Beer O'Clock: East Coast Pale Ale

I actually thought I had reviewed this ale before.

One of the disadvantages of reviewing local breweries is that I feel as though I've focused on just a handful of the many establishments in this fine city. And it's true, I have.

I plan to cast my hop-scented net a little further, in the future, to bring you more suds from the breweries that Ottawa has to offer. I also want to go further and explore more beer in Ontario, Quebec, and the rest of Canada.

Heck, I want to try all the beer!

Before the pandemic, I made a trip out to one of the breweries between Little Italy and Hintonburg (Hintaly?), to a brewery whose beer I like but don't seek out as often as I should. Or maybe I made the trip sometime during the pandemic for a curbside pickup.

My COVID-brain has lost all track of time and space.

Regardless of when I made the visit, I picked up, among their flagship cream ale and other goodies, a pale ale that seemed to be a limited release. Last week, when I learned that Vimy Brewing Company had once again released this ale, I thought, "Oh, I should get some more. I remember writing a review."

Only, I hadn't written a review. In fact, I've only reviewed this brewery once, and it was their aforementioned cream ale.

This pale ale was deserving of a closer look, so here we go.

East Coast Pale Ale (4.8% ABV, 38 IBUs)
Vimy Brewing Company
Ottawa, ON

Appearance: a dried-apricot gold with a foamy, white head that settles to a thin but dense cap and stays that way down the glass.

Nose: mild grapefruit and the faintest hint of dried, candied fruit.

Palate: soft plums and easy-to-take hops culminate in a mildly bitter finish.

Overall impression: this is a very easy-going ale that can be casually sipped with company. There is no harsh bitterness and because the finish is mild, it begs you to take another mouthful. The fruit gently reminds you that it's there but doesn't impose itself. It's a great, all-round ale.

Beer O'Clock rating: 🍺🍺

Because Vimy Brewing is in the process of moving, its taproom and shop are currently closed. This means that you won't be able to visit them until they settle into their new location, on Industrial Road (they're going to be neighbours to my good friends at Bicycle Craft Brewery!).

But you can order from Vimy and have your beer delivered. Orders of 24 cans or more get you free delivery in Ottawa or throughout Ontario for only $10. When I ordered my two-four before noon, it arrived later that afternoon.

I'm looking forward to checking out their new digs. I'll have to remember to do that.

Cheers!