Brews News: Molson Coors roll out Spanish lager
Inspired by Spain, embraced by the United Kingdom and now here.
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Inspired by Spain, embraced by the United Kingdom and now here. John Molson was a brewing man, but he likely never envisioned this lager sold under his name.
Madri Excepcional was first brewed in Toledo, Spain, by La Sagra, a brewery Molson Coors bought in 2017.
It’s on a roll in the U.K., where it was launched in 2020. In the third quarter of 2023, it was the third-largest world beer in the U.K.’s total trade, according to Molson Coors. The popularity over the pond prompted Molson Coors to brew it in Canada.
Launched here in March, it’s at LCBO, The Beer Store and grocery stores.
Those who enjoy Corona will love Madri Excepcional.
NEW AND NOTED
Lager fans are finding four distinct takes on the style at once at Bellwoods in Toronto. Bellwether takes its flavour inspiration from European lagers. Gretel is a Vienna lager. Isar is a lighter lager. Hellweiser is a dark lager with roasted malts.
Something in the Water of Toronto and Kingston collaborated with a Florida brewery for 100 Swearing Parrots, a cold IPA. Something in the Water and King Maker of Jacksonville started with the same malt bill, then used different hops. In Canada, the hops are three varieties from New Zealand — Nelson Sauvin, Superdelic and Nectaron. The backstory on the beer’s name begins with the trouble caused originally by eight foul-mouthed parrots whose vocabulary spread to 92 others introduced by a zoo in Lincolnshire, England.
Sons of Kent in Chatham has a blueberry hard apple spritzer. Cedar Springs is gluten-free and made using local apples and Canadian blueberries.
Powerparking is back for the season on sale the first Wednesday of the month at Powerhouse Brewing in London. Powerparking is a gathering of the East London Timing Association car club. Pairs with a fresh batch of Una Cerveza.
There’s a new hazy IPA at Broken Rail in St. Marys. Hop Forward is brewed with three varieties of hops, Nelson Sauvin, Centennial and Sabro. It measures 5.8 per cent alcohol.
Imperial City Brewhouse in Sarnia sells Sober Carpenter beers in the taproom for those looking for a near-zero alcohol beer. Among the beers, are Sober Carpenter Blonde Ale and a dealcoholized cider.
Enjoying the warm sun and craving a cool beer? Black Swan in Stratford answers the call with a raspberry take on its Wild Child Berliner Weisse. The tart German sour is a brisk seller this summer, the brewery says.
Wayne Newton is a freelance journalist based in London.
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