The other week, I received a review copy of the Ontario Craft Brewer's Discovery Pack - a six pack that is now becoming available throughout Ontario featuring beers from six separate breweries. I have to point out that this blog is supported by the OCB as their logo to the left confirms. I also have to point out that I am a big fan of mixed sixes. You can make of that what you want but those two things do make me lean towards supporting this marketing move. Why? When else have I seen the products of different brewers in one package and craft brewers anywhere in Canada doing anything to push their product into the minds of uncharted sales territory. Frankly, if you are going to act as a marketing body for craft brewers, this is exactly the sort of thing that just makes sense.

But what about the particular selection: six pale lighter ales and lagers? Well, this is not aimed at unseating the Trappist monks from their role at the height of brewery management or anything, so should we worry? No - the point is to "discover" and for my pals who have not really had beer with, you know, barley in it these beers are entirely good choices. When I opened the box, a cousin-in-law-in-law was over and, knowing what the point of the package was, I passed it around. One got the Wellington SPA which I had reviewed three years ago. His take was much fairer than mine - it's got more taste than what he's used to but the taste was good. I had the Lakes of Muskoka Cream Ale as well as Brick's J.R. Brickman Pilsner and I though both were entirely good, grainy, lightly hoppy and tasty company's over beers - though, having that company over visiting, I didn't get into note taking or anything. Remember that Gary the Potter reviewed the Mill Street Organic Lager back last year and it's one that, other than that tiny bottle, I find that one perfectly good as well. Quality without the volume at eleven.

The point of this pack is not to thrill me or, as the great discussion going on over at the Bar Towel show, to convert any other beer nerds. It is to introduce the Ontario Craft Brewers' quality to people who have not yet made the move to real beer. Best of all, it is their first such joint venture. I hope they move to move interesting browns and stouts and IPAs but I also hope that they keep this mix or one like it on the shelf. I always have people coming over who need to make their first move into good beer. This is a great way to help them take that critical first step.