The Niagara region is the home to over 50 wineries*, with vineyards galore, wine tours and every kind of wine you can think of and a few you can’t. But when you’re done whining, it’s time to get serious and drink something that actually tastes good. Enter beer. And for those of us less inclined to the vine, there are over 20 breweries in the Niagara region and that’s just on the Canadian side! Newark** is one of the newer brewers in the area, based in Beamsville.
Not sure why I’m giving a geography lesson when I need a GPS to get to the grocery store.*** Time to sample the beer that got it all started for these Beamsville brewers.
Newark’s take on this classic German lager pours golden hazy clear, with a slim trim bright white Helles head. Malt on the nose, some grain in there too, maize perhaps? Perhaps. First taste is malt grain with a touch of sweet and modest bitters with grainy malt aftertaste. Second swig has some subtle floral entering the picture. It has a little bit of everything happening, pretty complex for a basic Helles, but all well balanced and it all works.
It is easy drinking with a nice middlin’ mouthfeel. I know what you’re wondering, and the answer is yes, it’s a big swigger.
The Newark team have not reinvented the Helles, but they did make it their own, and made it well.
*Editor’s Comment: Fun fact, the COM did host a beer tasting at a winery as part of a baby shower.
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