Beer O'Clock: 150

It's not often that one country celebrates another country's anniversary. But because, for Canada, one of its founding fathers and first prime minister originated from another country—we're talking about Scotland—and he was known for his love of drink, it's only fitting that a brewery gives its nod to Canada's 150th anniversary.

Edinburgh brewers, Innis & Gunn, has concocted a limited edition ale that celebrates Canada's confederation, 150 years ago, and ties in the two countries long and happy relationship. Let's take a closer look:

Maple & Thistle Rye Ale (5.9% ABV)
Innis & Gunn Brewing Company
Edinburgh, Scotland

Appearance: deep copper-brown with red tones, and a foamy, beige head that pours thick and remains solid through most of your drinking session.

Nose: somewhat closed to start, though I was enjoying it outdoors and found that even the slightest breeze threw my nose off. I did, however, detect mild oak and trace amounts of burnt rye.

Palate: complex flavours of oak, orange rind, and a smokey maple that finished with a tiny bite. The is absolutely no sweetness; rather, the combination of flavours makes for a rich dryness.

Overall impression: I could see myself drinking this ale at a campfire in one of Canada's national parks. Eating bacon to the sounds of loons, singing on a nearby lake.

Stroking a beaver.

For this release, Innis & Gunn matured this bottle-conditioned ale in 150 oak barrels for 150 days. It's a pretty special ale.

And while it's not my favourite Innis & Gunn brew (and I like them all), as a Canadian who loves Scotland, I have to thank those folks for paying tribute to us.

Sir John A. Macdonald would be proud.

Beer O'Clock rating: 3.5

Cheers!