Cranky Old Cecil
The Cecil Shamus Fitzgerald of legend certainly looks like a cranky old man, doesn’t he? Could be from a bad bear wrestling experience, maybe he “tapped” out on a bear hug? Or perhaps a bumpy camel ride. They say a two humper is better than a one humper, maybe they spit less? All this bear wrestling and camel talk is making me thirsty. But I will tell you one thing. Cecil may be short on smiles but he isn’t cranky from sampling some of the beers from his brewhouse, that’s for sure. And our bartender was all smiles and stood behind her beers (literally) for a brew pic.
Cecil’s in North Bay is a local brewpub and the brewmaster was good enough to share with me their unique approach and focus on natural ingredients in their brewing. All you need to know is the results are on tap and well worth a quaff.
They have a good selection of their home brewed brews, but I am ready, willing and able* to sample an amber anytime. Love me an amber. So when opportunity met motive, just like Fats Domino, I rhymed the crime and rock and rolled up to the bar and ordered up an amber ale on tap.
A copper kettle colour, fueling my amber anticipation. A perfect pour, head screwed on right, on the straight and narrow that is. A full malt aroma, smells amber to me. The taste test yields a great mouthfeel, light and easy. A robust malt body, with a touch of bitter (to remind us that this is an ale) and a lager sweet (caramel?) combination on the back end. How did they get both of those into the finish? However they did it, it sure works well.
Did I mention that I love me an amber? Well, this one is no exception. My first Cecil review but it won’t be my last. Looking forward to trying out their cream stout.
Thank you for taking the time not only to try one of beers but posting the review on your site. It was enjoyable chatting about our story and beers. We look forward to seeing you again and chatting about the world of beers.
The Cecil’s Team
Keep up the great brewing John. In the immortal words of Arnold “I’ll be back”.