Beau's Brewing Co. set to debut new beer at WVRST

There's a lot to like about Beau's All Natural Brewing Company.

In addition to brewing certified organic and extract-free beer, Beau's boasts an impressive commitment to sustainability. They produce 100% post-consumer posters, brochures, and coasters as well as environmentally friendly packaging. They also provide financial support to a host of environmental advocacy groups and they are the first company in Eastern Ontario to engage the Guelph Food Technology Centre's sustainability division for an energy audit.

They also made news this past year when their efforts to start a home delivery service employing homeless youth hit a snag that caused Premier Dalton McGuinty to review some of the more archaic rules in the Province's Liquor License Act.

On top of all that, they brew some accomplished beers like their Lug Tread Lagered Ale and four seasonal beers that are each only available for three months a year. Perhaps that's why they haven't had much trouble finding "friends" to take part in the brewery's Friendship Series — a collaboration of beers created with other brewers.

"The Friendship Series was inspired by all the great and innovative brewing going on around the world," says Beau's co-founder Steve Beauchesne. "In the last few years I've had the chance to meet some truly talented brewers, and when that happens we usually get talking about creating beers. Actual hands-on collaborating is always fun, and you end up sharing knowledge and experience at the same time."

On Friday, the product of Beau's latest collaboration, "Mates with Dates" will debut here in Toronto on tap at Wvrst. To mark the occasion, Beau's head brewer Matthew O'Hara will be in attendance, along with the UK's Alex Barlow of All Beer with whom the beer was created.

Mates with Dates is loosely based on a British brown ale with the notable exception that organic dates made their way into the brew and then the creation was aged several months. The result is a strong beer (7.7% alcohol) which has notable dried fruit and spice notes. In other words, an ideal companion on a winter night.

Festivities start Friday at 7pm at Wvrst at 609 King Street West. For more information, you can also check the event page on Facebook.