With its consistently reasonable price and fantastic tropical flavours, Canuck Pale Ale is a beer that can almost always be found in my fridge. Hailing out of Toronto, Ontario, Great Lakes Brewery (GLB) has made a name for itself as one of Ontario’s premier brewers of hoppy, India style pale ales. Canuck Pale Ale certainly does not disappoint for those who enjoy a more bitter beer. On the other hand, this beer’s strong citrus profile and relatively low alcohol percentage of 5.2% make it one that can be enjoyed by seasoned hopheads, and those new to the craft beer scene.

The prominent red and white can, along with “Gordie Levesque”, the name of the lumberjack prominently displayed on its front, makes this can one that cannot be missed. Gordie Levesque proudly, and ironically reps the fruity, American style of pale ale produced by GLB. A comical ode to Canada’s reputation as “the only country in the world that knows how to live without an identity”, GLB’s American pale ale is one that would make our neighbours to the south proud…. even with it’s branding as a ‘Canuck’ pale ale. Sorry, eh?

So please, if you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and get your hands on a can of Canuck Pale Ale. It tastes like mangos, and you can’t have a few without acquiring the urge to eat a shawarma plate and text your ex. What more could you ask from a beer?? Take a trip down to your local LCBO, look for the handsome lumberjack on the can, purchase it, and proceed to collect Air Miles.

4.8 / 5 pints

Here’s to the fellas…

Kichesippi, an award winning brewery native to the west end of Ottawa, has exactly what we’re looking for with its 1885 amber ale.

Kichesippi 1885, an amber ale which commemorates the year Ottawa was inaugurated, takes a low-key, unassuming approach to your typical amber making it fairly universal to the average self-proclaimed beer connoisseur. You might be wondering, has it ever been a positive to be underwhelming? After a few sips/gulps you’ll realize it actually works in 1885’s favour; the lack of punch lets you enjoy the bitter taste that comes with an amber without blowing your face off. Kichesippi has done a great job balancing between refreshing-ness and flavour.

Now would I drink this on a scorching hot summer day on a beautiful patio with a group of friends? Typically… no. But sometimes you need to switch up the game and veer to the path less travelled. For that reason, I believe this is one of the better ambers to have on a patio. Ideally, I would have a pint of the 1885 in the fall or late summer when the weather has turned a little to the colder side.

I enjoyed this beer on The Grand’s patio in Ottawa’s ByWard Market, where coupled with their wood fire oven pizza, it made for a good time. Visit The Grand between 3pm — 6pm on weekdays to take advantage of their “Market Hour” where you can get select pizzas half off AND a pint of Kichesippi 1885 for $5.

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3.9 / 5 pints

Here’s to the fellas…