Grand River Galt Knife Old Style Lager

Sampled at the Kitchener Craft Beer show. Pours a nice deep golden colour with a large rocky head. The aroma is malty (the straw and barley are enough to entice any true lager-lover) with a hint of some strong hops. The taste is actually more dominated by some very tasty, bready malts, with the significant amount of expected hops to balance it out. It’s not as hoppy as I was expecting, after having tried the Plowman’s Ale first, but it’s still got enough to please a hop-head IMHO. I actually like this one more than the Plowman’s Ale (but I am just a tad bit more of a lager man to be honest). I honestly get offended when this is compared to Brooklyn lager, I hated brooklyn lager, but loved this one, go figure.

1.9 l growler from the brewery. wow where do i begin. the aromas are incredible: bread yeast, sweet malt, caramel, sweet grass, hops, slight floral notes and more come out as this beer warms. pours deep golden with a beautiful white frothy head (two fingers) the head laces the glass just as it should and the carbonation is perfect for the style. the flavours are an amazing balance of the aromas and the layers of flavour are incredible considering this being only 4.4%. complexity and balance that you rarely find in this style. this is the best lager ive ever tasted and im looking forward to seeing it available in other size options. i cant wait to try the ale.

2L Growler from the Brewery, bottled 2 days ago. Dark Yellow with a decent white head. Very floral, hoppy, some bread/biscuit. Mild carbonation with a nice clean bitter finish. The freshness probably adds a few points, as I’ve rated it higher than others. I love this beer!

Growler from the brewery (transported to Toronto & refridgerated for 5 days prior to openning)..... Alcohol is only 4.4%..... In theory it’s similar to the Brooklyn lager, without as much citrousy hops (which probably was closer to the old style here)..... A: Clear bronze, fluffy white head, very little retention, some lace..... S: Peppery, grassy, metallic spice, bready malt, caramel & nut..... T: Metallic & grassy hops, spicy, crisp bitterness, hints of grapefruit & mint, biscuity, grainy. I’d think I’d prefer a little less hop flavour & bitterness (as the brewer initially intended)..... M: Light to moderate body is smooth & slightly acidic..... D: Quite drinkable.

On tap at Magpie - came a clear deep straw gold with a clear white head that left a coat of lace all down the glass. Biscuity, grainy aroma, with fresh bread and some fruity hops evident as well. Flavours are quite complex with sweet malt balancing perfectly with a bitter hop finish. Thick in the mouth. Very hoppy lager, as it should be. THE BEST lager available in Ontario, period. I’d take this over the (oft compared to) Brooklyn lager anyday. A much more balanced package. Superb.