By Travis Persaud

If the change of weather didn’t clue you in, the change on tap surely will. While you celebrate the entrance of spring with that pair of questionable shorts you can’t quite let go of, your local breweries are marking patio season with some outstanding must-try seasonals.

Beau’s All Natural Brewing Co.
Your favourite Vankleek Hill brewery unleashes their award-winning Festivale today to LCBOs and pubs! The German style ale won Gold at the Mondiale de la Bière in France and is an absolute delight.

And if you’re in the neighbourhood, Beau’s is hosting a party at Windsor Tavern on May 19 to celebrate Festivale’s release. A bus to and from Ottawa is available for $35, which includes a tour of the brewery, steak dinner, and admission to the event.

Kichesippi Beer Co.
It wouldn’t be spring without a Maibock…

Kichesippi got down with a block party a couple weeks ago to unleash their Maibock seasonal – a German-style lager that has the strength of a traditional bock ale (in this case, it comes in at 6.3 percent). The party was such a doozy that they sold out of growlers! So, seek out your local establishment that has this exclusive beer.

Clocktower Brew Pub
…or a Maybock

Clocktower Brew Pub serves up their variation of this tasty springtime libation. It packs a slightly lesser punch at 5.5 percent, but isn’t lacking in any flavour. Brewmaster Patrick Fiori says the beer is initially bitter, but quickly turns sweet with spicy notes that take over. Have a pint at any of their locations.

HogsBack Brewing Company
This is one delicious bastard.

Kilty Bastard, the first seasonal in a series of limited edition beers the brewery plans to release, is a tempting Scotch ale with a brilliant amber hue. Brewed in “colla-beer-ation” (pun courtesy of HogsBack) with Ashton Brewing Company in the Ottawa Valley, it’s a great start to what should be an exciting list of small batch limited edition beers to come. Get it while it lasts.

MEET THE AUTHOR!

Davin de Kergommeaux says he’s taking the “kill-rumours-with-facts” approach with his book Canadian Whisky (McClelland & Stewart).

The whisky aficionado, certified Malt Maniac, and sommelier takes readers on a nose-tingling journey where he overturns every kernel of corn, and wipes away every drop of water, to uncover the truth about Canadian whisky. (If you read his book, those references will begin to make much more sense. I hope.)

Kergommeaux dispels myths about this distilled spirit’s Canadian history; walks you through the nine distillers of Canadian whisky; and includes tasting notes on over 100 whiskies. This book is the absolute authority that will help you better appreciate whisky from your home nation.

But don’t take my word for it — meet the man himself this Sunday, May 20 at Brittons magazine store (Glebe location – 846 Bank St.) from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. where he will be signing books and, if you’re lucky, answering some of your questions.

Capital Pint by Travis Persaud is published every second Thursday at OttawaMagazine.com. Follow Travis on Twitter @tpersaud.