HANSEL AND BRETT’LE ~ FORKED RIVER

Hansel and Brett’le is a farmhouse ale that has been aged in Ontario VQA Chardonnay casks for a half a year. Sampled on draught the ale poured a hazy bright golden yellow, with an ample loose white head. The head sticks around for a while before receding into a cap and collar. The nose had lots of vinous notes, as well as lemony citrus, apple, oakiness, earthiness and subtle malt and funk. The taste contained sweet grains, a slight wortiness, lemony citrus, pretty tartness, apple cider, chardonnay and oak notes. There was a little funk on the end. The finish is crisp, clean and dry. The body was light and the carbonation was lively. I enjoyed this beer, nicely balanced, and all (the brett, the barrels…) is done in moderation. Very refreshing.
4.9% from London, Ontario

GOLDEN CHARD ~ FORKED RIVER

Golden Chard is Forked Rivers Belgian Golden Ale (Golden Boy) that has been left to age in Southbrook Chardonnay barrels. Sampled on draught the beer poured a slightly cloudy pale golden hue with lots of effervescent fine bubbles and a small white head. The nose was quite tart with a little spice, notes of vinous grapes, cereal grains, and bretty funk also made an appearance. The taste was pleasantly soured but its aging - but not over done. The Chardonnay barrels lent a vinous quality and a little oakiness. The mouthfeel was a little buttery, and flavours did not disappoint. The carbonation was fine and lively and it had a medium body. The finish was clean and crisp. A complex little number, definitely worth a try.

6.2% from London, Ontario 15 IBU

Photo courtesy: Forked River Instagram

DYSANIA ~ FORKED RIVER

Dysania is an American Style Pale Ale. Sampled on draught the beer poured a slightly cloudy deep orange amber with an average sized dense off white head. The head receded into a cap and left nice lacing in its wake as it dissipated. Lots of orange and grapefruit citrus on the nose with hints of stone fruits and melons, followed by a little pine resin. The flavour has notes of bitter citrus peel, orange, stone fruit and a few tropical fruits as well. A solid caramel and biscuity malt provides backbone. The beer finished with, grapefruit and stone fruit, with an earthy piney hop which lingers. The body was light to medium and the carbonation was average. Crisp, refreshing, well balanced and quite enjoyable.
By the way Dysania is a mental disorder which makes it difficult for it’s sufferer to get out of bed.
5.4% from London, Ontario 45 IBU

FULL CITY COFFEE PORTER ~ FORKED RIVER BREWING

Sampled on draught, this porter on nitro poured a deep opaque brown black with a generous creamy beige head. The head had good staying power, before settling into a cap and leaving light lacing. The nose had notes of chocolate, lots of roasted coffee (from First Crack Coffee Company), toasted bread, subtle malts, earthiness and a light nuttiness. Flavour had tons of espresso, with black coffee/hop bitterness. More subtle notes of caramel, molasses, dark toasted malts, chocolate and an earthiness were also to be found. The brew was abounding with flavour. The carbonation was gentle, the mouthfeel as creamy and the finish was dry with no lasting aftertaste. I very nice flavourful porter, enjoyed when the leaves were turning and their was a slight chill in the air.

5.5% from London, Ontario 32 IBU

MOJO~FORKED RIVER

Mojo is an American Style Wheat beer with rhubarb and citra hops. Sampled on draught the beer poured a very slightly hazy light golden yellow with a moderate white head that did not linger very long, but did settle into a cap while leaving wisps of lacing on the glass. The nose contained some wheaty grains, bright citrus, citra hops and suggestions of tropical fruit and subtle rhubarb. The beer was quite easy to drink and easily quaffable. The beer begins with a little graininess – a nice crackery base, followed by citrus and tropical fruit, with a slight tartness (I am assuming from the rhubarb) and citra hops finish it off. The finish was crisp and dry, the carbonation was average, the body was light (but not thin), and the mouthfeel was silky smooth. I would have liked a little more rhubarb presence but this mild yet flavourful ale would be a great session summer sipper.

4.5% from London, Ontario 23 IBU