I perused the COMDB library, diving into the dusty tomes of the archives. Specifically searching the Dewey decimal system 030 section, just to check out some “new” English. There were lots of new editions on the shelves. How about Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary circa 1984. Or the definitive guide on the use of English, Strunk and White’s Elements of Style New Edition from1979. Or the badly in need of an update New American Desk Encyclopedia, published 1977. I knew they weren’t new now, but I also knew they were new then. Even the cranky old men were new once.
Yes, at one time we were crafty young men, chomping at the proverbial bit, each seeking out their own version of the “American” dream, Canadian edition. 50 years and a lot of beers later and success for me is a second career as a professional beer reviewer. I think it was Springsteen who said, “Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true, or is it something worse”. *
Why am I jabbering on about new this, new that? Downtown Hogtown brewer Mascot has a not so new now brew called New English Lager, ** a lager of the amber persuasion, and Lord knows I love me an Amber. Time to pour me a language lesson.
A clear amber pour, a caramel copper shade with an ever so slight sliver of a head. A caramel sweet aroma, more toffee than malty on the nose. The first taste is a somewhat subdued, some may say subtle, caramel not all that sweet. It leads into a light hoppiness and a bit of a crisp finish, a nice sequence for sure. Everything lightens up a bit but still has a nice flavour and balance. A pub style lager that’s an easy drinking thirst quencher too.
Regardless of how new or old this brew is, it’s a fresh amber craft and very tasty in any language. *** And just think of all those formative years I spent drinking Canadian. If only I knew then what I know now.
0 Comments