Kichesippi Natural Blonde

Name: Natural Blonde
Style: Blonde ale
ABV: 4.9%
Serving: 20oz pint
Where: Pub Italia, Ottawa
Brewery: Kichesippi Beer Co. (whoever they are...)
Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada
Weblink: Kichesippi Beer Co.

Bit of a mystery this one. It just appeared in the "Beer Bible" at Pub Italia recently, and there isn't much info out there. It is listed as being brewed "less than 5km from Pub Italia" but I can't find anything else out about the elusive Kichesippi Beer Co. And yes, they do appear to spell Kichesippi with only one "s" and an "e"; it appeared as such in both the bible and printed on the pint glass. Whether this is a beer brewed by Heritage/Scotch Irish or The Clocktower (possibly specially for the pub) or whether this is a completely new brewery isn't clear. Anyway, I'll update this when I get more details... probably tomorrow!

The beer arrived with a dense white head of small bubbles perched on top of a deep yellow-amber body, supported by almost lager-like effervescence. The aromas were mostly fruity, with a hint of hoppy florals behind it, dominated by an orange and grapefruit palette. In the mouth there is a surprising amount of body for a blonde ale, with plenty of malty goodness to be had, but cut with a fresh citrusy zing. The aftertaste was all yeast and malt, and lingered for a good long time.

All in a very impressive summer beer. Definitely on the right end of the alcohol scale for volume consumption during the summer and one I can see me enjoying on and off for many months to come. I'll be very surprised if this turns out to be a Hertiage beer as it seems like quite a departure from their usual offerings, but in the same breath it just doesn't strike me as a Clocktower brew either. Expect an update tomorrow!

Update 20/05/10: As promised, enquiries were made... Turns out I had the spelling wrong (it is even more odd than I had originally remembered) and when corrected it means that they do have a website! A completely new operation brewing using the Heritage facilities just off Carling Avenue, apparently.