest beer as William recounts his experiences as a brewer in the Don Valley. Price includes beer tasting and refreshments appropriate to the time.

FEATURING: Jim Blake
LOCATION: Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre
AUDIENCE: Adult
ADMISSION: $20.00 - Pre-registration is required: 416-396-2819
todmorden@toronto.ca

Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre: Set in the scenic Don River Valley, Todmorden Mills Museum tells the story of early settlement and industry in Toronto. On site are historic millers' homes, the Brewery Gallery, the Papermill Gallery and Theatre, and the relocated Don train station.

Michigan Winter Beer Festival & Other Out-Of-Town Fests

If you're up for a road trip this weekend, consider heading down to the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival. Your friendly neighbourhood News Editor visited the MBG's Summer fest a couple of years ago, and can vouch for the great quality of the event and the beer being offered. Here are the event details:

Saturday, February 25
2006 Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival

Take to the streets for an outdoor celebration of barrel-aged, cask and big beers from Michigan's craft brewers. Dress for winter weather and let each pint warm your soul. Hot food and live music. Snow, rain or shine.

Turner Street and Grand River in Old Town, Lansing, MI
Start: 12:00 PM End: 5:00 PM Admission: $30.00 (Gate: $35.00)

For more information...

And if you're looking to plan some beer travels for later this year, here are a few more out-of-town events within reasonable driving distance that you may want to hit:

Sat Mar 25 - Batavia March Fest - Holiday Inn - Batavia, NY
Wed May 31 to Sun Jun 4 - Mondial de la Bière - Windsor Station - Montreal, QC
Fri Jul 14 to Sun Jul 16 - Belgium Comes To Cooperstown - Brewery Ommegang - Cooperstown, NY
Sat Jul 22 - Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival - Riverside Park - Ypsilanti, MI
Sat Sep 16 - Buffalo Brewfest - Buffalo Central Terminal - Buffalo, NY
Sat Sep 16 - OmmeFest - Brewery Ommegang - Cooperstown, NY

More info about each of these events will be posted as the dates approach.

No Winking Judge Fest this Spring

Word has come to us that The Winking Judge (25 Augusta St., Hamilton) will not be holding their popular Spring Beer Festival this year. The Fall installment is still on, however, and will be happening on the first weekend in October.

Toronto Wine & Cheese Show

While the event name may not mention it, there will be some fine beer available to be sampled at the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show, taking place on March 24-26, 2006 at the International Centre (6900 Airport Road, Mississauga). Brewers and import agents on hand will include Black Oak, Church-Key, Esprit Agencies, Mill Street, Niagara's Best & Steam Whistle, and the show will also be hosting their annual beer competition. More details and ticket info can be found on the show website.

Beer Can & Collectables Show

The Trillium Chapter of the Brewery Collectables Club of America (BCCA) announces the 21st annual Horst Wendland Memorial Buy/Sell/Trade Show on October 14, 2006 - 10AM to 3PM. This Show is the annual highlight for the many collectors of beer cans and related breweriana. The location is the Hardball Cafe located at 8750 Highway 25 (1 mile north of the 401), Milton, Ontario. For more information, contact Doug Goegan at l.a.goegan@sympatico.ca or 905-677-3044

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Fermented Evenings at the Niagara Historical Museum

Fermented Evenings is a series of three events taking place in February at the Niagara Historical Museum (43 Castlereagh St., Niagara-on-the-Lake). The first two nights in the series will focus on wine, and the third night will feature beer, as detailed below:

On Saturday, February 11, the Museum will host Bill Nesbitt for “The Battle of the Beers: Lager vs. Ale”. Nesbitt explores the history of brewing in Upper Canada and takes us though a sensory delight with tastings of some of Ontario’s microbrews that resemble those of the 19th century. Nesbitt is the former curator of the Dundurn Castle Museum and current Museum Advisor for the Ministry of Culture. This is his third year as part of Fermented Evenings. The night will include tastings of 8 Ontario microbrews.

All evenings start at 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $25/night or $70 for all three nights. Society Members are $20/night.

For further details, please contact the Museum at 905-468-3912 or visit the Niagara Historical Society & Museum website.

Beer Wine Cheese Mash Up at Volo

Beer geeks say that beer pairs with cheese much better than wine does. Wine snobs claim the opposite. Which is true? Find out at...

Beer Wine Cheese Mash Up
Saturday March 18
3 PM - 5:30 PM

Beer, wine and cheese ninjas spontaneously appear at Volo (587 Yonge St., Toronto) for an afternoon of unrestrained pairings, culinary collisions and baroque contortions. Join Ralph and a trio of local industry experts for an informative and expansive tasting.

Tickets are $50, with $5 from each ticket sold to be donated to the Wellspring Foundation. Attendance is limited to 50 people, so advance purchase is highly recommended. Call 416.928.0008 for ticket reservations or further info.

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Paper Brewery Memorabilia Show & Sale

The Golden Horseshoe Breweriana Collectors present a show and sale of paper brewery memorabilia -- coasters, labels, letterhead, invoices, etc. -- from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday February 25, 2006 at The Granite Brewery & Restaurant, 245 Eglinton Avenue East in Toronto. Free parking off Mt. Pleasant Avenue. More information: Jim at (416) 757-0576.

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1,000,000 Pints of Church-Key!

Church-Key Brewing is celebrating the pulling of their 1,000,000th pint with a bash at their brewery (1678 County Road #38, Pethericks Corners - just north east of Campbellford).

The festivities will be taking place on Saturday, January 21st starting at 11 AM with "Music, Food, Prizes" (and, we assume, BEER!), and a special ceremony at 1 PM to mark the 1,000,000 pint mark.

Congrats to John and the Church-Key crew on this impressive milestone!

Beer Tasting at Castro's - January 21st

Not much info on this one aside from the following blurb in the Daily Events section of this week's Now Magazine:

Saturday, January 21st
BEER TASTING
Tasting led by beer master Bill George. 3 pm. $35. Castro's Lounge, 2116 Queen E. 416-699-8272.

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Gourmet Beer Dinner at Granite Brewery

Fourth Annual Winter Warmer Gourmet Beer Dinner -- Caribbean Style

March 4, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. at the Granite Brewery Restaurant, 245 Eglinton Avenue East, Toronto

Hosted by Robert Hughey guests will enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Caribbean and raise funds for Progress Place, a community mental health program for men and women with mental illness.

Tickets are $65.00 per person for a Caribbean Style gourmet dinner with beer matchings for each course.

Call Joelle at 416 323 0223 or by email at jladouceur@progressplace.org

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CABA / Toronto Homebrew Club Event

Homebrewer to Pro-Brewer:
An evening with Doug Pengelly of Saint Andre

Friday Jan 20th, 2006
The Rhino Bar & Grill, 1249 Queen St W, Toronto
7:00 pm (Doors open at 6:30 Upstairs)

Doug will be dicussing mashing techniques with practical demonstrations using his own homebrewing equipment. Bring along a sanitized container and take some home to ferment or use as a starter. Doug will also be building a wort chiller from scratch.

For more information and to register please contact Kevin Tighe, or visit the Canadian Amateur Brewers Association website.

beerbistro Winter Newsletter

Here is the latest events and information newsletter from beerbistro. To receive future editions via email, send a blank email to beerbistro@rogers.com with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.

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Sharing our passion for great beer and fresh market beer cuisine!

1. February Beer School
2. New Winter Menu
3. Winterlicious

1. February Beer School

Every Monday in February we will be holding progressive lessons in BEER 101: A Guide to Beers of the World and Their Enjoyment with Food. Come sign up for these fun evenings of beer, food, and the wisdom to expand your pleasure of the two. Each evening will focus on a different topic, and will include tasting of cuisine and beer from around the world. Each evening is $35, or purchase all four as a gift for $100 and get your beer-adoring loved one an official beerbistro 'beer certification' certificate for completing the entire course!

February 6th: Beer Styles - a comprehensive overview of the world of beer, beer styles, and an introduction to beer and food pairing.

February 13th: Cooking with Beer - Chef Brian Morin shares the secrets of beer as a versatile ingredient in pairing and cooking.

February 20th: Dessert and Beer - The Final Frontier. Discover the latest trend in food and beer pairing and taste the wide array of beers that pair exceptionally well with dessert.

Februrary 27th: Beer and Cheese - learn the secret that sommeliers have known for years: beer pairs better with cheese than wine --through a tasting of several Canadian artisanal, monastic, and beer-washed rind cheeses.

2. New Winter Menu

Our Kitchen proudly offers new items on a regular basis, and this winter is no exception. Come out to the restuarant to enjoy some of our new selections. We're particularly fond of our Abbey Ale-Braised Veal Cheeks served with potato truffle ravioli. Also, two new mussel preparations are gracing our menu. Just ask your server for the Fancy Shmancy style to partake of a decadent bowl of mussels and lobster steamed in a blonde ale shellfish bisque. There's too much to mention, but take a look at our menu posted on the website.

Our beer menu will be expanding over the month of December, so be sure to join us and try the unique and hard-to-find beers we will be offering. Already, we have readied our taps for the cold winter months by including Black Oak's Christmas Nutcracker, an exceptional local porter spiced with cinnamon, and Fuller's London Porter, possible the finest example of the style available on draft anywhere.

Saturdays at beerbistro have quickly become a satisfying weekend event for many of our guests. All through December we will be continuing live jazz performed by the Gene Poolboys (starting at 8:30pm), as well as featuring our exceptional Roast Suckling Pig, the product of a 3-day preparation mentioned in the Toronto Star as a "succulent" dish.

3. Winterlicious

A Toronto mainstay, Winterlicious is a festival dedicated to the foodie in all of us. From January 27th to February 9th, you and your friends can come down to beerbistro to partake of a three-course table d'hote for only $15 at lunchtime and $25 for dinner (beverages, taxes and gratuity not included).

BEERBISTRO
18 King Street East (at Yonge Street)
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1C4
Tel: 416.861.9872
Fax: 416.861.9251
Email: beerbistro@rogers.com

HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon – Wed 11:30 am – 1:00 am
Thur – Fri 11:30 am – 2:00 am
Sat 4:00 pm – 2:00 am

Full menu available until one hour before closing

Golden Tap Voting Closes, Countdown to Party

The Golden Tap Awards voting has closed, with a record number of votes this year. Now the countdown begins to the gala awards event and GTA beer festival on Saturday, August 20th at 2pm.

Tickets are $20 in advance and available by calling beerbistro at 416-861-9872. Admission includes four half-glasses or two full glasses of beer, plus access to the extensive food offerings.

See the promotional poster, which is on display at beerbistro here.

The participating brewery list is being confirmed and will be announced shortly. And don't forget there will be a real-time vote for "best of the fest" of the available beers. Should be a fun event!

Golden Tap Awards 2005 Launches

The 3rd annual Golden Tap Awards voting launched today. The Golden Tap Awards recognizes the best in beer that the GTA has to offer, as voted upon by the general public.

You can vote for this year's Golden Tap Awards here.

The Golden Tap Awards will be handed out at a gala event featuring a GTA Beer Festival on Saturday, August 20th at beerbistro. You can find out more about the gala event, including ticket information here.

Vote now and get your tickets! It is going to be a great time.

RSVP for the Golden Tap Awards Party

The voting for the 2004 Golden Tap Awards has now closed. Thanks to everyone who voted - we had a great response this year.

Now the fun part - the awards party! The party to announce the winners will be held on Tuesday, August 10th at the Academy of Spherical Arts at 7pm.

The party is open to all, and it is definitely going to be a great time.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP here. If you have any questions, please contact Cass.

Beer Celebrations in Yorkville

This weekend Yorkville is celebrating it's 150th anniversary with a number of events, including some beer festivities on September 20th. A number of local microbreweries are featuring their beers at local establishments, including Amsterdam, Wellington County, Hockley Valley, Church Key and Black Oak. There will also be beer cuisine served at local restaurants.

Brewtique And Tavern Tour - information from Toronto.com:

Sample premium beers in the luxury of Bloor-Yorkville while on your own, self-guided tour! Passports are $10 (Cash Only) and will be sold at the Village of Yorkville Park, Saturday, September 20 from 11:30 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Participating brewtiques and taverns include:

Spirits Bar and Grill presents Amsterdam Brewing Co., 642 Church St., 3-6 p.m.

Duke of York presents Wellington County Brewery, 39 Prince Arthur, 3-6 p.m.

Whole Foods Market presents Hockley Valley Brewing Co., 87 Avenue Rd., 1-4 p.m.

Thomas Kincade Signature Gallery presents The Lakes of Muskoka Cottage Brewery, 108 Yorkville Ave. on Saturday, 12-6 p.m. and Sunday, September 21, 12-5 p.m.

The Guild Shop presents Church-Key Brewing Co., 118 Cumberland, 1-4 p.m.

Nanni Belts and Designs Milano presents Black Oak Brewing Co. 87 Avenue Rd. (Hazelton Lanes), 1-4 p.m.

Yorkville Chefs Celebrate History By Toasting Beer

Some of Yorkville’s finest chefs create extraordinary menus highlighting beer during the anniversary weekend!

Matisse Restaurant & Bar at the Toronto Marriott Bloor-Yorkville
90 Bloor St. E.
Prepared by Executive Chef Shawn Whalen, Saturday, September 20 AND September 21
For reservations call: (416) 961-8000

Ale Steamed Prince Edward Island Mussels
Boston and Spinach Salad with Roasted Shallot, Bacon and Lager Vinaigrette
Filet Mignon with Mustard Barleywine Sauce and Beer Biscuits
Indian Pale Ale Steeped Shrimp and Chicken Risotto
Beer and Apple Fritters with Cinnamon and Brown Sugar

Avenue Bar and Lounge & Studio Café at the Four Seasons Hotel
21 Avenue Rd.
Presented by Executive Chef Lynn Crawford, Saturday, September 20
For reservations call: Avenue Bar and Lounge: (416) 928-7332/Studio Café: (416) 928-7330

Amber Ale Pulled Pork with Cortland Apples and Caramelized Onion Chutney on a Sourdough Boule
And Welsh Rarebit with Aged Canadian Cheddar, Heirloom Tomato Salad and Honey Brown Vinaigrette