A bottle of Suds

Beer for an uncertain month

BY DAVID NUTTALL BY TOM FIRTH

It’s always hard to tell what we’ll be able to do in April. My birthday is in mid April, and I’ve had birthday parties with six inches of fresh snow on the ground, and others spent chilling out on the deck in shorts. Here in Alberta, we are always keeping an eye on the weather, and usually prepared for this uncertainty, but plans change, and one weekend’s plan to go and hike in a provincial park might turn into a rainy afternoon spent at the movies or vacuuming the living room.

So, in looking for some great beers to enjoy this month, it came to mind to focus on some tasty treats that might fit in well in any manner of days, a beer to enjoy after shovelling the walk in an April snowstorm, or a day spent prepping the garden for planting.

Fahr Hefe, Alberta

One of the best, and certainly one of the tastiest hefeweizens being made around here (it won best in the world in 2020!), Jochen Fahr has made a stunner. A full flavoured, slightly cloudy wheat beer that shows off bright, pronounced citrus flavours and a touch of spiciness. Utterly and completely refreshing too. It’s widely available, but worth heading to Turner Valley to try it at the source. CSPC +823855 $16-18

Village Misheard Lyric New England IPA, Alberta

A bit of a monster in the glass with 7 percent ABV, loads of intense hop-driven characteristics and a sweeter, almost tropical sweetness finish showing off a little nutty or caramel towards the end. Not a wallflower by any means, but a fine, if chewy brew for a cool evening. CSPC +866773 $16-19

Fortuna Cantabeerto Agave Session Ale, Mexico

A beer-driven take on a “Cantarito” but switching out the tequila for agave juice with a bit of fruit peel, and a little bit of salt (since – of course there is a little). A crisp sessionstyle ale with some unique flavours that work out very well, but obviously a little off the beaten path. Perhaps more interesting, is its ability to evoke a sunny, beach bound day, or a taste of summer. CSPC +863150 $5-6 (330mL)

Apex Predator Rushing Waters Bohemian Pilsner, Alberta

Miles away from insipid or thin pilsners, Rushing Waters feels and tastes very different, and even feels a little stronger than its 4.5 percent ABV would imply. Grassy and toasted with a fine hop character and a wickedly refreshing finish too punctuated by a little herbaciousness. A standout option after skiing, snowshoeing, or a little yard work (you deserve it). CSPC +806446 $15-18

Grizzly Paw Three Sisters Pale Ale, Alberta

There is something about a good pale ale that just hits the spot. Especially if the day is a little cooler, or if the sun is going down on a busy day. Crisp and bitter without being too “hoppy” or over the top, with a good amount of tropical fruit presence too. The brewery is a fine destination if in Canmore, and a good beer is always going to taste better when near the mountains. CSPC +853463 $16-18

Birra Dello Stretto, Sicily

A Sicilian beer – without the travel? Yes please! A completely delicious lager with a clean maltiness, and that sort of Mediterranean character that is so well suited to a day in the sun enjoying fresh seafood and hot weather. Completely smashable too, and might put you in mind for some getaways in the months to come. CSPC +838213 $4-5 (330mL)

Good Mood Hibiscus + Rosehip Cream Ale, Alberta

A bit of a secret weapon, this cream ale is always a pleasant surprise. A clean, smooth and tasty cream ale with exactly the right amount of hibiscus and rosehips. This is lofty praise, as Good Mood has the flavours without adding sweetness, or herbal notes without making it just weird. A cool, weird and delicious beer I love to have on hand at home. CSPC +833866 $16-18

Village Binge Watch New Zealand Pale Ale, Alberta

A New Zealand pale ale, which might be a new term for most beer drinkers, but crisp and not too hoppy, and very much a sessionable drink too. Absolutely loving the intensity of grapefruits and a very mild resinous character throughout. Brand new and available year-round, this will be great for those summer months. Binge-worthy indeed! CSPC +866770 $16-19