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.