AGAINST THE GRAIN LAGER ~ HIGH PARK BREWERY

Against the Grain is a light lager brewed in the German style, with a blend of malts and German and American malts. Sampled on drought the brew poured a clear golden amber with a small white head, which left some nice lacing. The nose is simple and straightforward, with lots of grainy biscuity goodness as well as some grassy hops. The flavour follows with a lovely balance of sweet malts and hops, very subtle orchard fruit, and a mild hop bitterness. The flavour was more than expected from a Euro style lager. The finish was clean and crisp and off-dry, and the carbonation was moderate. Very pleasant and easily sessionable.

4.5% from Toronto, Ontario IBU 19.8 

Photo Courtesy of High Park Brewery

ACROSS THE POND ENGLISH SPECIAL ALE ESB ~ HIGH PARK BREWERY

High Park Brewery is still relatively new (it started summer of 2015) and I believe still brewing under contract. Sampled on draught this beer poured a lovely clear coppery orange colour with a small off white head, which receded quickly. The nose had the qualities typical of an English bitter, with some English floral hops (and some notes of North American ones too), caramel, bread, and some subtle herbal and mineral notes. The taste follows, with caramel, grass, and toasted bread to begin, with a toasty herbal bitterness emerging mid sip. The body was medium and the carbonation was average. A lovely example of the style. I look forward to more brews from this brewery.

5.5% from Toronto, Ontario 42 IBU