Pies, jams and pickled vegetables aren’t the only way to make the best of the local harvest. Ontario farmers and producers are increasingly appealing to our craft brewers by growing more varieties of barley, as well as those elusive hops, on home soil.
One craft brewer that has fully embraced our province's offerings is Muskoka Brewery. While they’ve produced their Harvest Ale in previous seasons, this year marks the first time they’re brewing it with all Ontario ingredients.
This American IPA is made with malts harvested from farmers in Belleville and Puslinch (just east of Cambridge) while the five hop varieties come from Tavistock Hops which is just outside Stratford.
The result is a fresh beer with an IPA-like hop-forwardness that evolves into fresh tropical fruit flavours. There’s a bitterness that lingers but it’s balanced by a rye-like spiciness. Try Muskoka Harvest Ale with curry, blue cheese and roasted lamb or your next autumn dinner party.
$3.50 for 473mL, thebeerstore.ca
