In 2008, the very good people at Shipyard forwarded me samples of their new Pugsley Signature series beers and I reviewed the imperial porter. Like so many examples of Canadian consumer selection, the local state monopoly has flexed its cat-like reflexes and, four years later, we are able to buy these in Ontario.... temporarily. W.o.o.t.

The beer pours smoky amber with a heavy off white mocha lace leaving head. On the nose, marmalade laced with booze and ditch weed hops. In the mouth, thick with bread-crusty malts and caramel sweet with an attractive spicy burn to the hops. Waves of white grapefruit pith wash around the gums with white pepper min-wax furniture polish and autumn apple. The finish is malty sticky, chili heated and bitter greened.

Just under eight bucks for 625 ml. Quibbly BAer respect.