Hops: German Magnum, Centennial
ABV: 4.8%
IBU: 18
Available: Year-round
@untappd says: 3.46/5
Let’s discuss some Ontario Politics on the Windowsill today!
When conservative Doug Ford—yes, the brother of the embarrassing former Toronto mayor Rob Ford, who is no longer with us—won the election in April, he promised to lower the price of beer. This month, Buck-A-Beer was made official, and the price of beer went down, as promised. However, certain socially beneficial programs (like the basic income pilot program) began disappearing under the new conservative regime. Although paying $1 for beer might seem like a cool thing, the new policy is controversial. Many of Ontario’s craft breweries have decided not to participate—they can’t afford to sell their beer that cheap—and alcohol experts warn that lowering the price will lead to lots of terrible things, like hospitalizations, deaths, domestic violence, sexual assaults, etc.
Where do I stand? I think if the government is using sleight of hand to take away a programs that might benefit society by promising cheaper beer—and other superficial benefits—it’s is bad news. I stand with breweries like Collective Arts. I’d rather pay more for local, quality beer than support a program like this. I believe that you’re only as strong as your weakest link, and making that link stronger makes the whole chain stronger. I do, however, hope that the Ontario-based breweries not participating in Buck-A-Beer will find a way to donate money to organizations that will continue to benefit their province’s people. You can keep your $1 beers, Mr. Ford.
Today’s Windowsill beer is, appropriately enough, the Lunch Money—an American (Canadian?) blonde ale from Collective Arts Brewing. There’s not much to this brew. It’s an easy-drinking blonde ale brewed with German Magnum and Centennial hops. It’s crisp, refreshing and nice. Nothing special, but the Lunch Money is still definitely worth more than a dollar.
Check out a video of the label, and Collective Arts’ stance on Buck-A-Beer on my Instagram, now!