Apparently, I Do Like (Some) Beer

I’m new to the delights of beer, having hated it with a fine passion my whole life. Until I discovered porter.

Now I like one kind of beer. Not maple porter, not raspberry porter, not honey porter, not pumpkin porter. Just pure, unadulterated porter, preferably with a chocolate and/or coffee finish.

So imagine, in that narrowly defined palate, my delight in finding the most delicious, untainted-by-fruit London Porter by Paddock Wood Brewing Co., a discovery made on a trip back east. And imagine my even greater delight to discover London Porter is made locally there, in my home province of Saskatchewan.

Unfortunately my delight turned to utter devastation with the realization, upon my return home, that I couldn’t find London Porter here. And, due to antiquated prohibition laws, I can’t even have any shipped to me, because this would require transporting alcohol across provincial borders which is still (are you kidding me?!) illegal.

But alas, my spirits soared once again when a stranger noticed me unhappily perusing the local liquour store shelves and recommended trying a newly opened, independent shop, Legacy Liquour Store. I proceeded forthwith to said store and not only promptly fell upon a six pack of Paddock Wood’s London Porter, I also received a mini lesson on the history of porter from the very knowledgeable general manager. It stands to reason that when I did finally find a beer I liked, it is one that was historically available exclusively to the gentry, due to the labour-intense complexity of its manufacture. That sounds about right.

I still don’t drink a lot of beer, but I do enjoy savouring the occasional, civilized tipple. Sadly, I do not live in the vicinity of Legacy Liquour Store, so I shall have to continue my hunt for a supplier closer to where I live. In the meantime, it’s comforting to know I have a source to fall back on.

4 thoughts on “Apparently, I Do Like (Some) Beer

  1. Reva Diana

    Have you tried “Back Hand of God” from Crannóg Ales? It’s yumm and local.

    +++ clipped from site Crannog Site +++

    Back Hand of God Stout

    Lean in body and powerful in flavour, Back Hand of God Stout has won many consumers’ choice awards. This dry stout is easy to drink, rich and inviting. It is extraordinarily smooth and mildly hopped with a distinct coffee/chocolate presence.

    1st place “Best Beer” at the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale, 2000 and 2007; At the Hops, 2000 and 2001; and “Best Organic Alcoholic Beverage” at the Organic Harvest Awards, 2005

    5.2% alcohol/vol. 18BU

  2. liz gaige Post author

    Thanks for the tip, I’ll see if I can find the stout and give it a try.

    I do have to say, however, that — according to my sources — stout was the common man’s cheaper, mass produced
    answer to porter and as such, I probably won’t like it as much. ;o)

  3. Stephen Ross

    I love the London Porter too!

    Porter was the first ‘designed’ beer, I think- others arose from local agricultural and political circumstances steering the ingredients and processes.

    It’s amazing how many people that say they don’t like beer, when given the ability to taste fresh draught stout, LOVE IT. I’ve seen it work with Milk Stout, Dry Stout, and Porter. (Didn’t work with my wife though. She dislikes roasted flavours, like coffee and dark chocolate- so I think that has something to do with it.)

    It’s wonderful that the same experience extends into the bottled version for you!

    Have you tried any Belgian beer?

  4. liz gaige Post author

    Yes, I did try a lovely dark Belgian beer at a local pub specializing in same, BierCraft, but they’re harder to find in a bottle to enjoy at home. I’ve been scouting around for local stores that stock the good stuff. I think I’ve found my source…

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