Call Me "Your Honour"

The list of 'terrible jobs' is long and depressing, all of them best to be avoided, however, nowhere on this list will you find the occupation of beer judge. For that you would have to refer to the companion list, of 'jobs so good you would do them for free'.

I learnt this the "hard" way last Wednesday, when I was invited to be an official judge at the second annual Ontario Brewing Awards. Tasting 32 different beers over three hours is maybe a little harder than it sounds, but I don't expect much pity from anyone out there.

The awards were part of the lead up to this summers Festival of Beer at Fort York. The festival itself isn't until the weekend of August 5th, but this being their 10th year anniversary they're throwing some great jams to get us in the mood.

This coming Wednesday the awards will be presented at The Bier Markt (58 The Esplanade, 416 862 7575). The event is not only open to the public, but includes some complimentary samples of the winners. My lips are sealed as to all the results, but I am proud to leak that Toronto's very own Steam Whistle came out on top of the pilsners.

The awards will mark the second of nine satellite events that countdown to the big tenth year celebration of The Toronto Festival of Beer. I attended the first of the satellites and was blown away.

The festival is the highlight of any real summer in the city. If you like beer, or are even vaguely familiar with the substance, it's not to be missed. Do yourself a favour and attend.