A week or two before society collapsed into pandemic-created anarchy, Kole actually went on a company ski trip to Blue Mountains in early March, and I, of course, requested a care package of beer from Northwinds Brewery, their go-to après ski haunt. We had a dinner party that weekend, which now feels like a lavish memory in exposing ourselves to cooties. We had fondu, for crying out loud. A communal melting pot of cheese to share just before the world retreated into their living rooms. Kole’s friends drank most of my care package, so this is the only beer I got to try from Northwinds Brewery, located in Collingwood, ON.
I’m a big fan of Irish stouts. Devoid of adjuncts and gimmicks to add flavour, a solid Irish stout brings forth a toasted malt flavour profile and is a relaxing pint to nurse over a few rounds of quarantine purchased board games.
Northwinds Brewery rarely pops up in the Toronto market. I don’t remember seeing them at any beer festivals in previous years, and they are not listed with the LCBO or The Beer Store. They have a strong local following in the year-round communities in Blue Mountains and Collingwood, and a nostalgic reminder of better, more social times for city-dwellers that make the periodic trek to cottage country and the Georgian Bay area to frolic outdoors. During the pandemic, they are offering contactless food take-out and local delivery over $40 CAD for people based in Blue Mountains and Collingwood, and we salute them. Monkey Suit weighs in at 5.2% ABV and will only set you back $3.25 for a 473 mL can, a worthwhile treat at the end of the world and a nice #quarantini for those of you in isolation in this corner of Ontario.
Appearance: Deep mahogany colour with very fine bubbles, mildly carbonated. Long-lasting frothy tan head that reminded me of a healthy, well-fed wholewheat sourdough starter.
Aroma: Dark chocolate, roasted malt, and freshly ground coffee on the nose.
Taste: Burnt toast, caramel, and more dark chocolate.
Aftertaste: Black coffee aftertaste.
Food pairing: Lamb stew and soda bread, something that sticks to your ribs after a hard day of skiing or lounging on the sofa.
Overall: Probably one of the last stouts I will get to enjoy for some time, I’m glad this one found its way into my fridge.
Shawna has visited vineyards in 8 countries on 3 continents, and has a knack for finding the hoppiest beers around. A dedicated Booze Hound, Shawna completed the Wine Specialist Certificate at George Brown College in 2018.
She can be found drinking alka-seltzer and coconut water in the morning.
Email: [email protected]
- The 8 Beers of Chanukah 2020 Night 8: Zane Lost His Avocado Bag Brut IPA by Refined Fool Brewing Company - December 17, 2020
- The 8 Beers of Chanukah 2020 Night 7: Roam Hazy IPA by Market Brewing Company - December 16, 2020
- The 8 Beers of Chanukah 2020 Night 6: Omnipollo Bianca Mango Gose - December 15, 2020