Cranky Reviews

Free Beer, Tomorrow

Rye Ale

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

Free Beer, Tomorrow

Monty's Aged Rye Ale

Tomorrow Brew Co.

6.2% Alcohol

Monty’s Victory Quaff

Monty’s* commemorative brew is from Tomorrow Brew Co., their old name was Old Tomorrow**, but now they are looking to the future.

A dark golden approaching amber pour, with a slim trim head. A definite hint of rye in the aroma, and a touch of vanilla, both masking any other ingredients.  The rye and vanilla dominance is perhaps a foreshadowing? First swig and it is the vanilla that takes centre stage in act 1, quite enough but not quite too much.  Now the rye shows up for a dramatic entrance. There is some malt in there somewhere. Now vanilla. It is like two supporting actors from the same movie trying to steal the show. The smokey (smoky?) and caramel and honey are all MIA.

It’s all ok but less would have been better. Here is a subtle reminder. It would be better if both the rye and vanilla were a bit more subtle. They overpower any malt or caramel. Discretion is the better part of valour.***

On OK Tomorrow Brew Co. ale, basically as advertised, but long on rye and vanilla and short on subtle.  About as balanced as my diet.

*Editor’s Comment: Jonathan Riley "Monty" Montgomery won the gold medal in the men's skeleton event at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. He is best known for his spontaneous celebration after winning the gold medal when he was caught on camera being handed a pitcher of beer by a fan while a crowd surrounding him cheered and sang O Canada.

**Editor’s Comment: Sir John A. Macdonald’s nickname was Old Tomorrow, based on his ability to delay and postpone, and wear out his opponents. The original brewery name was to honour the father of Confederation. However there has been much attention recently to the tragedy of residential schools in Canada and in 1883 MacDonald authorized and supported the creation of residential schools across the country. According to a statement by the brewery, “the name change reflects our optimism for the future and a better tomorrow for all Canadians. We believe that even small actions like this can make a big difference and contribute to the growing recognition that we all need to be more sensitive to the needs of Canada’s Indigenous population.”

***Editor’s Comment: The expression means that it is better to be careful than to do something that is dangerous or unnecessary. It is a paraphrase of a Shakespeare quote: ‘the better part of valor is discretion’ from Henry IV Part 1.

Final Rating: A Not So Subtle 13 out of 20

Rye Ale

Beer Type

11 to 14

11 to 14

Honourable Mentions

Rating

Other Info

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