Pike Brewing Company


Monks Uncle Tripel Ale


Alcohol content: 9%


Type of beer: Belgian-style ale


Rating: 4/5


They say that if you write your name in the head of a pint of Guinness, if it's poured right, you'll still be able to read it at the bottom of the glass when finished. Well, I just tried it nine times and I'm here to report that that story is bullshit.

However, this fable shouldn't come as a surprise as there is more legend surrounding what the Irish--God bless 'em for inventing the stuff--call Guinness, then perhaps for any other beverage.

I wanted my first time to be with someone special. Luckily, I made the right choice.

The first beer I ever tried (and loved) was the notoriously popular Corona Extra. Though its light taste and low 4.6 per cent alcohol volume leaves a little to be desired for some, no one should overlook this brew.

I admitted once to somebody (who shall remain unnamed) that my favourite pint was Grass-hopper.

It was, quite simply a mistake. They looked at me funny and then explained in a worldly tone that there are many other beers out there--I was obviously missing out.

It wasn't that long ago that I realized there was a whole new world of beer out there beyond Molson and Budweiser. There were new bottles, new faces and a whole lot of flavour I'd never experienced.

It wasn't that long ago, during a long-weekend campus trip--August to be exact--that a friend of a friend of a friend joined us around a campfire and pulled out a Sleeman Honey Brown. I didn't know what to think looking at it, with its clear, almost naked bottle and its rich colour. I gave it a taste nonetheless.

I can shotgun from a can,

I can drink it like a man.

I can sip it from a long-neck,

I can drink it on my back deck.

The thought of it makes me happy,

I hate those who say it's crappy.

Like a shark who first tastes blood,

Once I taste it, I can't get enough.

There may be more important beers,

But its golden hue always endears.

So tip a pint with a friend,

And be thankful for Canadian.

Strongbow cider is, quite simply, the most victimized and long-suffering alcoholic drink of the civilized world.

The inexperienced and ignorant drinkers of the world tend to assimilate it with all the other beverages that parade under the "cider" banner--swill otherwise known as Grower's and Okanagan. All of it is consumed by pansy-ass lowbrow bar stars with no money and even less taste.

It's nice to have good friends to count on, ones that are consistent but not boring, and can hang out with you daily.

Same goes for beer.

In these parts, Strongbow and Guinness combine to create the king of beverages known as the "Crown Float." It is a process from the pour to the consumption. Once ordered, the bartender needs to know the ingredients, the pouring order and the "spoon" trick to ensure a proper Crown. The recipient, unaware of the care poured into this exquisite beverage, enjoys a smooth, transitional taste sensation.