1. Lug Tread – Beau’s
Lug Tread, Beau’s all organic flagship lagered ale has quickly become an easy pick for Ottawa specialty beer lovers. Over the past few years Beau’s has emerged as Ottawa’s most talked about microbrew, and for good reason. They run a rowdy Oktoberfest, have worked with Tom Green, and have managed to permeate the Byward taps. Lug Tread’s versatility makes it a great beer for just about any occasion. LT is crisp with fruity undertones pairing nicely with soft cheeses like brie or goat.
2. Bytown Brown – Clocktower Brewpub
Clocktower dominates the pub scene in a lot of ways, one of them being their creative beers. The Bytown Brown is brewed with seven (yes, seven) different kinds of sweet and roasted malts. It can be best enjoyed while cheering on the Ottawa Senators over a pound of cajun dusted wings.
3. Original Organic Lager – Mill St
Chances are if you are either an Ottawa native or have visited in the summer months you have thrown back your fair share of Mill St. Organic. The 100% all natural European style artisan lager is the drink of Ottawa music festivals. Mill St. is the beer provider for the RBC Ottawa Bluesfest. And, like the Bluesfest lineup, your options are always eclectic. The Roots on the Bell Stage or Steve Miller Band at the Canadian stage, Mill St. Organic is always a reliable choice.
4. Rideau Red – Big Rig
Sens blueliner Chris Phillips is the man behind Big Rig Brewpub. Big Rig houses on average six beers, it’s most popular being their classic Big Rig Gold. But, the Big Rig Rideau Red is a true star. It’s slightly more mellow than your average red with a clean finish. The more upscale brewpub’s answer to the classic sports bar is the perfect locale for a date or catching the game with friends.
5. Natural Blonde – Kichesippi Beer Co
Natural Blonde, Kichesippi’s all malt pale ale goes down nice and easy. The Natural Blonde is a worthy beer for someone easing into craft beer. It’s subtle fruitiness and sweetness resembling honey also make for a great night-out beer. Maybe blondes really do have more fun.
6. 3 Brewers IPA – Les 3 Brasseurs
Hop Heads rejoice! 3 Brewers IPA is the beer you’ve been searching for. This full bodied IPA is a golden beer with serious grapefruit hints, pine and wicked hops to balance out the sweetness. Though it’s bitterness doesn’t quite lend itself to the most clean finish this still makes it a popular choice among regular craft beer drinkers and would not be a great choice for someone starting to discover artisan beers. That being said 3 Brewers IPA is one of the most unique tasting IPA’s Ottawa has to offer.
7. Backbone Standard – Broadhead Brewing Company
There is a reason Broadhead named their lightly hopped, medium bodied beer, Backbone Standard. It’s a dependable beer full of contrasting flavours and it works really really well! The Standard starts grainy and unfolds into a fully flavoured, slightly creamy ale, ending on a sweet note. 100% vegan, Backbone Standard pairs nicely with kabobs during BBQ season. 