Grizzly Paw sampler (9 beer reviews in one!)

Today I headed back from Kicking Horse in BC, back to Calgary in Alberta. Along the way, we stopped for Lunch at the Grizzly Paw, a great little brewery and restaurant that we have eaten at before on this route. Usually I just get a pint of one of the local brews, but since I was feeling especially adventurous (and I am very conscious of how far under my 52 beer review goal I am at this late stage in the game) I decided to go for the all-inclusive sampler and decided to review 'em all.

Given that these were all draft pours into 3oz glasses, in addition to my standard of skipping how the "foam" section, these reviews are going to pretty short and sweet, ending with a thumbs up, down or middling from me.

Powder Hound Pilsner

Colour: Pale yellow, transparent

Taste: Light Body, tastes like a traditional pilsner, aftertaste of corn

Verdict: thumbs down

NOTE: Some people like really watery light bodies beers, this is for you, not me.

Grumpy Bear Honey Wheat

Colour: Pale amber, transparent

Taste: Light Body, slightly sweet, slight taste of grains, slightly aftertaste of sour

Verdict: thumbs middling

Beaver Tail Raspberry Ale

Colour: Pale amber, cloudy

Taste: Light Body, bitter, RASPBERRY!, aftertaste of raspberry lingers

Verdict: thumbs down

NOTE: I dislike raspberry, if you do, you'll love this beer

Rutting Elk Red

Colour: Brown-deep red, transparent

Taste: Medium body, note very hoppy, a good standard red ale

Verdict: thumbs up

Big Head Nut Brown

Colour: Dark brown, transparent

Taste: Medium Body, sweet, but not cloying (slightly dry), slightly sour aftertaste

Verdict: thumbs down

Mooseknuckle Coffee Stout

Colour: Black-deep red,

Taste: Rich medium body, slightly chocolately, coffee with a strong espresso aftertaste

Verdict: thumbs up

Indra Island IPA

Colour: Dark amber, cloudy

Taste: Medium body, bitter, VERY hoppy, bitter aftertaste

Verdict: thumbs down

NOTE: If you like hops, like a lot, a whole lot, you will love this, other wise, you've been warned

Unity Brew

Colour: Light amber, transparent

Taste: Medium Body, hoppy, bitter, dry,

Verdict: thumbs middling

NOTE: Though I wasn't the biggest fan of this brew, others at my table really loved it. Also it is worth noting that the name for this beer came from the fact that it a collaboration from 9 craft brewers in Alberta. This is the third year this special seasonal is being produced, and its proceeds go towards funding a great charities, all reasons enough on their own for you to give it a try

Mocha Porter

Colour: Black-deep brown,

Taste: Full Body, rich, very chocolate-y, sweet coffee, slightly bitter aftertaste

Verdict: thumbs up

NOTE: This beer is definitely not for quaffing down. From anywhere in its vicinity you can smell its intense chocolate-yness. It is a desert beer, clear and simple, and definitely a treat if you can find it.