Beer Supplement Introduction

By Michael Leung

I guarantee that this supplement was not an excuse to drink beer. Honest.

It actually started with curiosity–an intrigue with the substance that so many of us (over)indulge in during our university years and beyond.

And I’m willing to bet you’re curious too.

I could be wrong. Maybe you’re too damn busy swigging Molson product to even notice what beer you’re drinking, let alone read an entire beer supplement. But in case you are curious, there’s a wealth of different beers out there, with a whole industry of people who make their livelihoods from the stuff. All of them do it because they appreciate the finer qualities of the alcoholic arts. They realize that somewhere between art, science, technology and biology, there are some fine-tasting beers to be had.

Now for your end of things, all you need is the kick in the pants to try something different and you might as well also support local industries instead of the faceless corporation while you’re at it. Yes, yes, I know you whine out loud that the local stuff is more expensive. However, I shouldn’t have to convince you to work on your beer-tasting tongue. What’s an extra 50 cents for a pint, anyway? It’s worth it for the experience of tasting something different.

Seriously: I promise the next seven pages contain a wealth of information about beer, ranging from the little brewers in town all the way up to this city’s biggest brewing success story–Big Rock, of course. We’ve also included info on the different kinds of beer out there and where you might enjoy a fine pint in town. Finally, we close it out with some staff picks that you might try your palate on.

So after reading this supplement, take the time to look at the "other" taps wherever you are. Chat up some cute stranger about the pint you’re both having. Ask the bartender what they recommend and they’ll match you up with something tasty. If you don’t like it, just say so.

As usual, please be safe. In 1999 alone, 1,134 people were killed in Canadian alcohol-related accidents, with well over 3,500 injured in alcohol-related accidents. That sucks, and please don’t think you’re immune. Drink responsibly.

OK, I admit it. This supplement was an excuse to booze ourselves up beyond recognition. The Gauntlet called up several breweries and used our media power to coax them into getting us drunk for free. Then, while stinking drunk, we wrote the articles and drooled incomprehensibly all over our keyboards. A couple of hours later we sobered up and rounded out the supplement with some useful information to give it legitimacy. Finally, we called cabs if we’d had a few too many and so should you.

Honesty is golden.



Michael Leung

Beer Supplement Editor

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Contributors

Lawrence Bailey • Ruth Davenport • Alison Gowling • James Keller • Nicole Kobie • Kris Kotarski • Ryan Laverty • Demitri Lesniewicz • Вen Li • Kirstin Morrell • Kevin Rosmanitz • Andrew Ross • Natalie Sit • Aaron Whitfield • Will Wood, Typesetter-in-Chief



Special Thanks

Brewster’s Brewing Company • Brian Arba, Brew Brothers • EtOH • Hop In Brew Coffee and Beer House • Amy Hughes, Big Rock • Gloria Hyrniuk, Alley Kat • Michael Tymchuk, Wild Rose • Mike Wight, Wildwood • The Western Brewers’ Association and everybody else in between…