These winter-ready beers are available only on draught. Get ’em now before they disappear.
Shiver Eisbock, Gananoque Brewing Co.
Eisbock is a rare style made by freezing a bock beer at the conditioning stage and removing the iced-up water to create a concentrated, higher-alcohol brew. This version is winning over beer nerds across the city—it’s the first in this new microbrewery’s Terroir series, and is made with local hops from a Gananoque farm. The brewer made only 20 kegs and they’re going fast. Get it at C’est What, Betty’s, Bar Volo, Grapefruit Moon and Burger Bar.
Harry Porter, Great Lakes Brewery
This seasonal is a bit of a departure for the Etobicoke brewery in that no extra spices or flavours were added. Instead, it’s a punched-up version of a traditionally lower alcohol porter, making for a jet-black 6.1 per cent brew with notes of chocolate and coffee, and a citrusy punch on the finish. Look for it at most beer bars in the city, in cask and keg form.
Grimbergen Dubbel, Brouwerij Alken-Maes
Made by Belgian monks, this sweet brew tastes a little like sparkling grape juice with a sprinkling of spice on the end, making for a fruity, easy-drinking Belgian dubbel. Cup your hands around the chalice to warm this puppy up and bring out more flavours. Now being poured at The Monk’s Table and Bier Markt.
Nickel Brook Cuvée, Better Bitters Brewing Co.
This ruby brown ale is spiked with cinnamon, orange peel, black pepper and allspice; if that doesn’t warm you up, its 7.8 per cent alcohol content will. Be careful, though—oak-chips chucked into the fermenter have smoothed out the alcohol, making this rich brew dangerously drinkable. Available at The Victory, The Monk’s Kettle and other Toronto beer-loving bars.
Paulaner Salvator, Paulaner Brauereel
This Munich brewery invented the doppelbock style of beer in 1774, and the recipe for its signature Salvator creation has barely changed since. Considered one of the world’s best examples of the “double bock” beer style, this 7.9 per cent brew has a heart of dark fruit, lasting caramel, and hints of spice and toast. Get it at Beer Bistro.
