Sault Ste Marie

Local Beer: Union Jack Brewery

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unionjackAndrew and I recently got around to trying a couple of different selections from one of the local breweries. The Union Jack Brewing Company opened in May 2015.  Initially their beers were only available in-house but they just recently managed to get their beers into the Beer Store.  A number of local restaurants also offer their beer on tap.

Algoma Pale Ale

The first Union Jack Beer I tried was a tall can of their Algoma Pale Ale.  Given my love of IPA style beers I was excited to try this selection though a bit leery given how many overwhelmingly hoppy beers have been labeled as IPAs recently.  Thankfully this wasn’t a beat you over the head with hops situation – the Algoma Pale Ale was well balanced with notes of hopes, malt, and subtle pine.  I really enjoyed this selection and it would be something I would definitely pick up again.

1870 Amber Ale

Andrew and I both tried this selection on draught at a local restaurant.  Though described in the style of an American pale ale, this felt more like a traditional amber selection to me.  I’ve really been enjoying the complexity but smoothness of amber ales recently and this was a good example of something simple but tasty.  Malty undertones and little to no hop taste.

Rapid River Cream Ale

Only Andrew has tried this one so far (okay, I stole a sip of his beer but not enough to comment on it).  It was a number of weeks ago that he had this particular beer – but remembers liking it if nothing else.  I figure that just means we have to try it again to confirm that it was good.

Living Local: Shabby Motley

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Deliciousness from Shabby Motley.

Deliciousness from Shabby Motley.

This is the second post in the Living Local Series. The first post in this series featured Outspoken Brewing and can be found here.

Shabby Motley is a yarn shop, cafe, and funky hangout out space on Queen Street.  Coincidentally it is located right next door to Outspoken Brewery, which I wrote about a few weeks ago.  The store is filled to the brim with every type of fiber and yarn a crafter could ask for.  But, given how crazy long it’s taken me to approach completion of my latest knitting project I haven’t indulged in too many of the beautiful yarns offered by Shabby.  My goal is to finish using up some of the yarn I already own before I stockpile more.

But, even if you aren’t a knitter or fiber artist Shabby Motley is a pretty neat space.  They have delicious baking, locally roasted coffee from St. Joseph Island Coffee Roasters, and delicious sandwiches.  The staff are super friendly and helpful.  It’s an inviting space that makes me want to knit more every time I visit the shop.

The shop’s facebook account is also pretty awesome and hilarious at times — and they are constantly posting inciting photographs of tasty treats.  I am very happy to see a local business like Shabby thriving in Sault Ste Marie’s downtown core. Definitely a local gem.