Mmm, Beer

I read in the Hamilton Spectator this morning that local Hamilton brewery Lakeport has posted yet another series of increasing profits. Good for them. It’s always great to see a local company do well and overcome tremendous odds.

I must admit that I’ve always been a Molson guy, and Molson Export has long been my beer of choice. Rickard’s Red and Moosehead are also two of my regular brands. But among my top choices are two of the beers Lakeport produces: Lakeport Honey and Brava. My beer fridge currently has Heineken (one of Fran’s favourites) and Lakeport Honey. In the summertime, I usually switch over to Brava (a Mexican-style beer). And the on-tap choices at home (I have a beer fridge and tap that will take a 20 or 30 L keg) usually rotate between Canadian, Keiths, Moosehead and Rickard’s Red. Not all brews are available in the 20 or 30 L kegs.

Speaking of beer, I have to admit that one of the things I’m looking forward to during my forthcoming week in Pittsburgh is finding and trying some local brews. Sure, I can have a Bud or Coors or Miller, but I can enjoy those right now without leaving home, so why not experience something fun and local? Most cities or regions have microbreweries, and I’ve always enjoyed the “house” beer at different pubs or restaurants that are often produced by them or for them.

One of my favourites that I’ve enjoyed several times is the Olde Angel Inn Lager at The Olde Angel Inn in Niagara on the Lake, but I also recall enjoying the local brew at a pub in Collingwood as well as the wonderful sampler I had at a steakhouse with its own brewery in MidTown New York. (I can’t recall the names of either, unless I go back and check my credit card statement several years back, but I do remember enjoying the experience and the fine brews)

Okay, it’s barely 7:00 AM as I’m typing this, and already I’ve started to drool like Homer Simpson.