As a ship crashes sideways into the harbour, so the impact of today’s featured beer bursts into my mouth. The beer is a Pale Ale, brewed by Collingwood, ON brewery, Side Launch.

The ship analogy may be a touch dramatic (an adjective bestowed upon this writer once or twice in the past) and may have a few of you raising your eyebrows in a bit of “Huh? Where’s he going with this?” wonder.

Have you ever given a thought as to how exactly ships are birthed from land to sea? I certainly haven’t. The folks at Side Launch clearly have, however, and show us in an entirely fascinating short film on their sleek website.  (…waits for you to click on link and watch video ….   *whistles Jeopardy theme song to self* …. Ok … you’re back? Perf). Do you share my questions – namely what are those  giant Jenga-looking blocks of wood the men are hammering away at? How many 50 ton lifts does it take to raise a ship? Do they still use this method today? How many trees were harmed in the making of this video? How cool would it be to be the fellow in the white cap standing on the back of the boat? What does any of this have to do with beer?!  As gorgeous and randomly intriguing as this website is, I feel I need an explanation of the connection between the ships and the beer.

As for the beer itself – let me first say I reckon Pale Ales are probably my favourite all-round style of beer. When they’re well-made (as this one certainly is), they make for a perfectly quaffable, sessionable beer that goes down easy – but has more flavour and complexity than, say, a Lager or American Pilsner. The Side Launch Pale Ale has all the aspects of this style that I love: the bittersweet grapefruit and floral hop characteristics dancing in perfect communion with bready, caramel malt flavours all wrapped up with a crisp, refreshing finish.

Though I remain puzzled as to why Side Launch Brewing is so inspired by a method of moving ship from land-to-sea, I can say with certainty that were I present for such an event, this Pale Ale would be a perfect beery accompaniment.