Crosscut Canadian Ale

I drank a can of Crosscut Canadian Ale in what I think were entirely appropriate conditions to drink a beer with a forestry image on the can--outdoors, -10C, wearing a plaid shirt.

The beer in question comes Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Co., which operates out of Bath, Ontario. Crosscut contains a respectable 5.2% alcohol. It comes in 473mL cans. Outside of the can, it proves to be a clear, copper-hued ale. It pours with a thin topping of off-white head. I know that I already used copper to describe the hue, but coppery is also a very apt adjective to describe the scent of this ale--it's metallic and quite pleasant to the nose. The flavour passes from a healthy toasted malt character into a faintly hoppy, tinny finish. Really enjoyable stuff, except that it's a tad thin of body.

According to the copy on the can, the Mackinnon Brothers' ancestors settled in Upper Canada in 1784 as farmers and the brothers are the 8th generation of the family to work the same parcel of land, and they've chosen to do so by operating a farm-based brewery. I love the idea of brewers who are that involved in the growing of their own ingredients. I'll be watching out for more of their beers for sure.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Old Tomorrow Canadian Pale Ale

Brewed in homage to Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, Old Tomorrow Canadian Pale Ale is a Torontonian beer fashioned by Old Tomorrow Ltd. Its 473mL can features an image of John A., though at just 4.(% alcohol, one suspects this would have been mere breakfast fare for a man as notoriously "spirited" as Sir John. I also suspect that the distinction between a "Canadian Pale Ale" and an American one is largely illusory, though the can does indicate that Canuck barley and rye are used. Perhaps its the inclusion of rye that does the job?

When poured, Old Tomorrow proved itself to be a nearly clear copper ale shrouded in a hood of off-white head. Its nose has bitter elements as well as a caramel malt spine. The can uses adjectives like "velvety" and "silky smooth" which proved to be fairly apt descriptors of the mouthfeel. On the front end, I found the flavour to be a bit sparse, with a bit of malt but little else. There is, though, a good crackle of woodsy hops in the finish that saves the day. I was hoping for a touch of rye spiciness, but the classic Canadian grain doesn't really do much more than poke its head out from backstage.

While this beer has some cons, like its slightly sub-standard percentage and its anemic initial taste, the back end's bitterness, the smooth texture, and the historically endearing name all guarantee that I'll be revisiting this stuff from time to time.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10.