Four Toronto beer writers launch the Ontario Brewmasters Cup

When the LCBO ran its Brewmasters Cup competition early this year, there was room for one only Canadian beer—and that beer was the New Brunswick–based Moosehead (the winner, incidentally, was Sam Adams Boston Lager). Disappointed with the lack of Ontario representation, a posse of self-proclaimed beer nerds from Toronto—Ben Johnson, Greg Clow, Crystal Luxmore and Jordan St. John—banded together to create the Ontario Brewmasters Cup, a competition that puts the spotlight on great Ontario brews sold at the LCBO and Beer Store. Although the group initially selected the 16 competitors themselves, the ultimate Brewmaster Champion will be voted on by the public. The first round of voting, open now until August 26, will determine the best beer in each of four categories: IPA/Pale Ale, Dark, Lager and Wheat/Fruit-Flavoured Beer. The second round of voting will then determine the best all-round Ontario beer, to be decided on September 1. Bestowing the title of Ontario Brewmasters Cup Champion is not something to be taken lightly–make sure you get sampling now to ensure your vote is properly considered. [Ontario Brewmasters Cup]