KW Craft Beer Bars - Part 1

KW Craft Beer Bars - Part 1

Craft beer is on the rise here in Ontario. In 2002 craft beer represented less than 2% of the LCBO's sales, it now stands at around 5% with a forecasted growth of 10% each year. With this has come a demand for establishments to provide craft beer on tap or at least have a wide selection of bottles.

Kitchener - Waterloo is no different, people are craving variety. There seems to be a change of mindset for the next generation of beer drinkers where locally brewed beer, specially by one of the Ontario Craft Brewers, is preferable to main stays such as Alexander Keith's or Coors. However a lot great bars are going unnoticed due to the abundance of Sports Bars in the area, below is a list of some great bars to visit for Craft Beer in Kitchener - Waterloo.

The Bent Elbow

The newest bar in Kitchener, The Bent Elbow offers nothing but craft beer (if you want a Budweiser you better go to the washroom). A constantly changing selection of beer is offered in this hidden away bar on Weber Street East. Draft and bottled beer is in great supply as well as one hand drawn Cask tap. Each patron is presented with a little black book to help you make up your mind on which beer to choose which is immensely helpful. Mondays offer is $5 on all pints of Ontario Craft Beers, which I regularly take up. 

Imbibe

This sleek and trendy bar isn't the biggest in Kitchener but provides a stylish selection of beer and live music. Located below the museum on King & Queen in the heart of Downtown Kitchener it can be easily missed but its an excellent bar for the location. My first visit consisted of discovering Silver Smith Black Lager and listening to a local blues musician, both excellent 

Beertown

By far the biggest player in the area and probably the best located. Beertown is owned and operated by the Charcoal group, owners of a variety of bars and restaurants in the area. Located in the prime location of Uptown Waterloo Square this bar is seldom quiet. Beertown boasts over 20 beers on tap as well as 4 seasonal in addition to a very well stocked bottle fridge. A tad more expensive then the other bars in the area but it's worth paying the premium for the stylish decor and range of beers. 

Thanks for reading so far Part 2 to follow later.

PROST!!

@EyeBeerHolder

Highballer Pumpkin Ale

Beer Review: Highballer Pumpkin Ale

So as I mentioned in my last Blog I wanted to review some of the Ontario Craft Brewers Beers as well as some of the more exotic brews I may find in the LCBO or Beer Store.  

I already had some store away in case of emergencies so decided to crack one open. I picked it out at random and it happened to be the Highballer Pumkin Ale by the excellent Grand River Brewing, a brewery very close to my location. 

I've always like the distinctive bottle shape and label design by GRB I feel it gives it a real Micro Brewery feel. They also feature some Food Recipes to use with their Brews. 

So onto the Beer itself. Usually the first thing I like to do when trying a new Beer for the first time is to get a good whiff of the aroma. I noted a strong smell of Pumpkin which is no mean feat as I know from my own experience, brewing with Pumpkin is very difficult. It takes a lot of Pumpkin to get a little flavor. I also detected a slightly spicy smell but there would only be one way to know for sure.

The taste was a lot duller than I was expecting (not to be confused with boring). For me it was because the brew seemed to have a low carbonation, however the enhanced the flavor of the Pumpkin considerably. Letting the Beer sit on the tongue brought through the hidden the spice of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves and Vanilla. 

Of course the colour is a wonderful amber because of the Pumpkin but I did find the brew wasn't as clear as I was expecting, perhaps there is a hint of Wheat in there. 

Verdict: As with a lot of seasonal Beers I don't think I could drink this all night but that's the beauty of seasonal beers. To make use of what is around you and to make Beer out of it, especially Pumpkin, is to be applauded. GRB have made a Pumkin Ale which could rival any other brand throughout North America and I look forward to their next batch.