Okay, for the benefit of the good readership I have spent several hours today sampling the fineries at the Toronto Festival of Beer. Word of warning to those who might be thinking of attending later today or tomorrow -- take cash and plenty of it! Food selection is good but pricey and samples will run you $1 for 4 oz, and $2 for an 8 oz cup. Admission at the gate is $25 and includes $5 in sample vouchers.

I went in with the intention of trying brands I had not previously tried. Accordingly, personal favourites Creemore and Amsterdam -- though there -- were not visited. Also, the big breweries with their assembly line swill were also avoided. The big winner for the day for me was Wellington County Ale (kudos to Crampedin13A for that call!). The most pleasant surprise of the day was from the Church-Key Brewing Company (near Campbellford ON) for their Cranberry Maple Wheat seasonal beer. I was intrigued by the sound of that combination, and amazed by the taste! I'll be getting some of that "for home use" before the season is over.

Consider this hardship a community service!