As if you needed an excuse to have a sip of the frosty brew, Toronto’s first ever Beer Week kicks off today with events across the city.
With more than 40 bars, restaurants and brew pubs participating, the festivities will showcase the best craft beers from Ontario and across Canada.
Here’s our top five picks from TBW’s event list:
Monday
Join Beerology.ca’s Mirella Amato for a blind tasting of nine different craft beers.
C’est What, 67 Front Street E., 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday
A Black Oak Brewery guided tasting with Black Oak Brewing President Ken Woods and brew master Adrian Popowycz. Guest Tap: Black Oak Double Cherry Chocolate Stout: $10
The Only Café, 972 Danforth Avenue
Wednesday
Enjoy a sampling of McAuslan Brewery products — St Ambroise Oatmeal Stout, St Ambroise Pale Ale and Griffon Red — and get a "tasting trio" for $5.
BQM, 354 Queen Street West, 5 p.m.
Thursday
Try out two local pumpkin beers, both available in cask and keg: Great Lakes Pumpkin Ale & Grand River Highballer Pumpkin Ale. Check out the differences between the two brewers and learn about keg versus cask — or just drink!
The Rhino, 1249 Queen St W, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY
Learn about McClelland’s European Portfolio and take a blindfolded tasting of Affligem blonde, Fruli, Erdinger’s Dunkel & Weissbiers, Delerium Tremens and Stiegl, in 8oz glasses.
The Paddock , 178 Bathurst Street