Light Blue on the Field, Blue Light in our Hearts!

In honour of my very competitive co-ed soccer teams’ advancement to this summer’s playoffs, I would like to take this opportunity to write about a certain beverage that remains close to our hearts, despite its’ current lack of “mainstream” popularity. Our team, Light Blue has chosen, cleverly if I may, Blue Light as our post-game beverage for celebrating wins, grieving losses and complaining about less than favourable calls.

"Big bottle, big mouth, big party, good times,"
The People Under the Stairs

I have written about the history of Labatt’s brewery in my post about 50 (you can check it out here) so I will just stick to the tasting notes about Blue Light. “Created in 1983, this premium, pilsner-style lager has a slightly sweet taste and a fruity, hop aroma. It's fresh, crisp and brewed to the highest quality standards.” http://www.labattus.com/bluelight/. Now, you may be scoffing at that description but Blue Light is actually one of my favourite light beers. It’s easy to drink, affordable and makes the perfect companion to any social gathering.

 

 

While I play on a soccer team with a diverse group of people, we all share a devotion to Blue Light. For us, it stands for teamwork, solidarity, friendship and hard work. To enjoy a Blue Light may seem like something minor, but it means a lot to me. So this post goes out to Light Blue! Cheers to another great season, looking forward to at least a few more with you!

 

Fun Fact: Blue Light’s big brother Labatt’s Blue is the world’s best selling Canadian brew!

 

Blue Light

Class: Lager

Brewer: Labatt

Quality: Premium

Alcohol: 4%

Beau's For the Bro's

Making my triumphant return to blogging, I've decided to treat myself with another of my favourtie beers. Beau's Lug-Tread Lagered Ale is made at Beau's Brewery in Vankleek Hill, ON (Close to Ottawa). Beau's tagline is "All Natural Brewing Company". Is there anything more vintage than "all natural"?

I was first introduced to Beau's by a close family friend who often shares new beer discoveries with my on Friday nights after work. I fell in love at first sip. There was something about the branding that seemed familiar (especially for a Perth County gal like myself).

Their committment to using local spring water, and 100% organic malt and hops make Beau's beer something special. They use only the freshest ingredients but prefer their beer aged. Honestly, I really enjoy Beau's Lug-Tread. I have tried a couple of their seasonal brews, which are also great, but I keep coming back to the Lug-Tread. Sold in old-school 600mL bottles make it the perfect beer for sharing.

"I like it in a mug, in a bottle,
in a cup, I like it with a shot,
mmm...That hits the spot,"
Lee Brice

Another great thing about Beau's is their Canadian-ness. They are proud to be Canadian and are sure to let the beer community know it. (One of their current beers is an ode to Canadian comedy legend Tom Green). After all of the Canada Day celebrations this week I think it's safe to say that a patriotic beer would be a great addition to anyone's patio party this upcoming weekend!


Their website has a ton of information for anyone looking to learn more, and I suggest you visit it. They even have a mixtape feature which plays music that goes perfect with seasonal beer.

Fun Fact: Beau's All Natural Brewing Company has paired with Margaret Atwood and Graeme Gibson to create MaddAddamites NooBroo in honour of the Peelee Island Bird Observatory!

Beau's Lug-Tread

Class: Lagered Ale

Brewer: Beau's All Natural Brewing Company

Quality: Domestic Craft Brew

Alcohol Content: 5.2%

Green Diesel: The Pride of Western Canada

Old Style Pilsner has been brewed, in its current state, in Western Canada by Molson since 1926. Primarily brewed in Vancouver and Edmonton, the beer is traditionally associated with mullet-bearing, party starting dudes. If you haven't experienced the magic of the Canadian mockumentary FUBAR (what are you waiting for?), then you probably don't understand the cultural significance of the Pilly Pop. For many Western Canadians, Pilsner is the first beer they ever drink. While Pil is able to cross lines of age, wealth and taste, it's popularity stems from the recreation of that fateful night when they tried Pislner for the first time and their eyes were opened to a whole new, sud-soaked world. Nostalgia is important to the brewery as well. The label pays tribute to the past while emphasizing things that make Western Canada unique.
 

"All we need is a ten and fiver
A car and key and a sober driver
B double, E double R U N beer run,"
Todd Snider

 

Saskatchewan Champagne, as it is lovingly referred to by Roughriders fan (they are a large sponsor of the team) appeals to a variety of beer drinkers because of its colourful label (that features at least three of the famous 'Sner bunnies) and its drinkability. Pilsner is often the only thing people out West have in common with one another. But, that's pretty cool. The fact that Old Style Pilsner was able to survive through prohibition is a testament to Canadian grit and determination.

Like many other Ontarians, FUBAR was the first experience with Pilsner we had. The beer was only available here for three years (from 1992-1995) due to a marketing blunder, the beer just couldn't resonate with Ontario beer drinkers. It was reintroduced to the province in May 2013 and since then it has been picking up momentum, prominently featured at backyard and garage gatherings alike, Vitamin P looks like its going to be around for a long time.

Fun Fact: Old Style Pilsner was originally called Alberta Pride, the name was changed in 1926.

Check out the video about the history of the Old Style label here!




Old Style Pilsner
Class: Discount
Brewer: Molson
Quality: Light Lager
Alcohol Content: 5%