While driving to work a few weeks back I heard the radio DJs talk about, in great detail, how absolutely amazing Whistler Brewing Company’s Chestnut Ale is. At 8 am I was drooling and dreaming about how my life would be complete if I could just get my hands on some. Unfortunately for me, it was too early for any liquor store to be open so I pouted and went to work like a good little girl. I would probably also be fired if I showed up to work with an opened 6 pack in hand and blamed the radio.

At the end of that day I left work forgetting all about my inner beer tantrum from earlier and went home to make dinner and relax. It wasn’t until a few days ago, when I bought a 6 pack of Granville Island Winter Ale, my absolute favourite winter ale, that I remembered I had actually wanted something else. HOW on earth could I forget that there was this new and exciting ale calling my name? I was officially on the search which was a very frustrating search. I went to several liquor stores, some private and some government and couldn’t get my hands on it. Well, a tip to the wise…..it doesn’t come in a 6 pack. You find it in the section of imported and micro brewed beer in the large bottles.

 

 

 

Let me tell you about this beer. I think you’re going to have to file it under “must try” this fall. It’s the latest offering that isn’t of a pumpkin variety. A nice dark amber in colour but since I served it rather cold I missed the chestnut upon first sip. Just an FYI, ales should be served a few degrees less then what your fridge is at. Caramel was the first flavour that hit me and actually reminded me a lot of the GIB Winter Ale. It wasn’t until I was halfway through my glass did I get the chestnut flavours. I really enjoyed this beer but it is a little on the heavier side and with so much sweetness from the caramel it’s probably not something I would want to drink throughout an entire evening. Perhaps start your night with this longneck and move onto something else during fall festivities. I do highly recommend that you give it shot though, especially since it’s out for a limited time only.