Must-Try Beers From Toronto's Ladies Craft Beer Festival

The Society of Beer Drinking Ladies held Canada’s first Ladies Craft Beer Festival at Evergreen Brickworks on April 1, 2016. As most beer-loving ladies would agree, it was one of the best-run craft beer festivals held in Toronto. This sold-out event proved its potential to grow and become a tradition as a part of Toronto’s ever-growing beer scene. Unable to snag tickets this time around? Here are the four best beers you may have missed.

Anne Bonny’s Revenge, 5.6% ABV

This Coconut Vanilla Porter by Junction Craft Brewery, located in Toronto’s beloved Junction neighbourhood, was one of the finer porters at the event. The strong notes of toasted coconut made this an easy-sipping beer and had many coming back for more. It was also brewed in support of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, so what’s not to love?
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Dubbel Entendre, 7.4% ABV

You can’t go wrong with a Belgian Dubbel. Black Oak Brewing Company’s Dubbel Entendre, a deliciously rich beer, will make you do a double take (pun intended). Dubbels are known for their rich maltiness and spicy notes, and Black Oak’s Entendre is just that — malty and slightly sweet, with notes of dark dried fruit. Embrace your inner Belgian and add the Dubbel Entendre into your beer rotation.
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Harry Porter and The Curiously Spicy Cocoa Bean, 6.5% ABV

The Porter-style beers were the highlight of the festival, and the Harry Porter and The Curiously Spicy Cocoa Bean was no exception. Brewed by Great Lakes Brewery, this Porter is infused with ghost pepper and cocoa nibs. The chocolate notes and slight kick made this one an easy favorite, as did its name, which was a hit with the Harry Potter-loving crowd. Luckily, it’s available right now at their retail store.
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Abattoir, 8% ABV

Blood Brothers Brewing Company is a relatively new microbrewery in Toronto, but their Abattoir Brett Farmhouse beer was one of the better Brett beers available at the festival. Brett beers, short for ‘brettanomyces,’ are a must-try; described as a ‘funky yeast’ by the New York Times, the unique fermentation process used to create them is guaranteed to make flavourful beers. In the case of Abattoir, think citrus — it’s definitely a fragrant beer that is perfect for summer.
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If you’re a beer-loving lady in the Greater Toronto Area, be sure to keep up with the Society of Beer Drinking Ladies for future events — including their monthly bevies, which are held on the last Friday of every month.

About the author

Teya Zuzek

Teya is an avid traveller who is proud to call Toronto home. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto in both Cinema Studies and History. Her affinity for culture has led her to get involved in all of Toronto's arts scenes. If she's not playing sports, attending local concerts, or making her own beer/wine/cocktails, she is blogging about fashion or photographing food. A true jack of all trades, you can follow her adventures on various social media outlets. Follow her on Instagram @teyzee and @foodoftoronto.