Arts & Craft (Beer)

- Connor Smith

- Feb 13, 2021

         When we think about what we enjoy about drinking a beer, we often think less about the drink itself, and more with the memories and emotions attached to the moments where you crack the lid and enjoy the moment you're in. While we always prefer to drink something our tastebuds enjoy, we also factor in social and circumstantial elements. The beautiful aspect of beer, particularly craft beer. is that there is such a wide variety of options and tastes. Of course, this certainly relates to a game we've watched, a moment we all go back on youtube to watch time and time again, or a night of celebration after seeing your hometown win all the glory. We all have our favourite moments, and our moments will always be revisited with enjoying the same type of drink you had for that night.

        Over the last week, I have been thankful and enthusiastic for the opportunity to sample and review 6 of Calabogie Brewing Co.'s different craft ales. These are all 6 different styles of craft ale, ranging from pilsners to milk stouts. These ales all have different associations to them as well, and it's perfect for being able to use those drinks to revisit the same memories time and time again. 

     Without further ado, enjoy the experiences with me.

*images are not mine

K&P Ale 1883 (Amber Ale)

     Kept in a dark red can, the K&P Ale 1883 stays true to its theme, and the train symbolism shows promise of a drink that can be enjoyed any time, at any destination. 

     As promised, the ale displays a beautiful amber colour as its poured in my ol' trusty beer mug. There is very minimal foaming, which will make the rest of the experience superb. In a way, the visuals for this ale resembles a bottle of beautiful, homegrown maple syrup. Maybe I should've saved it for brunch! 

      When smelling the ale, I already get a feeling that this drink was truly made with care. Strong, but not bitter, the scent gives me memories from my first time trying an amber ale back in my first year of university. I have not tried many different amber ales since, so I am really looking forward to enjoying every drop of this beverage!

     Upon my first taste, I start to wonder why I have been missing out on amber ales for such a long time! The taste of malt is strong with this ale, which is certainly a positive attribution. The beverage goes down noticeably smoother compared to most ales, and the taste lasts on the tongue far after a sip. There isn't a significant palate effect, but frankly this is my first time ever paying attention to an ale's palate! The drink is easy to hold in the mouth for an extended period, without any acidic feelings that can be found in some other ales (and all mixed drinks). 

     When drinking the K&P Ale 1883, it gives me the idea that this would be paired perfectly with any meal involving chicken; chicken wings specifically. This is an excellent ale to enjoy while at a pub or a sports bar with a few friends, specifically in the autumn. When (or dare I say, IF) Covid-19 eases up and communities can open up again, I can certainly see myself looking for this ale on the menu to enjoy with a good meal and watching football all day. As a Buffalo Bills fan, drinking during games is pure tradition, and I would be selfish not to recommend this ale to my fellow Bills fans to enjoy while Josh Allen kicks New England's ass! (I might even have to hold them back from jumping on a table incase they enjoy the ale too much).

     The only downside is that I can't picture myself having more than a few of these in a day before switching to a different drink. This could simply be because I'm not extremely familiar with amber ales, but the strong taste may be difficult to handle once you're already 2 or 3 deep. However, for starting things off, this is the perfect ale to enjoy, not just for its taste and smoothness, but also for its visuals and its scent. Overall, the K&P Ale 1883 pleases all the senses necessary in assessing a craft beer, and I certainly enjoy this beverage compared to other amber ales. I have never seen my father with an amber ale either, but if I were to convince him to get into ambers, I am confident that my best bet would be to showcase the K&P Ale 1883. 

Appearance: 10/10

Aroma: 8.5/10

Taste: 8/10

Overall: 9/10

Front Porch (Kolsch Style Ale)

     As compared to the dark red can of the K&P amber ale, the Front Porch rests in a vibrant yellow can with blue lettering. On the can, one can notice the image of a rocking chair facing a calm lake, and a barking dog resting next to it, which already gives summery vibes before the can is even opened! I have a feeling that this ale will be stiff competition to that dog for the title of man's best friend.

     When pouring in the glass, I noticed that this beverage offers less foam than most other drinks, which is certainly a plus. The golden colour of the ale bears resemblance to a bottle of Corona, which only strengthens its case as a good summery drink. The foam at the top of the glass, now full, is almost nonexistent. Again, it's not often that I get more excited for a drink as I study it before having a taste, but the Front Porch is giving out an amazing presentation thus far.

     After giving a smell of the beverage, I had to try a few times. The overall scent is fairly weak, especially compared to the K&P Ale 1883. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as a beer that has too noticeable of a smell might turn people away. It slightly resembles a Heineken in scent, as it has a scent slightly more bitter than it looks.

     After my first taste, I find the drink quite interesting, and not quite what I was expecting. It still has a good taste, but certainly does not resemble the taste of a Corona. Of course, I am not too familiar with Kolsch Style Ales, but this seems like a pretty good first try at this type. The taste definitely stays on the tongue after a sip, and the palate is noticeably more present than the K&P 1883. At times, I check if there is a lime in the drink, as it has a slight sour taste. Of course, that would simply align with its theme. The taste is a lot stronger than the smell, and it certainly feels like the kind of drink to relax and enjoy slowly, rather than a drink one can chug in front of their friends (or family, if one feels bold).

     The can design and visuals certainly painted a picture of a summery, cottage vibe, and the taste lives up to that theme. I would also see this being a great fit for an outdoor patio with a couple friends, or out on a date! I would also say that this is a drink best enjoyed when the sun is shining, rather than when the moon is glowing. I can visualize myself having this drink after a couple others, right before a cozy mid-afternoon nap. The theme of the Front Porch is to enjoy every sip, slow life down and simply appreciate everything that's around you; both the setting and the company. 

     Overall, this is a very solid (I mean liquid) ale to enjoy. It wasn't fully what I was expecting in terms of overall taste, but it still delivers as a great drink that feels good going down. It isn't necessarily a drink I would go out of my way to find, but I certainly wouldn't turn it down if one was offered to me. The visuals and taste live up to the theme of the can, which is a really nice indicator of when to crack these open, and gives it a strong meaning behind the drink. The strong taste pushes you to slow down and enjoy the beverage, which is something I certainly am doing now!

Appearance: 9/10

Aroma: 6/10

Taste: 7/10

Overall: 7.5/10

Winter Solstice (Pale Ale)

     On the opposite end of the seasonal spectrum, the Winter Solstice comes in a crisp dark blue can, with an elegant 6-stemmed snowflake bearing the imagery on the can. As with the Front Porch, this can immediately sets the mood with a particular season to enjoy it the most; this time, it's winter. Considering that I just ran out to put the garbage at the front of the driveway in -15 degree weather, I already am in the mood to embrace a drink that fits for the season we're currently in. 

      When pouring the drink, I must simply say I am amazed with the snowflake effect in the drink itself. This is something I've never quite seen before, and it really adds to the setting of the wintery drink. I am so glad I poured this in a glass, as those who drink straight from the can could easily miss this fascinating feature. The beverage is cloudy and has an orange-ish colour.

      After giving it a smell, the first distinct element I noticed that stood out was the smell of a pine, almost like a christmas tree (a real one, that is). This further adds to the theme, and it still begins to amaze me as to how much effort was put into making this drink fit the winter theme to a tee. The smell is certainly noticeable, but not too strong. Overall, the entire process as of now has been very inviting. 

     When tasting this, it's quite hard to place what exactly to say about it, other than that it's simply delicious! As compared to the Front Porch, the Winter Solstice tastes exactly as it looks and smells, and continues to fit the winter theme perfectly! The palate is in between the other two reviewed beverages; more noticeable than the K&P Ale 1883, but not as tingly as the Front Porch. Overall this is the perfect Palate level if you ask me. 

     This beverage certainly makes me think of Christmas morning, sitting next to the tree and opening presents with my family. While beer isn't something my family goes for first thing on Christmas morning (my dad goes with Baileys in his coffee), I can certainly see myself wanting to start off my day with a few of these. The theme fits almost anything wintery; watching a hockey game, going for an afternoon of skiing, or even something to reward yourself with after shovelling the driveway! As compared to the other two drinks, I don't see myself getting tired of the taste, and would be happy to stick to just this drink for an entire sitting! 

      Overall, there really is nothing but great things to say about the Winter Solstice. The entire presentation is fantastic, and fits the theme to a tee. Normally, I'm not a fan of seeing things inside a drink, but I noticed they dissolved quickly, and when drinking it, you truly can't notice a difference. The taste is hard to describe, but easy to down, and I would not try to switch drinks at all if I've already started with these. If it weren't for the review, I would've requested 6 of these bad boys! Nothing short of the perfect pale ale!

Appearance: 9.5/10

Aroma: 10/10

Taste: 10/10

Overall: 10/10

Bogie (West Coast American IPA)

     With a bright red can showcasing an image of Calabogie Brewing Co. brewhouse, the Bogie appears to be the the trademark drink of the company, which makes me super intrigued to try. The back of the can describes a "Citrus, Pine rounded bitterness", which sounds like it combines elements from both the Front Porch and the Winter Solstice. 

     Pouring the whole drink into my glass took a bit of time, as it came out significantly foamier than the other drinks so far. No worries though, as the foam reveals a beautiful golden colour, fitting for the golden state, which helps keep the west coast american theme to a tee. It's halfway between the K&P 1883 and the Winter Solstice, and its a noticeably clear drink that is quite inviting.

     The smell isn't super noticeable or noteworthy, but it does still exist, rather than the Front Porch. The aroma does have a bitter sense, which is staying true to what the can says. I can smell a hint of the pine, but don't notice anything citrusy. Overall, the smell is weak compared to a couple of the others, but it is a welcoming smell.

     Upon first taste, I notice the drink is staying true to its promise of a bitter feel. Again, being consistent with the smell, I can sense the pine taste, but less of the citrus taste. The palate is fairly strong, and the taste stays on the tongue well after a sip. In fact, I notice the citrus taste more in the aftertaste, rather than when I actually drink it, making for a unique drink that has a difference in tastes between drinking and the aftertaste, which is not something I noticed with any of the other drinks so far. 

     I believe this drink is best enjoyed in an outdoor setting, particularly in the late spring season, where us Canadians are finally done thawing off from the frozen winters, and can enjoy the comfortable May and June weather. This makes for a good patio drink, or a drink to take along with you for a canoe trip or a mountain hike. The drink invites you to explore areas you've never been before, and it makes me excited for the coming spring. Let's hope patios can be opened soon, and that Covid isn't a major issue still (knock on wood). 

     Overall, this is a pretty solid drink to enjoy in medium proportions, but it doesn't necessarily stand out in any factor. Of course, this is the main drink of the company, so it's expected that it's in the middle for visuals, aroma, and taste. It's hard to say what drink this resembles closest too of the previous 3, as it has elements of all of them. I can see myself enjoying one or two before switching to a different beverage, but it's still a good all around beverage that I think anyone can enjoy, as it is a drink that fits the styles of almost everyone. 

Appearance: 8.5/10

Aroma: 7.5/10

Taste: 8/10

Overall: 8/10

Portage (Pilsner)

     Stored in a beautiful green can with blue as a secondary colour, the Portage Pilsner gives the appearance of an outdoorsy look. The image on the drink shows a person carrying a canoe into the water, with rocks surrounding the shore, and trees on the other side of the lake. The theme is similar to the Front Porch, but seems to be more suitable for the spring and autumn seasons as well. 

      When poured in the can, I was impressed with the gorgeous golden colour of the pilsner, and the steady stream of bubbles is a fine touch as well. The lighter colour is rather inviting, and its transparency gives a familiar feeling to some of the more popular beer brands. While there was a decent amount of foam when pouring, the foam quickly went away when the drink was finally finished. The slight similarities to the Front Porch are still there, but this still has the feeling of a well rounded beverage that's suitable for a wide plethora of settings and activities.

     After giving it a smell, I notice the aroma isn't quite as present as other beverages, which is a-ok; I've previously mentioned how a super strong smell can turn people away, so this certainly doesn't take anything away from the experience. So far, this is the drink that has the least distinct smell overall.

     With the first sip, I was quite pleased with the smooth and inviting taste of the Portage pilsner. The taste is quite familiar to other drinks, which continues the theme of this being a rather welcoming drink that shares traits to the common delicious beverage. There is a medium level of palate, which makes it a flavourful, yet not troubling drink to down. The bubbles are consistently apparent, keeping the drink super fresh. Overall, the taste is delicious. Not bitter at all, but still has a smooth, mild flavour that make pilsners a fan favourite.

     As is the case with the familiar visuals, aroma and taste, the Portage is a well rounded beverage that's suitable for a wide arrange of scenarios. It embraces the outdoor vibe for all 4 seasons, and is also a beverage suitable for any indoor scenario as well. This drink certainly doesn't get old at any point, and can certainly be enjoyed in significant amounts. 

     In conclusion, the Portage Pilsner does more than its job in satisfying all the senses in an expected sense. It's the type of drink that basically everyone can enjoy, in almost any scenario plausible. If it were an athlete, the Portage would be the kind that can do a little bit of everything in order to help the team win. Well liked, simple, and exactly as expected, the Portage Pilsner will always be a safe, and excellent choice to enjoy in any given scenario.

Appearance: 9/10

Aroma: 8/10

Taste: 10/10

Overall: 9/10

Brown Cow (Milk Stout)

     As I wrap up the fantastic Calabogie review, I saved the most interesting for last. The Brown Cow is placed in a black and brown can, with, you guessed it, a brown cow as the imagery on the can. On the top of the can states a label saying to "shake and pour", which is a fun twist that I don't recall seeing in an alcoholic beverage before. I have no idea what to expect, besides the idea that it might taste like chocolate milk. 

      When I poured it, all I can say is WOW!!! The dark complexion of the drink was not what I was expecting at all, and it only makes me more intrigued as to what this will taste like. It almost looks like a glass of Coca-Cola. There is a bit of foam at the top, which adds to the overall visuals of the drink. This is overall inviting, and I cannot wait to try it.

     The aroma resembles a coffee, or maybe a hot chocolate, which is super intriguing, and adds another element to this already mysterious, exciting drink. This smells like a drink I would find at a local Starbucks, or other coffee brewhouse. The overall experience, before even giving a taste, feels like the perfect drink to have in the morning for brunch, as it is a perfect complement to a good plate of bacon and eggs. 

     It isn't until I've actually had a taste of the Brown Cow when I can tell it is a beer. The taste certainly has the chocolatey sense as promised, and the chocolate taste lasts much longer on the tongue than any sense of alcohol. This gives a fantastic touch to the experience, as it allows you to enjoy the sensation well after each sip. There is low palate, which frankly makes sense with this drink. I cannot picture it being a strong sensation on the roof, as the overall taste is designed to give a warm, easy feeling with minimal alcoholic taste. 

      The feeling of the drink is amazing for the beginning or end of the day. As with the brunch idea, this can be a good replacement for a glass of warm milk to have alongside cookies. In fact, I feel like I could dunk these cookies in the stout, and it would make the cookies taste better! I feel like this is better suited for cold weather scenarios, as it gives a cozy feeling that invites you to bundle up next to a fireplace and enjoy a late night film with a friend or your special someone. I don't necessarily see this being an outdoor themed drink, but can fit in almost any indoor setting. I can also see this being mixed with coffee for an extra boost in the morning!

     To summarize the Brown Cow milk stout, I was super intrigued right from the start. From the label that suggests to shake the drink first, to the unique dark colouring that resembled a glass of dark soda, to the aroma similar to that of a coffee, to the astounding taste that felt perfect for the complete experience. I have never tried a milk stout before, and I am so glad that I've gotten my first sample of it today. For those that aren't fans of the taste of beer in general, this is certainly a go-to drink that fills the satisfaction of everyone who tries, and they will be certainly wishing they had more. I know I am looking forward to trying another Brown Cow sometime in the near future, as it's the perfect beverage to enjoy while getting through this cold and lonely winter. The Brown Cow is a home run in my books, and it should be a drink that everyone has to try at least once (but they will certainly want to try it more than once).

Appearance: 9.5/10

Aroma: 9/10

Taste: 10/10

Overall: 9.5/10