Cottage 12-pack
Photographs by Dyanne Wilson
This summer, ditch that case of big-name beer you usually grab for your cottage vacation, and try something crafted with a bit more care that delivers a much bigger taste. Where to start? We’ve created a custom 12-pack featuring local beers and other selections from Ontario microbreweries. You’ll thank us. Cheers!
Beer: Mad Tom IPA
Brewery: Muskoka Brewery
Location: Bracebridge
The taste: A deep, rich flavour and an overabundance of hops, this beautiful India Pale Ale is one that will keep you going well after the campfire has died.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $13.50 (6x355mL)
Website: muskokabrewery.com
Beer: Diable au Corps
Brewery: Brasseurs du Temps
Location: Gatineau
The taste: It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to Brasseurs du Temps — the small brewpub has more than 20 styles of beer in its repertoire. But its Diable au Corps, a bittersweet IPA that packs a punch at 9.5 per cent alc./vol, is a good place to begin. A great beer to sip at the end of the night.
Where to buy: At IGA and Metro locations in Gatineau.
Price: $9 (750mL bottle)
Website: brasseursdutemps.com
Beer: Crazy Canuck
Brewery: Great Lakes Brewery
Location: Toronto
The taste: Great Lakes created this beer for those who enjoy adventure and something out of the ordinary. It has a very hoppy fragrance and a satisfying malt finish that makes you think you’ve dived into a loaf of bread.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $2.50 (473 mL can)
Website: greatlakesbeer.com
Beer: Long Shot White
Brewery: Broadhead Brewing Company
Location: Ottawa
The taste: Broadhead says this fruit-flavoured wheat ale is brewed to be hazy and brazen. With a fresh, light taste that mixes coriander with orange, we say it’s the perfect way to start off a lazy summer afternoon.
Where to buy: Growlers (1.89L jugs) available at the brewery, 27-81 Auriga Dr.
Price: $8.85
Website: broadheadbeer.com
Beer: Wellington County Dark Ale
Brewery: Wellington Brewery
Location: Guelph
The taste: This fine ale has scored Wellington Brewery a host of awards. Its rich taste has hints of nut and toffee, and is a fine addition to your cottage stash.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $2.60 (473mL can)
Website: wellingtonbrewery.ca
Beer: Kichesippi Natural Blonde
Brewery: Kichesippi
Location: Ottawa
The taste: Named after the Ottawa River’s original moniker, Kichesippi does its city proud with its flagship Natural Blonde beer. Not overly bitter, with touches of caramel and citrus, it’s a great beer to pop while sitting on the dock.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $12.95 (6x355mL)
Website: kbeer.ca
Beer: Steam Whistle
Brewery: Steamwhistle
Location: Toronto
The taste: You’ve seen it before, and have hopefully tried it. But we just couldn’t keep this off the list. Steam Whistle creates one of the best pilsners you’ll find, making it a must-buy for the cottage.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $2.80 (500mL can) or $13.25 (6x341mL)
Website: steamwhistle.ca
Beer: Festivale Altbier
Brewery: Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company
Location: Vankleek Hill
The taste: Located just an hour east of Ottawa, Beau’s has become a staple at many local bars and restaurants in the city. Its Festivale Altbier is a German ale made specifically for the summer season, so grab it now while you can.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $4.35 (600mL bottle)
Website: beaus.ca
Beer: HogsBack Vintage Lager
Brewery: Hogsback Brewing Company
Location: Ottawa
The taste: Hogsback’s first offering is a crisp lager with a distinctive taste. It’s an easy drinking style that you can enjoy all day long.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $12.95 (6x341mL)
Website: hogsback.ca
Beer: Harvest Gold Pale Ale
Brewery: Barley Days Brewery
Location: Picton
The taste: Barley Days wanted to re-create that fresh-cut hay and autumn fields scent, and has done it well in this pale ale. It’s a great choice for when the sun is setting.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $12.95 (6x341mL)
Website: barleydaysbrewery.com
Beer: Original Organic
Brewery: Mill Street Brewery
Location: Toronto
The taste: With a new brewpub in Ottawa, Mill Street’s stock is rising in the capital city. Original Organic — the first certified organic lager in Ontario — is a smooth beer that’s easy to throw back.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $2.75 (473mL can) or $13 (6x341mL)
Website: millstreetbrewpub.ca
Beer: Hoptical Illusion
Brewery: Flying Monkeys
Location: Barrie
The taste: This hoppy ale screams summer. Its bold taste will wake you up on a hot, sticky day, and the taste is almost as wild as its funky label.
Where to buy: LCBOs across the city.
Price: $13.25 (6x355mL)
Website: theflyingmonkeys.ca
Thank you so much for including us and for the kind words! Cheers from the Good Beer Folks!
Why don’t you mention that some of those beers are also available at The Beer Store? Seems to me that the people that specialize in beer should get equal time as opposed to free promo for the LCBO. Steam Whistle, Flying Monkeys, Wellington & Mill St all available and all nice and cold at the Beer Store.
FrostyMug: Fair point. Those ones are indeed available at The Beer Store. Personally, however, I think the LCBO does a better job at providing a diverse beer selection, opposed to The Beer Store that’s owned by three of the biggest brewers in the world. But, as long as you can get what you want at the end of the day…