April 1, 2014

68/1049) Monk's Kettle, Etobicoke:  Namastale Gruit by Church Key of Ontario:  **;  6.5%, 0, yes zero,  ibu;  a Finnish Sahti style gruit;  Gruits pre-date the use of hops in beer;  slightly hazy;   flavoured with juniper boughs and rosemary;  nose is rooty with pine needles;   sweet juniper notes, spice and pine; an intriguing beer;

69/1050) Monk's Kettle, Etobicoke:  Ellesmere's Regret by Beau's All Natural Brewing of Ontario:  **;   5.5%, 23 ibu;  a marshmallow, chocolate hemp stout;  nose of dark coffee;  bitter mocha flavours, dark espresso notes;  their use of maple syrup and vanilla highlights the marshmallow beautifully;  a pretty fine stout;