SWEETBACK’S ~ RAINHARD BREWING CO.

Sweetback’s is sweet milk stout that was awarded a Gold at the Ontario Brewing Awards 2016. Milk stouts (aka sweet stouts) got their name from the use of lactose in the brew (lactose is an unfermentable sugar). Sampled on draught they brew poured a, opaque black with hints of deep brown and a moderate beige head. The head had good retention before receding into a thick foamy cap and leaving nice lacing. The nose has notes of roasted malts, coffee, lactic sweetness and a touch of chocolate and smokiness. The taste was quite mild and sweet. There were notes of coffee, roasted malts and chocolate, complemented by creamy lactic sweetness. The mouthfeel was medium and creamy and the carbonation was soft. This was very approachable, nicely balanced milk stout. Not overly complex, but a lovely way to end an evening.
5.25% from Toronto, Ontario 25 IBU

 ~ TRUE GRIT ~ RAINHARD BREWING CO.

True Grit is a saison/Farmhouse Ale. Sampled on draught, the beer poured a clear deep golden hue, with just a tiny bit of head, which left nice lacing. The nose contained fruit, yeasts, a little citrus and herbs. The front was a little sweet and contained cereal, yeast, a touch of citrus and a hint of fruitiness. The finish had a distinct hop bitterness (Amarillo Hops were used). The carbonation was moderate and the beer had a medium body. A refreshing easy drinking saison. A solid simple beer.

6.5% from Toronto, Ontario 35 IBU

SETTING SUN AMERILLO DRY HOP SAISON ~ RAINHARD BREWING CO.

Setting Sun is a dry-hopped, single hopped saison.  It pours a light amber colour.  Nose contains notes of hoppy citrus, lemon and bread.  Taste is a mix of citrus lemon, breadiness and a very subtle sweetness.   The bitterness for the Amerillo Hops gives some bite at the end.  Very drinkable but not spectacular.

4.5% from Toronto, Ontario  30 IBU