RHUBARB SAISON ~ WELLINGTON

New label, old recipe. This is part of the Wellington Re-boot series. Re-boots are beers that were initially released as a one offs but enjoyed enough success to be revisited and rereleased. This rhubarb saison was initially “Farmers Market Rhubarb Saison.” It is made with over 200 pounds of locally sourced spring rhubarb. Sampled on draught, the beer poured a hazy bright apricot-amber colour with a generous white head, the left cap but no lacing as it receded. Lots of Belgian farmhouse yeast spiciness, florals, and a little rhubarb tartness on the nose. The flavour had a subtle rhubarb acidic tartness with a very weizen-like (banana and spicy yeast) background. The finish was dry and slightly tart. Delicate but refreshing.

5.1% from Guelph, Ontario

2015: A SPICE ODYSSEY ~ WELLINGTON

I bought and drank this the day that Bowie died.  It seemed fitting.  Sampled in a Bomber bottle, this is a Chai Tea Latte Stout.  Originally brewed in 2014 by an all female brewing team, what was meant to be a Welly One-off has now become a Welly re-boot.  The spices used were donated by the Bollywood Bistro and a portion of the sales go to help women in crisis.  The beer pours a very dark brown, almost black, with a finger of beige head.  The head lasted quite a while and left some thin lacing.  The nose had sweet chai spice, chocolate, nutmeg, cinnamon, and roasted malts.  The flavour began and dark roasted malts and dark chocolate, followed by hints a lovely spiciness, including vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and cloves.  The finish was dry and the cinnamon lingered.  Good medium mouthful and flavour.  Overall a nicely balanced, not over done beer.  Will have this again - it is a good sipper on a winters night.  Cheers Ziggy.

 7% from Guelph, Ontario      17 IBU

CUCKOO FOR COCOA HUSKS ~ WELLINGTON

This Chocolate Porter is a Welly Re-Boot. Originally made as a Welly one-off they have revisited and remade this delicious Christmassy beverage. Sampled on draught, the beer poured almost black with a tinge of red, with a tan head, that left some lacing. Nose contained lots of chocolate, roasted malts, coffee with hints of berries buried in the background. Roasted malts and dark chocolate (cocoa nibs were added directly to the mash) first dominated the flavour, with a subtle sweetness and perhaps even a soupçon of vanilla. The acidity adds a liqueur like quality to the brew. Finish has a gentle bitterness. Nicely balanced, very quaffable! Label created by cartoonist Jay Stevens.

6% from Guelph, Ontario