Ah, the first fair-weather long weekend of the year is on the horizon and the drinking is easy. Whether it’s Molson, Labatt, Keith’s, or any one of the dozens of excellent micro-brews (with a hometown shout out to Nova Scotia’s Garrison and Propeller breweries) made across our vast piece of geography, nothing goes better with a Canadian three-day than a few too many cold ones.
I’ll be in the land of Queen Victoria and the neighbourhood locals for most of the celebration: Spending some time tasting my way around the London International Wine Fair. That doesn’t mean I won’t indulge in a brew or two during my travels.
I’ve had the chance to tour London’s own Fuller’s Brewery in Chiswick more than once and their ESB (500 ml, $2.50 – $3.99) — which stands for Extra Special Bitter — is a classic, full-bodied malt-fest with plenty of lively hopes and, you guessed it, bitterness. Combine a pint with your favourite barbecued grub this weekend.
If European lagers from the mainland are more your style, try the Czech Republic’s Czechvar (500 ml, $2.55 – $3.05) with goulash, roast pork or just about anything. Its golden colour and rich, concentrated flavour oozes drinkablity.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
