Ol’ Woody Alt

Named in honour of the old wooden motor boats that once dominated cottage country, Ol’ Woody Alt is a 5% alcohol, 35 IBU altbier brewed in Gravenhurst, Ontario—billed as a “lagered ale” in its copy. Produced by the Sawdust City Brewing Co., Ol’ Woody is sold in 473mL cans that have a decidedly coffin-looking image that is apparently a boat.

The beer itself is a very handsome clear auburn potion with an ivory head. It has a nutty, bready, and malt-driven scent, and a flavour to match. Ol’ Woody tastes pretty well-balanced, with some graininess, well roasted malt, and a slight note of mown lawn.

I’m not going to go out on a limb and call it memorable, but it is clearly cleverly brewed by people that care about their ales. When Sawdust City speaks, the Stout Man listens and, even when I’m not blown away, I have seldom been disappointed.

Rating: 7.0 out of 10