This series has basically devolved into a vessel that I’m using to shamelessly trojan horse family photos onto the internet. I finished my holiday shopping today, which is the earliest that has ever happened. I’m going to celebrate by enjoying beer #18 a little bit more than I otherwise would have (which was probably already going to be a lot).
Here are some beers.
December 16: Trestle Brewing Company Golden Ale
This golden ale from Parry Sound is the most local (to me) beer that I’ve gotten from the box so far. Parry Sound isn’t exactly right around the corner, but it’s close enough that we’re a part of the same district in terms of COVID districts. That’s… about as much as I actually know about Parry Sound.
Tresle Brewing Company’s Golden Ale is not a bad brew, but it is far far too sweet and light to wind up on my list of favourites. It sort of reminds me of Mill Street’s Stock Ale, but don’t quote me on that because I haven’t had Mill Street’s Stock Ale in over a decade. There was a time when it seemed like the place (partyhouse) that I was living alternated between Mill Street Stock and our beloved Bohemian, which I also never drink but could probably write a book about.
Anyway, this beer wasn’t for me, but it was what my wife calls a “three-sipper”, meaning that when she asked for a sip she actually hung onto the can for three sips. Starting now, these beers are also going to get a Chantal Sip-rating.
Jollymeter score: 5/10
Chantal sip-rating: Three-sipper
December 17: Amsterdam Brewery Boneshaker American IPA
Ahh, the Boneshaker. I know it well.
Boneshaker is like Cruiser’s bigger, meaner cousin. It packs a punch in terms of ABV and it is pretty absurdly hopped. You don’t really need more than one of these. I always imagine that when people who hate IPAs talk about IPAs, this is the kind of beer that they think all IPAs taste like.
I’ll be honest, this beer has been around the block, but I can take it or leave it. I wouldn’t turn one down, but I don’t buy it all that often. It’s just a lot for my face to deal with. So much hop, but it’s also surprisingly malty. It’s a lot of everything. I always feel very full after one of these.
I guarantee I’ll have another one at some point. I’ll buy one, take a sip and think “Oh, yeah… this one.”
Jollymeter score: 6/10
Chantal sip-rating: Zero sips.
December 18: Naughty Otter Lager
This is a lager from Ganonaque, Ontario. The otter on the can does look naughty.
Poking around their website makes me think that these are some youngsters that decided to start a brewery and somehow have a lot of swag for sale and also sell their beer in California for some reason. I don’t know why the whole thing seems weird to me, but it does for some reason.
The beer is okay. Totally drinkable but nothing to write home about. Have already covered better lagers in this series.
Looks great next to cookies?
Jollymeter rating: 6/10
Chantal sip-rating: Two-sipper.
Getting a little depressed by how close we’re getting to the end of this box. I’m not sure that I can go back to getting up in the morning and not finding secret beers all over the place. Need to start a petition for one of the 365 day rip-away desk calendars, but instead of a Dilbert comic, you get a beer somehow.
This idea is terrific, especially if you have the calendar at work. Stop reading this idea is mine now, and you are going to jail if you steal it.
To start reading this series from the beginning, go ahead and click here!
The Fraudsters' Almanac 
One thought