DOUBLE CHOCOLATE CHERRY STOUT ~ BLACK OAK

5.8% from Toronto (Etobicoke), Ontario

Sampled on draught, this stout poured an opaque black-brown with a small-beige head, that didn’t stick around, but did recede into a cap and collar and left impressive lacing. The nose contained notes of chocolate, roasted malts, sweetness, smoke and a tiny bit of tart fresh cherry. The flavour has lots of cocoa and chocolate along with roasted malts, lactic sweetness and a hint of cherry and smoke. The finish has some hop bitterness along with more of the cherry.The stout is medium bodied, with medium-soft carbonation, and a smooth creamy mouthfeel. This stout is not too heavy, or too bitter, or too sweet or too fruity - just enough of everything. A very pleasant after dinner sipper.

BARRELSHED No.1 ~ SHAWN & ED BREWING

6.5% from Dundas, Ontario 

49 IBU

Sampled on draught, the beer poured a amber-ruby colour with a moderate white head. The nose had American hops in the front with more floral, herbal English hops in the background, biscuits grains and caramel are also present. The beer is fairly easy drinking and follows the profile of the aroma: American hops giving it citrus, pine, grapefruit and fruity notes and the English hops lending a more herbal flavour. Hints of caramel, and fruitiness are also present. There is very subtle indication that this was barrel aged in the finish, with a tiny bit of oakiness and wine, otherwise the finish is balanced with a little residual sweetness and hop bitterness. Pleasant enough, could use more time in the barrel.