2 mom's unsophisticated guide to wine & beer

NatureLand Organic Lager

When I saw NatureLand Organic Lager, "Canada's first organic beer", how could I resist? I must say when I pulled this out at a barbecue it was met with a resounding "hmmmmm". The first thing that struck me as we all checked out the label was that it was made in Prince George. Prince George, unless it's changed a lot since the last time I visited, did not strike me as the sort of place people consider whether someone sprayed a little bug spray on their hops. Not to knock the Great White North, hey I spent most of my life up there too, but really...The bugs are quite big, pesticide is like cologne up there. So my point is, I was expecting to see somewhere in the Kootneys or Lower Mainland, or on the Island somewhere. It seems that NatureLand, owned by Pacific Western Brewing, has been in the beer business for forty years with a whole list of firsts on their website. Also it seems there is one of North America's largest aquifers running under Prince George providing pristine water for brewing. Who knew?
The labels promises a European style lager with a light crisp and refreshing taste. A little too light for me. It was an interesting conversation piece, and the website seems to indicate a great community company but a little flat on taste.

~Christle~

posted by unsophisicated mom @ 4:04 PM 1 comments

Cider and Highlanders

Merridale Cidery, as Jess mentioned, is a gorgeous, sunny, rolling hilled orchard with a rustic cider house at it's center where you can taste their delicious bounty or have a great lunch while overlooking the orchard. Their many ciders are crafted from their own apples in a traditional style. I must say, I'm quite familiar with Merridale ciders as they are a favorite, refreshing end the the night night-cap at the restaurant. I'd say the sweet Cyser is my favorite. However, I must admit I was inspired to try the Traditional blend this time by the revisiting of some old friends. I've been reading the sixth book of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. (I know Jess is cringing with horror right now) and as the seventeenth century Highlanders come off the barley field at the end of the day usually some lovely lass is waiting with homemade cider to quench the tired, parched mouths of their men. It was with this in mind that I headed purposefully to our local beer and wine store (as I don't have a barrel around back) and picked some up for Jess and I. As I sat in my backyard in the sun, looking across to the field (we have a soccer field next door), I could almost imagine Jamie and Roger coming across, sweaty, kilts and hair blowing in the breeze heading towards the smoke curling from the chimney, and some ice cold cider, ahhhhh.

posted by unsophisicated mom @ 9:23 AM 0 comments