This evening was the Christmas party at The Oxley, which is the English pub I work at here in Toronto. It’s a fantastic spot to work – a sentiment shared by all and also one that was genuinely on display for the entirety of the evening. There were folks dancing together in a lovely classic way (myself and my Secret Santa, Sarah C) and there were also folks break-dancing, spinning on their head (George) and other folks twerking while doing a headstand (Curtis).

The Oxley has a pretty great beer selection, but my choice for the evening was the Bystander, from Innocente Brewing Co.  This beer is classified as an American Pale Ale, which means that it should have a high hop profile, particularly the tropical/citrusy/piney characteristics of hops that are native to the USA. At 4.7%, this beer also qualifies as a “Session Ale”.   So, effectively, this is Innocente’s take on a Session IPA. And it is immensely drinkable. First sip just fills your mouth and nose with tropical fruit; melons, apricots, mangoes. Then, you get the grapefruit citrusy profile, followed by the lovely bready malts. I think this is a wonderfully balanced brew that goes down almost too easily.

Tonight was the night of many many beers and with everyone else several drinks in and dancing and feeling the spirit of Christmas, I wouldn’t want it any other way.