United Nations of Beer

Warthog ale

by Ashley Cotter-Cairns
(UNOB HQ)

Warthog ale
Big Rock Brewery, AB, Canada

Many things I admire about an ale are present in Big Rock's Warthog. The more Canadian beer I try, the better I like it. Obviously Canucks are just as adept as producing mass-market fizzy piss as Americans, but once you get away from the swill and start rooting around for the truffles from the microbreweries, you'll find some truly tasty little beers.

This is one of them. Though I do admit I had a little shudder when I saw it was orange. Ambers from Ontario, especially, have disappointed me, but Alberta has nothing to fear.

Warthog is a fine-smelling ale. Stick your snout in and you'll be salivating for a taste. The first mouthful won't disappoint. It's crisp and nutty, quite briskly carbonated, with bubbles of flavour exploding across your taste buds.

Swallow and you'll find a refreshing, yet resolutely bitter finish.

As I drained the last drops from the glass and licked my lips, I found myself disappointed that my birthday present (of which this was a small part from my friends Irish Mike and Andrea -- thanks guys! Awesome gift) only contained one bottle of Warthog ale.

That's the bad news. The good news is that other beers from Big Rock are waiting for me to taste them. All I need now is a bit of time and a good excuse. Hmm, it IS Canadian Thanksgiving today!

I have a cunning plan...