Sitting on the shore of Lake Huron with a growler of Tobermory Brewing Co’s wonderful Sailor’s Delight Raspberry Wheat Beer. Sublime.
Tobermory Brewing Co. “Sailor’s Delight” Raspberry Wheat (Alcohol 5.3% ) Brewery Only : $20 + $5 Deposit for Growler (64oz)
Last year we bought a cabin in the woods up near Tobermory at the very tip of the Bruce Peninsula. Tobermory is very much a seasonal town, with not much happening during the winter when the Chi-Cheemaun ferry, the link between the peninsula and Manitoulin Island, closes down until the spring. When I was informed that one of the only places that was open year-round was a brewpub and grill my eyes lit up, but at the back of my mind there was more than a little trepidation. I have to say that I was expecting more of a mediocre roadhouse diner/greasy bar kind of place, and was most pleasantly surprised when on a chilly November evening we thoroughly enjoyed a delicious dinner for two in the cozy environs of the Tobermory Brewing Co. and Grill.
Fast forward to this spring and I find myself ordering one of their new seasonal brews, the Sailor’s Delight Raspberry Wheat Beer. Taking my first few sips overlooking the picturesque Little Tub harbour, I was immediately stuck by its delightful hue, reminiscent of one of those classic Tobermory sunsets… hence the name Sailor’s Delight, red sky at night and all that! Although back in the UK we say Angel Shepherd’s Delight…
Nevertheless, Sailor’s Delight is one of the most enjoyable beers I have tasted in some time. The addition of raspberries adding a marvellous crisp tartness to what is already a solid wheat beer architecture. The carbonation, combined with that rasping acidity, fairly dances on the tongue, making it a beer that’s hard to put down, as I discovered that evening; I managed to consume the entire growler before the appearance of one of those sunsets!
Okay, it’s a five hour drive to get up there and get your hands on some, but in my mind it’s well worth it (and it’s a lovely drive once you get past Brampton.)
My beer of the summer, without a doubt.
(A rare five out of a possible five apples)
Edinburgh-born/Toronto-based Sommelier, consultant, writer, judge, and educator Jamie Drummond is the Director of Programs/Editor of Good Food Revolution… And he’ll be bringing some back home for his Toronto friends.
