Nothing like a six of stubbies if you’re over 40 and a Canuck. I wrote about this beer in March 2005 and again in March 2006 when it compared very nicely in a side-by-side with Victory’s HopDevil. Careful sifters of clues will note however, that the address on the six-pack box above shows a different address from that mentioned in the previous two reviews. That is because for the last year or more Scotch Irish Brewing has been a branch or division or whatever of Heritage Brewing of Carleton Place, Ontario makers of interesting or at least daring seasonals especially that Maple Bush Lager. But the word was it was not so whatever-it-had-been now so I thought it was about to to try it again to see how things were going.
Starting with some non-fluid related observations, first thing I notice is that I like that they package has a lot number on it, in this case F077, which I understand means it is their 77th lot of the year and it was made in June. Someone will correct me I am sure but I am operating under the illusion that this beer is fresh. Next, I like the stubby. For those of you who are not aware, for people of a certain age, the stubby which ruled Canadian brewing for around 20 years from the mid-60s to the mid-80s is a bit of an icon for we of the Great White North. 
But one things that concerns me is the panicked look in the face of Mr. Sgt. Major. Look at him. While the last lad had a dull if determined air about him, this lad looks quite nervous, as if someone knew something about him and that that something was bad. We’ll have to find out if it relates to his job for the brewery and the beer or something in his private life like, say, a Zulu attack.
As for the beer, it left a lot of lace after the fine creamy head subsided and had a nice orange-amber hue all of which which is comparable to the 2006 picture and both sets of notes. As well, there is the soft water and pale malt graininess that I remember from before. The malt also is very much their with bread crust, sugar cookie and sultana raisin. What is different is perhaps a notch less hopping. While it is still a sharp shock of sour white grapefruit rind goodness, it does not seem to have quite the stomach ache producing acidity that I recall, less of the green hop fire in the finish.
But is that such a bad thing, if I am recalling correctly? For me, compared to many of the hard water beers of south western Ontario, that softness is something I would compare much more to the moreishness of many central New York micros. If you are a hard water fan, this might make it seem flabby but for me it is all good, giving a richness you might not find elsewhere in Ontario pale ales of any degree. So all in all a good experiment again. I will have to check-in in another year or so to see how this beer is doing.
[Original comments…]
Stonch – July 10, 2007 8:56 AM
http://stonch.blogspot.com
“Scotch Irish”? Surely it should be “Scots Irish”?
Those stubby bottles are cool.
Paul of Kingston – July 10, 2007 9:38 AM
Just had one last night. The move to stubbies is a logical one for Sgt Major given the move to Heritage Brewing company and that firm’s use of stubbies in their heritage dark line. No need to have two 341ml bottles in th eline up.
Of greater concern to me was what seemed to be a loss of finishing hops when the brand moved to Heritage. While the beer is fine today, I enjoyed it more when it provided that floral finish to the strong bittering.
Alan – July 10, 2007 11:06 AM
Yes, the finish is definitely less hoppybut it is still a good beer and one of the best pale ales in Ontario for my money.
Paul of Kingston – July 10, 2007 5:36 PM
I agree – it is good value and it is one of only a few true IPAs available from domestic producers. Still miss the first generation Sgt Major though.
Where Keith’s gets off calling themselves an IPA is beyond me.
Barry – July 10, 2007 8:47 PM
Congratulations, you’ve successfully made me desperately thirsty in the middle of my working day.
Bailey – July 13, 2007 7:45 AM
http://www.boakandbailey.com
The Sgt. Major doensn’t half look like Sgt. Pepper.
Donna – August 27, 2007 10:50 AM
I thought you might like to know about the Sgt. Major portrayed on our box and label….
Meredith Macdonnell, a military artist, wrote to us offering to help us with his knowledge of particular military dress distinctions. Meredith and Brent Charbonneau, our graphic artist, got together and they have come up with a Sgt. Major dressed in the uniform of a Cavalry officer at the time of Confederation.
Alan – August 27, 2007 11:24 AM
Hey! Thanks Donna. My own great-grandfather was a British Sgt. Major in India and Sudan before he was pensioned off as a mad scarlet fevered postman in Scotland a hundred years ago. So I appreciate the picture and the info.
Martin – July 19, 2009 5:34 PM
I rarely buy mass produced bland commercial beer as I prefer the unique flavours that the micro-breweries create. Recently, I came across the Sgt Major IPA while in eastern Ontario. I bough a case and shared it with everyone at the cottage. We loved it! It was the best brew of the weekend.
I only wonder if the name is the most appropriate since I understood IPA’s are clearer light flavoured ales. This “IPA” is definitley different and has a nice home made bread taste. Its’ very refreshing to drink and I will buy it again. Too bad I can’t find it in Cambridge, Ont.
Greg – February 4, 2011 2:20 PM
I have been a big fan of Dog Fish Head (a great IPA), but since it’s so hard to find I decided to try the Sgt. Major IPA. I was incredibly surprised at how incredible good this beer is. It is pleasantly one of the best IPA beers that I have had in a very long time. I hope that its not going anywhere anytime soon. My only “thing” is the price. I understand that you pay for what you get, but this is a tad pricey. Not a big deal, but I would love to see a 24 bottle price.
I have read review give this beer an average of a B to B+, but I would fight to give it an A.
Great beer. Enjoy!