March 1 - March 31 2017 - ISSUE 7 SH RT FUSE Thomas Carling: London’s beer pioneer Prost, à santé London Heritage Throwback and cheers to By Nicole Borland It’s reasonable to say that most our fi rst ever Londoners know the roots of the Labatt Brewery, which was found- ed in 1847. Beer Issue! It’s awesome to have such an By Swillis O’Bottumsup enormous claim to fame in our Why a beer issue? great city. The fact that Labatt con- Well, why not? tinues to be the largest brewer in Beer is a truly wonderful thing and there’s a Canada is not too bad either. lot of it in London. But, let’s go back a little further, There are gluten-free and non-alcoholic se- back to 1843, when Thomas Car- lections, sour beers, craft beers, cheap, root ling brought his famed UK brew to Carling’s brewery as it stood in 1875-1880 at the corner of Talbot and Picadilly. and ginger beers. London, ON, and began an opera- The original brewery at Waterloo and Picadilly was destroyed by fi re. There’s literally something for everyone! tion at the corner of Waterloo and photo courtesy of London Public Library archives Whether or not barley pops are your bag, it’s Pall Mall Streets. shortly after opening. City’s heritage. worth appreciating the explosion of beer cul- Success followed, and in 1878 Following a series of events Today, this city is becoming more ture happening in London and beyond. Thomas’ sons, William and John, and changes of hands, they were widely known for craft beer produc- From brewing to tasting to the social aspects made a real splash in the scene bought out and exist today as the tion, with an increasing number of to the drink, beer itself contributes to the cul- with a magnificent, six-storey facil- Molson Coors Brewing Company. specialty bars offering the best of tural fabric of London, ON. ity on Talbot Street at Piccadilly. Like so many of London’s beau- local craftsmanship as well as rare That the industry is booming shows how The Carlings’ operation was tiful historic buildings that burnt imports. much of a social and economic driver our local beautiful. They were on the up down or were demolished, we no Brewing is an important aspect brewers have become. and up and growing consistently. longer have the physical structure. of London’s social, economic, Anderson Craft Ales blows our mind all the Disaster struck, however, and the However, we do have the memory and recreational history. Thanks, time. The London Brewing Co-Op just moved brewery was destroyed by fire of their importance to the Forest Thomas, for getting it all started. into a new facility. Milo’s Beer Lab is expanding, while Labatt’s is Canada’s sweetheart. 5 Craft beers for March that defi nitely aren’t green Railway City in St. Thomas keeps on getting By Tyler Turek, Anderson Craft Ales Released each year around this time, Strong Pat- better and Forked River holds it down at home. The spring season ushers in a new set of tasty lo- rick has become a legend. This robust, malty brew In addition to that, it’s March and St. Patrick’s cal beers. Here’s a quick look at our top picks that conjures notes of caramel, whiskey, oak and vanilla. Day is fast approaching. Time to start getting won’t stain your teeth… but are more than worthy of At 6.7% ABV, this beefy contender can certainly be those elbows into shape for the big day. St. Paddy’s consumption! shared. 1) Anderson Craft Ales - Spring 4) Toboggan Brewing Co - American Rye NEW LOOK FOR SHORT FUSE! Looks can deceive: a dark lager that has deep fla- A new release from Richmond Row’s brewpub (Different layout, same great taste!) vour and is light on the tongue. Roasted malts give where spice and caramel shine in this deep copper In case you didn’t notice, we’ve changed a hint of coffee with a clean finish. London’s newest classic. The citrus finish will draw you in for another Short Fuse’s two-page 11x17 format to a brewery will release this beer on March 4 and it’s sure sip and should be enjoyed on the spacious patio… to disappear fast! soon enough! four-page 9x12 so we can bring you more 2) Forked River Brewing Co - Mojo Citra Rhu- 5) Pint Pursuits Brewing Co - Lord of Lupulin stories, more photos, more fun! barb Wheat Pale Ale As always, many thanks to our amazing Mojo is popular seasonal favourite from this east I first sampled this beer two months ago and now volunteer contributors for their hard work. London brewery and it’s made with locally-grown rhu- it’s a regular feature in my fridge. Azacca and Manda- If you would like to contribute to London- barb! Crisp and tart with a fruity aroma, it’s the ideal rina Bavaria hops add tropical fruit and citrus notes beer for your first outdoor patio visit this spring. that dance on your palate. It’s refreshing, isn’t overly Fuse, send us an email at: 3) Beau’s All-Natural Brewing Co - Strong Pat- bitter, and is sure to win the heart of even the most [email protected] rick Irish Style-Red Ale seasoned connoisseur. London Fuse 211 King Street, London ON, N6A1C9 March 1 - march 31 2017 - ISSUE 7 - page 2 INNER FUSE Review: Twisted Toque Social Grill Legendary London By LondonFuse It’s finally open, London! watering holes we We’ve had our eyes on this place for quite some time now, awaiting the “com- wish were still here ing soon” sign’s change to By LondonFuse blazing, The ‘Wick was a place “now open.” Short Fuse took to the streets to hear live acts, schmooze It happened in early Feb- to ask London residents which with scene leaders and enjoy ruary, and Londoners have local bars, pubs, and venues some very modestly priced been flocking there since. of yore they miss the most. beer. What many people thought The results are in so set your Its tragic demise was confus- was going to be more of a phasers to nostalgic - the fol- ing and sad. take-it-on-the-go, sandwich- lowing five Forest City water- Rest in peace, Wick sweet counter-type shop is actually ing holes were true gems! Wick. You were so much pret- a full on resto-bar with all the Not only did they have good tier than the parking lot there fixins. beer and great people, but now, warts and all. The appearance is chic the common theme people 2. The Cedar Lounge and the food is delicious! missed most was certainly live (formerly at Talbot & King) The service is wonderfully The Twisted Toque Social Grill is offi cially open for business at music. We’re reaching further warm and attentive and the 186 King St. The TT offers a good selection of pub fare and taps. back for this one. To all the photo: LondonFuse 5. The Blackshire Pub beer selection isn’t too bad (formerly at 511 Talbot St.) 1970s/80s punks and new either! thing for everyone. awaits at the Twisted Toque, This place was taken from us wave jet boys and jet girls, The bar boas ts your typi- As for the food - delicious! an establishment with the all too soon. It was a beautiful we salute you. You made this cal family restaurant domes- You’ve got your traditional mandate to promote the cui- space with a perfect patio. place an alternative culture tics (Bud, Bud Light, Rolling pub fare like chicken wings sine of the true north strong Dozens upon dozens of local hotspot and we need more Rock etc.) as well as the and fingers, along with pick- and free. musicians got their start at the of those (and less alternative local crafters Forked River le spears and a delightful It doesn’t get much better Shire. Also, their fried pickle facts). and some tasty imports like club sandwich. now does it? medallions… 1.The Embassy Stella Artois. It’s not an ex- Oh, and you’ve got a han- Check out The Twisted Oh god, the memories. (formerly 732 Dundas St.) tensive beer list but it’s well kering for poutine? Well a Toque at 186 King Street, 4. The Salt Lounge For decades The Embassy rounded and there’s some- whole poutine menu section you’ll be very happy you did! (formerly at 183 King St.) was a cultural gem. It birthed The. Salt. Lounge. There was icons, gave new musicians no place quite like it and from their first stage, and served night to night you could experi- many teens their first beer. Fuse’s Recipe for Delight ence local talent or well-estab- The Embassy will always BEER CAN CHICKEN lished acts. be remembered as a place It was also the first place in where music united fans of all By Shiloh Burton 2. Then rub inside and outside with salt, the city to grace us with Fruili genres. We hope rock and roll This recipe is so simple and so delicious, pepper, and dry rub. Set aside. on tap... So berry good! saved its soul. you’ll never want to make chicken another 3. Open beer and have yourself a few 3. The Brunswick Maybe one day, that big, gat- way. Plus, the warm weather is coming so drinks! When the can is half full, place beer (formerly at York & Talbot) ed hole in the ground will be- get outside and dust off that grill! on a solid surface and lower the chicken With decades of musical trail- come something just as cool.