At the Hundredth Meridian

"Me debunk an american myth?

And take my life in my hands?

Where the great plains begin

At the hundredth meridian," The Hip

As Gord Downie (The Tragically Hip) explains, the hundredth meridian is where the great plains begin. At least,that's how Canadian's like to think of the line of longitude. Passing through Nunavut and Manitoba, the hundredth meridian separates Western Canada from Eastern Canada. Mill St. Brewery has added another beer to their repertoire this year that pays tribute to this divide called "100th Meridian".

The organic amber lager features prairie malt, Bravo and Cascade hops and is brewed in the tradtional North American fashion. I tried this beer for the first time at the Brazenhead Pub in Toronto's Liberty Village. While I like hoppy beers, amber varieties don't tend to be my first choice. That being said, Mill St.'s 100th Meridian may be my summer go to. There truly isn't a better way to honour the great prairies than creating a beer made with ingredients that have been grown organically and with love right here in North America. 100th Meridian is a shout out to Canadian and American farmers who have spent their lives tillin', plantin' and harvestin'. And let's face it, if Gord Downie sings about something, it's probably really important. I reccommend trying a 100th Meridian the next time you're relaxing on the back deck, gazing at the rows of Canada Eastern Amber Durum or Canada Prairie Red Spring growing by the acre in your backyard. Or, if you're like me...whenever! Cheers!

100th Meridian
Class: Amber Lager
Brewer: Mill St.
Quality: Craft
Alcohol Content:

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%