341 weeks is a damn long time to wait for Hive to hit $10 but beer certainly makes the wait fun! With the #beersaturday crew, time flies when you are enjoying a pint.

Being The Blockchain Beerologist definitely has its perks, including but not limited to getting paid to tour breweries and sample new beers! When I am not globetrotting and chugging pints, my fridge looks like a colorful mosaic of regional craft beer I enjoy sharing with the #beersaturday alliance of #beer bloggers on #hive.

This week, I have discovered a couple familiar winter beers to enjoy as the snow has finally fallen.

Pint o' the Week

The Pint of the Week this edition is a fantastic local ale at The Starlight which is a very eclectic and enjoyable neighbourhood snack bar. My first visit where a beer was involved and I was pleased to find they had an option from 4 different local breweries on draft. This particular one is from Broken Rail Brewing and is my preferred IPA by them named Tesla's Revenge. Fantastic pint with 30 close friends in a neat venue!

Winter Pack

Today I present yet another variety pack, this time from Amsterdam Brewery I am generally more partial to the IPA variety packs but one with 2 is enough when they are accompanied by a brown and amber ale.



I have enjoyed Boneshaker for many years and the other couple were tasty enough but it was the Neon Haze I was after. I think it may have been one of these variety packs or a seasonal run but I remember thinking I should try this one again

Neon Haze

Neon Haze is a Hazy IPA as you might expect. I am a bit confused by the strange mix of upper and lowercase letters in the logo but it certainly is a lively neon lightshow. Pours out with a thick head and a swirling golden sediment.

Amsterdam Brewing don't bother to list the hop strains on their cans or in their website copy so we are left to wonder and guess. It does have that oats and wheat additive so popular in Toronto for a smoother mouthfeel and honest haze. Not heavy but substantial and refreshingly smooth and a reasonable 5.7% ABV. Definitely a good beer I will grab again if I can find it individually on the shelf.

Lions Winter Ale

'Tis the season for a good winter ale is it not? I have enjoyed this one from Granville Island Brewing for quite a while but surprised to find they were founded way back in 1984. Even more special is that they are apparently Canada's first licensed microbrewery. the front label brings back memories and I am glad I strayed from the default IPA to pick one of these from the shelf.



Lions Winter Ale was first brewed in 2002 so it must be good if they have successfully offered it over 20 years. Nice and malty but not overly so and a beautiful sweetness to it that is rich like chocolate. I have had people from those who prefer simple lagers all the way to hop heads all agree that this is a good beer and I agree whole-heartedly. For me, it is a nice treat around Christmas time I enjoy traditionally every year.

Here's to 20 years of sweet dark amber goodness and being a nice part of my holidays.

#BEERSaturday!

How long into the year is it cool to wear your ugly Christmas sweater? Join me, @detlev, and the other beerologists and instantly become a beer blogger at Beer Saturday 341 https://hive.blog/hive-187719/@detlev/beersaturday-341

This week for #BeerSaturday, I am inviting @santigs already blogs about beer like in this post and would be welcome to drink with us!. Take a few pictures, tag #beersaturday and raise a glass with us on Hive!

Cheers to our global family of beer-drinkers!!

Hazy IPA or Winter Ale for you?