HARRY PORTER ~ GREAT LAKES BREWERY

Sampled on draught on nitro. This porter poured an opaque very dark brown, with deep ruby hues and had a beige head that lasted several minutes and left good lacing. As the head died down, it left some lacing around the glass. The nose had coffee, roasted malts, burnt caramel, hints of chocolate and earthy-woodsy hops. The taste is much like a traditional porter, with roasted malts, coffee, hints of chocolate, burnt sugar, and dried fruit with a pleasant amount of bittering earthy hops and a little sweetness on the finish. I found this brew medium bodied, moderately carbonated, and very satisfactorily flavourful.

6.2%  from Etobicoke, Ontario    18 IBU

2013 Gold Medal - Canadian Brewing Awards.

SAISON DU PUMP ~ GREAT LAKES BREWERY

Saison Du Pump is a pumpkin ale brewed with spice and Belgian Saison yeast.

Sampled on draught, it pours a hazy golden colour, with a tinge of orange.  It had a decent head, but the foam dissipated quickly.  Nose has lots of yeast, spice, a little malt and pumpkin.  The taste is very similar: lots of bready and yeast flavour with pumpkin, pumpkin spice (nutmeg and cloves) and a fall earthiness. A little sweetness mid drink and then finishes with a mild bitterness and a subtle spiciness.  An interesting marriage of two different styles and seasons - definitely worth a try.  A good unique beer.

5.2 %  from Etobicoke, Ontario

EZRA ~ GREAT LAKES BREWERY  & AMSTERDAM BREWERY

Now retired, Ezra was a saison, aged in cider barrels.  Both saison and ciders have farmhouse origins and compliment each other.  Reminiscent of a ‘snakebite’ this beer has wonderful flavours.  It begins with a slight lemon, and a wine flavour, going to tart apples and finishes with a dry tartness.  Very refreshing.

6.5% from Toronto, Ontario
-beer 73-