Limberlost

 

Gravenhurst, Ontario’s Sawdust City Brewing Co. recently released a duo of beers under the Limberlost moniker: a bière de garde style called Bruin and Belgian-style sour blonde. Stay tuned to the Bitter World for my thoughts on both in the days ahead.

Mr. Jackpots

Sold in 473mL cans that, for some reason, remind me of the album art of Traffic’s 1971 album “The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys”, Mr. Jackpots is a 6% IPA brewed with Centennial and Idaho 7 hops. Brewed in Toronto by Rainhard Brewing, Mr. Jackpots is a hazy, dull gold ale with a covering of off-white suds.

Mr. Jackpots has pineapple and mango aromatics, with a dusting of citrus bitterness. The beer has a mellow texture and a flavour that blends tropical and citrus fruit. There is limited bitterness, but lots of juicy, dry-hopped flavour.

If I were in charge, I’d have liked Mr. Jackpots to have been a little higher octane, but the flavour was definitely enjoyable and the texture was nice. I ordered an octet of these little beauties and I was a bit wistful when I put the last one in the fridge, which I take as a good sign that I’d buy this little ale again.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.

GLB Vienna Lager

 Clear and bronze, with a fluffy (but short-lived) off-white head, Great Lakes Brewery’s Vienna Lager is a 5% offering from the Toronto brewing stalwart. The beer comes in 473mL cans. 

GLB’s Vienna Lager has an elegant, malty nose that is sweet, bready, and a touch metallic. Likewise, malt is the buzzword right from the first sip—the beer’s flavour is sweet and grainy, accented with some copper and just the faintest hint of woodsmoke. Lots of caramel. There is just a touch of floral bitterness to shut the door on the amber lager. The Euro-style lager has a smooth, thickish texture.

This continental lager has a mellow texture that plays well with its sweet elements, though in truth, I’d have preferred a bit less sweetness. Still, it’s a good take on an agreeable style. I’ve been interested in GLB’s recent forays into lager-making—a real departure from their catalogue of pale ales and IPAs, and one they’ve embraced well. Their Vienna Lager is a good example of a nicely-executed European-style lager.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10.