LCBO Food & Drink Early Summer 2021 TRADE

TOPS IN HOPS

Ontario cottage- country beers

From the Kawarthas to Lake of the Woods, Ontario’s cottage country regions are sprouting microbreweries, fuelled by a growing appetite for craft beer. There’s even a Cottage Country Beer Trail across Haliburton, Muskoka, Parry Sound and Hastings Highlands. “Our brewery has grown substantially in 25 years,” says Todd Lewin, president of Muskoka Brewery, “from an 8,000-square- foot facility in downtown Bracebridge to our current 80,000-square-foot facility.” Every sip offers an escape to cottage country, and part of the fun is decoding products’ branding references to local landmarks and heritage. Homegrown ingredients, like honey, fruit and wood, make cameos in some brews. Quirky witticisms often appear on labels, such as the Manitoulin Brewing Company’s Haw Eaters’ Brew (LCBO 10896, 355 mL, $2.70)—based on a nickname for people born on Manitoulin Island.

Dock beers These lively libations will be a hit at the cottage this summer. Session Clear Lake

Blonde Muskoka Chance of Flowers dry hopped kolschwith Hibiscus LCBO 19019, 473 mL, $3.95 This hot pink drink starts with a sour sucker punch, followed by a flowery finale. Expect a touch of crisp bitterness.

Sour Trestle Brewing Company No Service Series Mango Dry Hopped Sour LCBO 19718, 473 mL, $3.50 Light, fruity and flavour-­ packed, this sour brings a bone-dry mouth feel with a tart taste and aromas of mango.

Brewing co. SessionAle

LCBO 573832, 473 mL, $2.95 This golden ale is lower in alcohol and strikes a bal- ance in its malt and hop flavours, finishing clean.

For easy weekend packing, mix in these brews to make your own assorted six-pack of cottage-style beers. Boshkung Brewing Co. Life Session Lager LCBO 19498, 473 mL, $2.95 Sawdust City Binary System IIPA LCBO 19758, 473 mL, $4.75

Manitoulin Brewing Company Ten Mile Point Pilsner LCBO 19727, 473 mL, $3.10

Cottage-style hoppy hour Add these two new IPAs, fresh from the Cottage Country Beer Trail, to your “must-try” list.

Great with grilled vegetables.

Sawdust City Gnarnia Lil’ IPA LCBO 19262, 473 mL, $3.95 Built upon the simple malt body of a Hazy IPA, it’s then dry-hopped with tons of Mosaic and Citra hops, creating big flavours of juicy citrus and tropical fruit.

Lake of Bays Don’t LookDown Double IPA LCBO 19503, 473 mL, $4.00 Packed with sweet berry goodness, this smooth and soft ale finishes with subtle earthy, hoppy notes.

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EARLY SUMMER 2021 FOOD & DRINK