Toronto Winter Brewfest got my attention when I read that a bunch of Quebec breweries signed up to participate. Considering Quebec is our neighbour and home to some of Canada’s best microbrasseries, brews from the province are frustratingly hard to get in Ontario.
This will be the first time the organizers hold this event in Toronto, after operating in Ottawa and Gatineau.
Ahead of the event this weekend the organizers have released a list of the 130 beers available from about 50 Ontario and Quebec breweries.
There are a bunch of great beers available, but at events like this I always try to stick to beers that are hard to come by elsewhere.
Beer picks
After studying the beer list, these are the 5 beers I am most anxious to try for the first time. Lo and behold, they are all from la Belle Province.
Gainsbourg – Orange Tie-Wrap (Saison-IPA, 8%)
It’s hard to find any info about this beer, but from what I can tell this is a hybrid beer brewed with limes, fresh orange zest and Nelson Sauvin hops. I love Nelson Sauvin hops. This will surely be my first stop of the evening.
Gainsbourg – Côte Ouest – (IPA, 7%)
Several beers from this small Gatineau brewery look great. This is their west-coast IPA, triple dry hopped, can’t wait to give it a try.
Les Trois Mousquetaires – Sticke Alt (German Alt, 6%)
This established brewer from Brassard is great at putting a twist on classic styles. I’m expecting big things from their take on a German Alt, and I doubt I’ll be disappointed.
Bilboquet – MacKroken Flower – (Scotch Ale, 10.8%)
I love a scotch ale and this one sounds like a treat, as it’s brewed with wild flower honey. This might be a great one to have for dessert to end off the night.
Dieu du Ciel – Solstice d’Hiver (American Barley Wine, 10.5%)
I’ve heard great things about this beast from arguably the best brewery in Canada. At 10.5% this might be another candidate to cap off the night. Or maybe this will make a good second dessert.
Check back next week for a post about my experiences at the event.
Are you going this weekend? Which beers are you looking forward to tasting?
beers to discover 