SMOOTH, WELL-BALANCED, ENGLISH ALE
First brewed over 30 years ago, Special Pale Ale is one of Ontario’s original craft beers. Deep copper in colour, this well-balanced English style pale ale has biscuit and caramel flavours upfront and a subtle citrus hop finish. So go ahead and crack open a can of SPA!
ABV: 4.5% | IBU: 22 | OG: 10.5ºP | FG: 2.2ºP | GLASSWARE: PINT | COLOR: SRM 14 | SIZE FORMATS: 355ml can. 473ml can. Draft keg.
Available size formats
Recent Awards
U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP 2023
Silver (English Pale Ale)
ONTARIO BREWING AWARDS 2022
Bronze (BRITISH BITTER)
U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
Gold (English Pale Ale)
U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP 2021
Silver (English Pale Ale)
U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP 2020
Gold (English Pale Ale)
ONTARIO BREWING AWARDS 2020
Silver (British Bitter)
ONTARIO BREWING AWARDS 2019
Bronze (British Bitter)
U.S. OPEN BEER CHAMPIONSHIP 2019
Silver (English Pale Ale)
People ask us all the time what makes this a “special” pale ale, and while this unassuming English-style Pale Ale is an easy-going pub style ale, it’s also unlike most pale ales you’ll find in North America these days.
Our Special Pale Ale, or SPA as it’s known to fans, is firmly rooted in the English tradition of bringing toasted malt and fruity yeast character to the forefront, balancing the hop bitterness. It makes for an approachable and smooth pint that’s deep copper in colour with notes of caramel and apricot on the nose, and a medium-bodied malt character with pronounced biscuit and caramel notes. We add our own twist to the classic English style by using some Ontario grown Cascade hops that add a subtle but satisfying citrus bitterness on the finish.
Since we launched this beer way back in the mid 1980’s, it has consistently been one of our most popular beers, winning awards here at home and around the world. In many ways, this is the beer that helped build our brewery over the past three decades and has become a truly local legend, fiercely loved by our fans in Guelph who’ve helped us share this beer with craft beer drinkers across Ontario and beyond.
The SPA is really approachable and smooth. It offers a deep copper colour and a toasty roasty malt profile coupled with sweet fruity apricot aromas. Modeled after traditional English Pale Ales, this malt forward beer is perfect paired with traditional British Pub foods, like Cornish Pasties and Meat Pies. Delightful with Shepherd's Pie. Savory beef with rich sauce and sweet carrots highlight the creamy malts in the beer, while the earthy mashed potatoes and herbs showcase the earthy floral hops.
Equally delicious paired with fruity and tangy English cheddars, like the Red Leicester. The tangy of the cheddar highlights the delicate hop profile, while the fruity sweetness of the cheese showcases the biscuit notes and caramel malty sweetness.
Wellington SPA Mac & Cheese
This pub-style mac and cheese made with Special Pale Ale brings together sharp cheddar, white pepper, & sliced chorizo sausage for a creamy, decadent experience. This ultimate comfort dish pairs well with our smooth, refreshing, Special Pale Ale. A modern take on a classic pub meal paired with a classic craft beer!
