Whats up suds sippers, today we will begin the first of my reviews of brews from Toronto neighbourhoods. Now, the neighbourhood scene in Tdot is still growing, and there are not alot of local brews out there, but I want to monitor this trend because I think it is significant. In the old days, brewers brewed beer for their neighbourhoods and towns. Lack of transportation and refrigeration facilities meant that beer was consumed close to where it was brewed. With the onset of the microbrewery trend and the public's increasing desire for hand crafted and flavourful brews, it now seems possible that the concept of neighbourhood breweries could make a come back. The other day I was in the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) and I saw something called Augusta Ale by Kensington Brewery. Now, the combination of the words Kensington with Augusta really made me do a double take because Augusta Ave runs through the heart of Kensington Market district of Toronto. I knew this had to be a neighbourhood brew! I grabbed a can and cracked it forthwith....
I poured it into my Duvel giant tulip glass, and it poured a burnt orange colour with a creamy 3 com head that dissipated very slowly. taking a big whiff, I got a big blast of hops along with orange peel. So far so good. I took a first sip, and need a couple more to really understand what was going on. I got marmalade, at first (yes really), toasty flavours and caramel. It was a full mouth flavour experience, although not overly complex. I wasn't really blown away by it, but It was emminently drinkable and would be a perfect for a summer session on a patio on Augusta Ave..... overall, a decent brew but not outstanding. Nonentheless, I will press on with reviewing some more TO brews, Bellwoods form Ossington Ave and maybe Mill Street from the Distillery. I will be hard at work lol. Till next time!
