If you’re one of the fortunate ones who owns a cottage, is able to rent a cottage, or are really lucky and have a nice relative that lends you their cottage for a week, then you can appreciate the quiet time relaxing by the lake’s edge listening to the waves lap against the dock whilst sipping on a cold beer.
No grass to cut or house repairs to be done just the occasional swatting of flies as they nip at your ankles. I can’t imagine anything that is more soothing to the mind than listening to a loon’s cry across the lake as a gentle breeze cools your face while relaxing in a lawn chair. When the sun is shining and the weather is hot I prefer beers that have more of a citrus flavour with some good acidity which makes them taste more refreshing.
We were running short on essentials at the cottage, like hot dogs, beer and chips, plus we were getting a bit of cabin fever. We decided to organize a side trip to Perth to pick up more supplies and stop at Perth Brewery to see what they had to offer in the way of refreshing beverages.
As we came through the Perth Brewery front door and viewed the list of beers we knew that making a choice wouldn’t be easy so some “sampling” would be necessary. The Whalebone Stout with oyster shells added to the brewing process was interesting and the Oh Canada Maple Lager made with Temples maple syrup was a real treat but we needed something more refreshing for the beach.
After some more sampling, we settled on four beers. A grapefruit Radler, a west coast IPA called Calypso, a wheat beer called Summer Squeeze and we couldn’t leave without grabbing a couple of Oh Canada maple ales. It was time to head back to the cottage, throw the beer on ice and get set up for a relaxing afternoon by the lake. A little fun in the sun with some kayaking maybe a swim and then sit back, sip a beer and watch the odd pontoon boat go by. Life is tough.
Summer Squeeze – Perth Brewing
A thirst-quenching wheat beer with hints of lemon, lime and orange. Best served well chilled while sitting in an Adirondack chair.
Grapefruit Radler – Perth Brewing
Wow! This Radler is full of grapefruit flavours without being overly sweet. If you like a good Radler then this is a must try.
Calypso West Coast IPA – Perth Brewing
Most West Cast IPAs have pretty high IBU levels (bitterness) but this IPA was citrusy with a mid range IBU level (42) which made it very enjoyable.
Oh Canada Maple Ale – Perth Brewing
The perfect marriage of maple syrup and a well brewed ale. Heaven in a glass.
Mark Cochrane
Email me at markuncorked@gmail.com
Visit my website at www.markuncorked.com
Follow me on Twitter @markuncorked
Follow me on Instagram markuncorked66
