Black Oak Pale Ale

When you go to most regular pubs, (ones that don't specialize in craft beer), you will usually a row of taps that are 75% lagers and pale ales so it can sometimes be tough to find something unique and interesting, but if faced in a situation such as this try to look for the Black Oak Pale Ale tap, because it will be a winner for your palate.  It's also a good call if you aren't feeling like something less hoppy, or thick, as it is both interesting and drinkable at the same time.

When you get your pint of Black Oak Pale Ale it will look have the same golden colour as any other pale ale you have had.   When you take a sip it starts out very smooth, but not so smooth that it is boring.  As the sip progresses you get a nice foll bodied flavour with slight woody undertones before it finishes with a slightly bitter kick.  It is surprisingly complicated for a pale ale, and something that makes it a nice treat when you want a lighter beer while watching the game at a pub, or just when you want a lighter beer in general.  It's a proper pale ale, one that is interesting, but smooth and drinkable at the same time.  A reminder that craft beer doesn't have to be scary. 

It's available at some LCBO and Beer store locations as well as on draught at a variety of pubs in the GTA.  Personally I had it at the Wallace Gastropub on Yonge st (near Yonge & Davisville) but it is available elsewhere.  You can also go to their brewery in Etobicoke.

Rating: 4.5 Steins

What you need to know

Brewery
75 Horner Ave Unit #1
Etobicoke, ON M8Z 4X5

Website:
http://blackoakbeer.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/blackoakbrewery

Twitter:
@BlackOakBrewing