I missed Cask Days this year at Toronto’s Bar Volo, mainly because I was in Kentucky tasting bourbon, but also because of work demands at home. Still, thanks to the indefatigable Ralph Morana, owner and operator of Volo, I was able to sample a bunch of the remaining casks this afternoon. Here are some thoughts:
General
The standard of the beers was, overall, much higher than last year. Still some silly stuff, as noted below, but much more quality cask-conditioned beer then I’ve seen at this event in the past. What follows are a handful of admittedly brief notes taken over a couple of hours touring the cask-strewn terrace at Volo. Not every beer tasted is reviewed.
Almost There
Robert Simpson Pale Ale – Good hop character, but where’s the malt?
Stratford Brewing Empire Common Pilsner – A strong pilsner is a fine notion. One which smells like fruit salad, and tastes along the same lines, needs work.
Tasty Enough
Mill Street Green Hopped Tankhouse – I don’t recall if I have previously encountered a fresh hop ale in Ontario, but if I have, it wasn’t as good as this. Balance in a fresh hop beer is tricky, but this has it.
King Unfiltered Hopped-Up Pilsner – Tastes like King on the back end, but is a bit muddled up front. This beer made me wonder why King wouldn’t opt for a good kellerbier instead.
Beau’s Brewing Nightmarzen – Call this “old school marzen,” with its significantly hoppy character and luscious malt. It’s supposed to be the brewery’s next regular release and I expect it will be a delightful addition to Ontario’s draught taps.
What Were They Thinking?
Great Lakes Peach & Pepper Ale – Innovative, yes. Drinkable, no.
Black Oak Homegrown Hop Bomb – The 100 mile diet may be a good thing, but the original Hop Bomb was far better.
The Stars
Cameron’s High Hop Silver – Proof that simple can sometimes be best. A delicious, dry-hopped blend of the brewery’s Cream and Auburn ales.
F&M George’s Double Red – The finest Ontario-brewed beer bearing the adjective “double” I have yet tasted. Balance, fruitiness, controlled IBUs, decent complexity…what more could a beer drinker want? For mercy’s sake, get this into regular production, and fast!
