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TGIF: The Freak Show Comes To Town

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Freakshow Crush - Flying Monkey's

Let’s be honest…there are worse ways to kickstart the weekend than with a cold beverage.

And yet, it’s easy to fall into a routine of buying the same couple of beers or spirits at your favorite watering hole or the LCBO. Of course, there’s always going to be your standard go-to’s. But mixing it up (get it…mixing???) makes for a fun outing.

With that in mind, we’re taking a shot (bet you thought we would stop with the drinking puns after that first one) at finding you a weekly selection of spirits to liven up your Friday.

This week why don’t your try…

Freakshow Crush – Flying Monkey’s

“A bright, hazy body and pliable bitterness under an amusing head of ethereal foam. This unique IPA spectacle is animated by a plurality of succulent hops in a crushable array of melon, papaya, and spiky tropical notes.“

The initial pour is a hazy, pale golden yellow, with a tower of puffy and mildly bubbly off-white head. That gives way to some random splotchy and sudsy lace around the glass as it dissolves evenly.

The first scents are of gritty and grainy cereal malt, mixed domestic citrus fruit, some pineapple and kumquat fruitiness. There is also traces of leafy, almost piney green hoppiness. The taste comes across as grainy and crackery pale malt, with hints of orange, tangerine, and lemon citrus zest.

The carbonation is average as it comes to frothiness. The body is a decent medium weight, and mostly smooth. It finishes trending dry, as the hops percolate around the tastebuds

For best pairing, try Freakshow with a veggie selection. Spring greens, hummus or carrots and cool cucumbers. But hops and IPAs are great with classic pub fare like fish ‘n chips, curries or anything of the cheese variety.

You can catch the Freakshow at LCBO, the Beer Store and Select Grocers. And of course, in person at Flying Monkey’s.

What did you think of rhe Freakshow Crush – Flying Monkey’s review? Have a recommendation for TGIF? We want to hear it! Contact us, send a msg to our FB page or an email to [email protected]

TGIF: 3 Barrie Craft Beer Ideas

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3 BARRIE CRAFT BEER SUGGESTIONS TO REMEMBER SUMMER

As summer of 2020 winds down, it’s a good opportunity to take stock of all the great seasonal beers that our local brewers produce. Most of them will go back into cold storage by the end of the month, so be sure to partake of a few before the leaves change colours.

To that end, we’ve collected a few of our favourite local beers for your Remember Summer Session.

First up is…

FIRST CLASS – BARNSTOMERS.

Ever been lucky enough to get upgraded to first class on a plane ride?

This is the beer equivalent!

First Class is a smooth tasting, German inspired golden ale that is ideal for any sitting.

The initial pour is a bright, yellow golden colour with a good size head that leaves just a bit of lacing. The first taste goes down gently, and emits balanced notes of grain, malts and citrus. It’s got a nice sweetness to it with definite flavour, although some beer advocates might find it a bit thin.

You can get it from Barnstormer’s or at the LCBO.

Number two on our menu is a lager so good the Germans would be envious.

IDLE COAST – REDLINE BREWERY

TGIF-BarrieUncovered-Redline-Brewhouse

Most beer producers would die happy if their craft creations stacked up well compared to the essential Bavarian ales that have been the stuff of Oktoberfest for centuries.

And this pale from Redline does an admirable job of paying tribute, while not totally mimicking those great German lagers.

It’s vibrant gold colour and foamy head make for an effervescent first impression, while the bready undertones and aromas reflect classic Munich Malts. As you approach the bottom of the glass, it leaves a crisp and dry after taste, providing an ideal compliment to anything meaty or sandwich based  on the menu.

Find out lots more about Idle Coast right here.

Last, but certainly not least (sorry, we couldn’t come up with something spiffier to intro this…but c’mon, it’s Friday) is…

SMASH BOMB ATOMIC – FLYING MONKEY’S

The primary objective of any good beer is to present it’s drinker with a memorable sitting that combines taste and experience.

And this IPA from Flying Monkey’s accomplishes that mission in spades.

The initial pour is gentle and inviting, with an amber reddish hue that leaves about half an inch of thick creamy foam head.

Even though the name might suggest otherwise, this is actually a lighter tasting pale ale. The aroma hints at touches of grass spread across citrusy and bitter tones. The overall strength isn’t at all detracted by the lighter vibe, as the hops linger pleasantly among the tastebuds.

Find out more about the beer from Flying Monkeys right here.

What did you think of our Barrie Craft Beer to bring back summer suggestions? Let us know in the comments!  

Have a recommendation for TGIF? We want to hear it! Contact us, send a msg to our FB page or an email to [email protected]

TGIF: First Class In Your Glass

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TGIF - 1

FIRST CLASS LAGER LIVES UP TO IT’S BILLING

Let’s be honest…there are worse ways to kickstart the weekend than with a cold beverage.

And yet, it’s easy to fall into a routine of buying the same couple of beers or spirits at your favorite watering hole or the LCBO. Of course, there’s always going to be your standard go-to’s. But mixing it up (get it…mixing???) makes for a fun outing.

With that in mind, we’re taking a shot (bet you thought we would stop with the drinking puns after that first one) at finding you a weekly selection of spirits to liven up your Friday.

This week why don’t your try…

 

FIRST CLASS – BARNSTORMER’S

Ever been lucky enough to get upgraded to first class on a plane ride?

This is the beer equivalent!

First Class is a smooth tasting, German inspired golden ale that is ideal for any sitting.

The initial pour is a bright, yellow golden colour with a good size head that leaves just a bit of lacing. The first taste goes down gently, and emits balanced notes of grain, malts and citrus. It’s got a nice sweetness to it with definite flavour, although some beer advocates might find it a bit thin.

READ OUR PAST TGIF BEER REVIEWS

The overall experience is smooth tasting, but with good carbonation and a solid body texture. There is a crisp finish and no lingering aftertaste, which is a plus in our books.

Enhanced by Barnstomer’s customary imaginative label art work, this is a 4.7% on the ABV scale, paired well with just about anything on the menu. Best bet: Canned version on a lazy patio summer afternoon.

Learn more about First Class over at Barnstormer’s website.

Do you have an idea for our next TGIF? Or would you like to be a guest reviewer? Send us an email or connect with us on FB.

TGIF: The Beer Behind The Myth

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Flying Monkey’s Mythology Lives Up To It’s Name

Let’s be honest…there are worse ways to kickstart the weekend than with a cold beverage.

And yet, it’s easy to fall into a routine of buying the same couple of beers or spirits at your favorite watering hole or the LCBO. Of course, there’s always going to be your standard go-to’s. But mixing it up (get it…mixing???) makes for a fun outing.

With that in mind, we’re taking a shot (bet you thought we would stop with the drinking puns after that first one) at finding you a weekly selection of spirits to liven up your Friday.

This week why don’t your try…

MYTHOLOGY – FLYING MONKEY’S

 

The initial pours is a translucent golden yellow with a substantial, fluffy white head that retains well. The first sniffs bring a lot of bread, even before your nose gets near it. When you do get closer, it’s complimented by hints of grass, pepper and lemon.

You’ll definitely notice the crispness, which is ideal for a pilsner. There’s a welcome balance between the bready malts and the floral hops. As you push on through the sitting, some spice lingers, but it finishes strongly and cleanly.

Some might find it a bit thick for a pilsner, although it does not detract from the overall refreshing timber.

If you are looking for pairings, Pilsners are a great balance to spicy foods. However if you are a sweet tooth aficionado, Mythology might go well with a dessert. Because beer and ice cream CAN mix.

At 5.3% ABV, it’s right on the edge of being too much, so you can easily stick with it through the entire night.

Intrigued? Thirsty? Learn more about Mythology at Flying Monkey’s website!

Have a beer review you’d like to share? Or an idea for our next TGIF? We want to hear it!

TGIF: Summer Suds Preview (Part 2)

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Freakshow Crush - Flying Monkey's

SUMMER BEERS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The lazy days of summer will soon be upon us, commanding us to seek out patios and barbecues.

Of course, it’s a little tricky in isolation…but we can make do on our home terraces.

We’ll spend the next few weeks previewing some of the tastiest summer beverages from Barrie’s best brewers.

This week…

TGIF: Summer Suds Preview (Part 2)

 

SKINNY DIPPIN’ STOUT – SAWDUST CITY

 

This stout begins with a solid head retention, and a slightly foamy lace remaining. The tint is light tan head that recedes to a dark brown edging to black in color.

The initial odor is (somewhat surprisingly) spicy. It gives way to plenty of chocolate and coffee notes, with oats and malts permeating just below the surface.

The first taste continues the chocolate/coffee vibe, as well as caramel. You might even detect notes of grass and even barbecue-esque as the drink goes down. Roasted aromas and some charred aromas are not far from the taste as well. Expect medium body and medium carbonation, with a creamy flow (although it could be creamier ) and finishes a touch dry on the palate.

Overall, this is an interesting beer, with a fun quality that encourages additional sampling. This stout is best consumed on a chillier day or in the late summer evening as the breeze comes in off the lake.

Best paired with soups, stews and grilled meats or anything of the salty side of the menu.

Learn more about Skinny Dippin’ on Sawdust City’s website.

What did you think of TGIF: Summer Suds Preview (Part 2)?

Have an idea for our next TGIF? Or maybe you’d like to review a beer? Reach out and we’ll make it happen!

 

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