If you are following me on Instagram or Twitter, you have probably noticed that gadgets are not my only passion. In fact, gadgets may not even be number one for me.
If not gadgets, what then? Beer – craft beer to be exact.
What exactly is craft beer? That’s a tough one to answer. Beer is a very personal experience. It is also a very subjective one. Because of this, defining craft beer is no simple task.
According to the American Brewers Association, based in Boulder, Colorado, “craft beer” is a beer made by a brewer, that itself is small, independent and traditional.
So if we use the above as our working definition, this means that beers owned and produced by large brewing conglomerates like Labatt, Molson, or Anheuser-Busch are not craft beers. Even if they release a small “craft” batch, it will not qualify.
You could also consider smaller brewers that are partially owned by the big brewers would not classify accurately as craft beer depending on who you ask. As I mentioned; defining craft beer is very subjective and will vary from one person to the next.
So why am I telling you all of this? Well, as I said before, craft beer may be a greater passion for me than gadgets. Don’t get me wrong; I love me some gadgets but compared to an excellent craft brew, nothing compares. As a result of this passion for craft beer, I felt a craft beer section would be an excellent addition to GadgetSyrup. A lot of “gadget nerds” I have connected with over the last year or so are also passionate craft beer lovers.
With all that out of the way, I would like to announce a new weekly addition to the site; The GadgetSyrup Beer Pick of the Month!
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Monty’s Aged Ryed Ale from Old Tomorrow Beer
Old Tomorrow is a family owned craft brewery from Toronto, Ontario which “aims to create distinctively flavourful beers which celebrate iconic moments of Canadian greatness.” Hence the use of Canada’s first Prime Minister, John A. MacDonald, being prominently featured on their labels
Monty’s is possibly the best craft beer I have ever had. It is aged in oak barrels and infused with 100% Canadian Rye Whiskey.
Why the name? Well, most Canadians will remember John Montgomery’s historic Gold medal win in the Skeleton during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. After winning that race, Montgomery walked from the Skeleton venue through the Olympic village in true Canadian style; chugging a pitcher of beer while singing “O Canada.” With this being such an iconic moment in Canadian history, the name of this brew fits right in with Old Tomorrow’s mission.
For those who don’t recall John’s “golden ride” check it out here.
STATS
Style: Rye Beer
ABV: 6.2%
IBU: 16
Untappd Rating: 3.5/5
GadgetSyrup Rating: 5/5 – Yes, I love this beer!
Nees some more details on these stats? Have a look HERE.
WHY DO I LIKE IT?
I was skeptical when I fist picked up Monty’s from the LCBO earlier this year. I had tried Old Tomorrow’s CPA and Track 85 Lagered Ale, and neither disappointed. But Rye Ales were something I have either loved or hated; no middle ground.
After cracking the can open I was pleasantly surprised by the aromas of vanilla and caramel with a hint of oak. Up front, you’re met with a flavourful blast of that Canadian Rye that hangs around with a slight malty taste until the vanilla/toffee and caramel flavours take over to finish. Some Untappd users state the Rye is too powerful, but I completely disagree. It is noticeably there, but it does not overpower you and does not stick around until the finish. It sticks around with each drink just long enough for you to feel it but not long enough for you to be turned off by it.
You may pick up different aromas and flavours based on your own taste tendancies.
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WHERE TO BUY
As of today, Monty’s is only available at the LCBO, and for a limited time. It will only be offered at the LCBO as part of their season program. If you try and enjoy this beer, be sure to let the Old Tomorrow and the LCBO know, and maybe they will be able to stock it regularly.
You can pick it up today for $3.25 per 473 ml can.
If you’ve tried Monty’s Aged Ryed Ale, what did you think? Have you tried other Old Tomorrow beers? What did you think? If you haven’t had anything from Old Tomorrow, what are you waiting for! Go now!
GadgetSyrup 