MLL Beer Selection
Jul 19, 2010, 4:50 pm
#31
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: YWG
Programs: UA 1K, AC E, *G x2, BMI Silver, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, PC Platinum, Hilton Gold
Posts: 1,260
Haven't passed through the domestic departures area in YWG in a couple of months, but last time I was in the MLL I was extremely dissapointed to see that the only draught beer on tap was Guiness... No more Fort Garry Pale Ale, which is decent but not great, but after rushing through traffic, and racing through check-in and security it sure was refreshing.
I am a big Guinness fan, and like my beer to have some teeth, but I think more people travelling through the MLL would dislike Guinness than like it, and was surprised of the change.
I keep meaning to write AC but seem to have more important things to deal with lately...
As an aside, I really like the Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat that UA had on board this past winter / spring. Supporting a small local brewery is a great idea... for an airline that wants us as customers to support the Canadian Airline industry isn't it?
I mean really... AC keeps serving a crappy Canadian wine like Jackson-Triggs or other horrible Vincor products, and I can't beleive they are doing that because someone thinks it is good wine?
I am a big Guinness fan, and like my beer to have some teeth, but I think more people travelling through the MLL would dislike Guinness than like it, and was surprised of the change.
I keep meaning to write AC but seem to have more important things to deal with lately...
As an aside, I really like the Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat that UA had on board this past winter / spring. Supporting a small local brewery is a great idea... for an airline that wants us as customers to support the Canadian Airline industry isn't it?
I mean really... AC keeps serving a crappy Canadian wine like Jackson-Triggs or other horrible Vincor products, and I can't beleive they are doing that because someone thinks it is good wine?
Jul 19, 2010, 5:20 pm
#32
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Left
Programs: FT
Posts: 7,285
...i have lots of friends that love the stuff also...just not my cup of tea...
...as a wine drinker, i find this perhaps a huge gigantic 
but that is OT...but i think it probably is that some people like that plonk....
I totally agree about crappy liquor, but I can drink Guinness all day! but that is OT...but i think it probably is that some people like that plonk....
Jul 19, 2010, 6:01 pm
#33
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ
Programs: BA Gold/Marriott Gold/HH Diamond/IC Plat Amba
Posts: 5,996
While I like a couple of Guiness it's not something I'd drink all day. Despite it's relatively low alcohol content it's full of stuff that can leave you with an absolutely brutal hangover if you overindulge. I know this from a few such experiences.
Jul 20, 2010, 6:47 am
#34
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,082
I am quite pleased with the beer selection in the MLL as I prefer Molson Canadian. It's nice to know I can get a pint of my favourite beverage in most lounges.
It's actually quite funny to hear people surprised by the fact that beer/spirit companies pay for their brands to be offered in different establishments, why would the MLL be any different. Kudos to AC for taking advantage of some extra income.
Anyway, I don't have to drink a special/foreign beer to make me feel special.
It's actually quite funny to hear people surprised by the fact that beer/spirit companies pay for their brands to be offered in different establishments, why would the MLL be any different. Kudos to AC for taking advantage of some extra income.
Anyway, I don't have to drink a special/foreign beer to make me feel special.
Jul 20, 2010, 11:19 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 1,014
To each their own, really.Personally, I would like to see a compromise. Given that most lounges have two taps, make one a nationally recognized brand, and the other a local specialty of some sort. One of the things I really do enjoy about travelling is sampling the local brew as I travel the world.
Shiner Bock in Texas
Granville Island IPA in Vancouver
Yuengling on the eastern seaboard
Greene King in Oxford
etc....
Jul 26, 2010, 4:57 pm
#36
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 1,014
I am saddened to report that there is no beer avaialble in YVR International Departures, other than Molson Canadian.
I think it is time to start a letter writing campaign to Mr. Rovinescu. Perhaps there is some compromise that could be reached. Canadian on tap, local selection in cans/bottles?
I think it is time to start a letter writing campaign to Mr. Rovinescu. Perhaps there is some compromise that could be reached. Canadian on tap, local selection in cans/bottles?
Jul 26, 2010, 5:17 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: PHX
Programs: Flying Blue, bmi, LH, UA, DL, AS, WN, AA, VX
Posts: 103
Jul 27, 2010, 6:27 am
#38
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
You have to pay to play at places like this.
Hopefully AC is reading this and taking notes. I enjoyed going to the different MLL's and sampling the local beer (Grasshopper in YYC was great ^)
Jul 27, 2010, 2:16 pm
#39
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YEG
Programs: UA 1K, AC SE, WJ Gold
Posts: 352
loss of local brew
I too am bummed about the loss of local beers (or variety for that matter) in the MLLs. I am sitting in LAX now and they have a few options ... it is nice to try something of variety when travelling. Or perhaps even just a true Canadian big brew like Sleeman's or Keith's?
Jul 27, 2010, 6:20 pm
#41
Join Date: May 2008
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, SPG Gold, HH D
Posts: 1,130
Honestly, I've come to the point where I will often go to paid bars in airports rather than lounges just to get a decent local brew. Perfect example is PHL: there's a great bar in F that serves many, many local beers on tap (they had not one, but THREE local IPAs while I was there last), whereas the US Airways club has... coors light, bud light, heineken, corona.
F that. If I'm going to pay for a beer, I'm going to pay for a GOOD beer!
I know the MLL is free, but some things are just worth paying for. Good beer on tap is one of them.
F that. If I'm going to pay for a beer, I'm going to pay for a GOOD beer!
I know the MLL is free, but some things are just worth paying for. Good beer on tap is one of them.
Jul 27, 2010, 7:31 pm
#42
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: YYT/YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, AC*MM, SPG Gold, FPC Plat, HHonors Diamond, PC Plat Elite, R&C Club 5C, Hyatt GP
Posts: 2,201
I agree completely. However, beer selection in many other lounges is often very good - I've had SNPA, Lagunitas and Dogfish Head in various places. I don't mind having to pay if I'm going to get a decent beer.
Jul 30, 2010, 11:53 am
#43
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Closer to YTZ
Programs: Fairmont Platinum | AC Gate Lice Status | VIPorter
Posts: 2,554
Good idea from the blue team: local beer not molson toxic waste
Mr. Robert Palmer reports
GRASSHOPPERS ON A PLANE
WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Big Rock Brewery are teaming up to make Big Rock's best-selling Grasshopper wheat ale available for purchase on board all flights with bar service effective Aug. 1, 2010.
"One of the reasons we're so proud of our buy-on-board program is that we support local businesses across Canada by sourcing their products for our inflight menu," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales. "We offer sandwiches and wraps produced by nearly a dozen popular local restaurants in Canadian cities, and we're very excited to add our first locally brewed beer from Calgary's award-winning Big Rock Brewery to the menu."
Grasshopper, which won a gold medal at the 2009 Canadian Brewing Awards, is a Kristall Weizen German-style wheat ale that is delicately hopped and delivers a bright finish. One of Big Rock's most popular beers, Grasshöpper will be sold in cans on all WestJet flights with bar service (over two hours) beginning August 1.
"This is a great made-in-Calgary connection," said Big Rock President Bill McKenzie. "Having the opportunity to team up with a company like WestJet is a natural relationship for us, and being able to bring our brand to the skies is an exciting venture."
� 2010 Canjex Publishing Ltd.
GRASSHOPPERS ON A PLANE
WestJet Airlines Ltd. and Big Rock Brewery are teaming up to make Big Rock's best-selling Grasshopper wheat ale available for purchase on board all flights with bar service effective Aug. 1, 2010.
"One of the reasons we're so proud of our buy-on-board program is that we support local businesses across Canada by sourcing their products for our inflight menu," said Bob Cummings, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Sales. "We offer sandwiches and wraps produced by nearly a dozen popular local restaurants in Canadian cities, and we're very excited to add our first locally brewed beer from Calgary's award-winning Big Rock Brewery to the menu."
Grasshopper, which won a gold medal at the 2009 Canadian Brewing Awards, is a Kristall Weizen German-style wheat ale that is delicately hopped and delivers a bright finish. One of Big Rock's most popular beers, Grasshöpper will be sold in cans on all WestJet flights with bar service (over two hours) beginning August 1.
"This is a great made-in-Calgary connection," said Big Rock President Bill McKenzie. "Having the opportunity to team up with a company like WestJet is a natural relationship for us, and being able to bring our brand to the skies is an exciting venture."
� 2010 Canjex Publishing Ltd.
Jul 30, 2010, 1:14 pm
#44
Join Date: May 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC E50 MM, WJ Gold, Marriott Titanium Elite Lifetime
Posts: 3,082