NIAGARA PEACH MEAD ~ TRAFALGAR ALES AND MEADS

Trafalgar has explored different Ontario terroirs with their meads. This one explores the flavours of the Niagara Region and uses local peaches. Sampled from a caged and corked bottle the mead poured an opaque vibrant golden-bronze colour, with little visible carbonation and no head. The aroma is largely peach, with notes of honey, florals, very subtle hops and a definite booziness. The taste has huge juicy peach flavour, with subtle woodsy-spicy notes - it is rich and reminds me almost of a liqueur. The finish is a mix of sweetness (but not artificial) from the honey, sweet peaches, and a lingering booziness. The body is medium-full, the carbonation was soft and the mouthfeel was oily/syrupy. Overall ad decent mead, I think it would make a lovely digestif or aperitif served with some sharp old cheddar.

8.5% from Oakville Ontario

SOUTHERN JUSTICE ~ INNOCENTE

Southern Justice is a limited edition one-off.  The brewery made 600 bottles that were sold only at the brewery store, which sold out very quickly.  Select bars were lucky enough to get a cask.  The beer is a saison that has been aged in Jack Daniels Bourbon casks for 6 months with Ontario peaches (from Herrles farm).  Sampled on draught, the beer poured a translucent honey amber with a small white head.  Peaches and whisky are all over the nose.   This beer is incredible, beautifully made and balanced.  The whiskey makes a smoky appearance but does not overpower the delicate flavours of the saison.  Sweet peaches also make an appearance, but compliment rather than compete with the whisky.  The beer does not taste as boozy as it is, not knowing what the alcohol content was, I would have guessed around 6%.  This one is a sipper for sure.  An exquisitely balanced brew. 

 

10.5% from Waterloo, Ontario

 ~MOONLIGHT KETTLE JUST PEACHY ~ 

MUSKOKA BREWERY

This Kölsch beer is part of Muskoka Brewing limited edition one-offs.  The nose is that of light peaches.  The peaches lend a very subtle sweetness to the beer, but are barely identifiable as flavour.  Beer is sweet and dry with a nice bitterness on the finish.

5%  from Bracebridge, Ontario   25 IBU
 -beer 94-

KONICHWA PEACHES ~ OAST HOUSE

German Hefeweizen with peaches.  Pours a cloudy gold, with a frothy white head.  Aroma is peaches and as subtle spice.  First taste is peaches - not cloying fake peach or peach concentrate, but a fresh Ontario Peach.  A little yeast flavour and sweetness follows with a clean finish which clears the palate.  Lovely on a summer day.  Made with fresh Ontario Peaches from Lepp farms in Niagara, Ontario.
5% from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario    18 IBU
-beer 86-