BLACK LAGER ~ SILVERSMITH

Sampled on draught this black lager or schwarzbier poured an opaque very dark brown (almost black) with an off white head. The head remained for a short while and then left moderate lacing. The nose was mild and contained dark roasted malts, a light sweetness and coffee. Roasted malts are dominant on the tongue but cacao, dark fruit, and earth hops are also present. The brew is not sweet and has a clean dry finish. The mouthfeel was medium bodied and slightly creamy, and the carbonation was moderate. I would certainly drink this brew again.

5% from Virgil, Ontario

BAVARIAN BREAKFAST WHEAT ~ SILVERSMITH BREWING

This German style hefeweizen/weissbeier is another solid beer from Silversmith Brewing. Sampled on draught the beer poured an unfiltered hazy golden colour with touches or amber. It had a long lasting white head and lots of carbonation. The nose contained the classic banana and clove with some citrusy orange and lemon, wheat and yeast. The taste is much as would be expected: wheat, clove, citrus and a touch of banana. Spicy yeasts finish the beer with a spicy finish and a hop bitterness. This is a well executed beer, made with all natural ingredients and is unpasteurized. I have not been disappointed by Silversmith Brewing yet, and this is a lovely example of the style.

5.2% from Niagara on the lake, Ontario 16 IBU

HILL 145 ~ SILVERSMITH BREWERY

Hill 145 is a Golden Ale (sometimes known as American Blonde Ale).  Pours a coppery gold colour with a white foamy head.  Aroma is a light maltiness, a subtle rye and some floral notes.  Flavour begins with malty sweetness and finishes clean and crisp, with some rye flavour.  It is a remarkably full-bodied for a beer that is only 4%.  Lovely malty session beer.

4% from Niagara on the Lake, Ontario 

15  IBU  -beer 93-

The name is a reference to a Vimy Ridge Battle.  More than 15, 000 Canadian Infantry marched towards Germans at the front at Vimy.  With incredible discipline and bravery the Canadians continued to move forward in heavy fire and forced the surrender of German machine-gun nests and protective dugouts.  Hill 145 is the highest hill and the site of the present day Vimy Monument.  The hill was overtaken in a frontal bayonet charge versus German Machine guns.