The Blood of Ink.

That’s the translation, and once again – that’s pretty much the colour of this beer. See, as winter sets in, the truth is that I just keep yearning for the same styles of beer. Stouts, Porters, Imperial Stouts, etc. Big, rich, dark, robust ales that soothe and warm my frozen winter soul.

Last night, I went out with a couple of friends to one of my favourite watering holes in Toronto. It’s called The Only Cafe and it’s a ways east, on The Danforth. Like most downtowners, it’s a real rarity to venture that far out of the center of the city – but I guess that adds to the adventure of the evening.

The bar is a brilliant spot, tiny and jam-packed with people. Hundreds of framed photos and paintings clutter every inch of the walls (not that you can really see what’s on them, the lighting is mostly provided by minuscule table lamps that must have 10w lightbulbs). The bar is long and lined with taps pouring a spectacular selection of craft brews.

My choice for most of the evening was the exceptional Le Sang d’Encre, from the ever-esteemed Quebec brewery, Le Trou Du Diable. It’s an Irish Dry Stout and at a 5.5%, is reasonably sessionable. It’s also heavenly. The beer presents much of what I’d expect from this style; lots of coffee and bitter chocolate on the nose, same with the taste – but add on an intriguing bit of hoppy (or yeasty?) spiciness that intrigues the palate. It’s got a full mouthfeel, but isn’t so heavy that you have to nurse it. No, I managed to fly through an unmentionable number of these in the few hours I was at the bar.

Most of these “A Beer A Day” posts are done from my apartment, which is because it would be incredibly expensive and unhealthy to repeat last night’s excursion with much frequency. But I will say that as wonderful as the beer was, it was truly made all the better because of the environment. If you live in Toronto, or if you’re visiting, you really must make that trip out to the East Side and get lost for a few hours at The Only Cafe.

*You can also come join me! I’ll be there for Beer Fest on Feb 6th and 7th