Toronto Beer week has officially started, with lots of great events and bars in the city sticking some interesting and unique brews on their taps (many of which will only be available by visiting the participating establishments). Visiting the Premium Beer Experience, held at Toronto's Berkeley Church, I got a peek at a few great fall-friendly brews that will arrive on local LCBO shelves over the next few weeks. Here are some of the highlights:

St. Ambroise Pumpkin Ale
This Montreal staple has done it again with its terrific Pumpkin Ale, which comes back for another autumn season. Joining an ever growing number that crowd the store shelves this time of year, St. Ambroise's offering distinguishes itself with strong nutmeg notes. An ideal beer for a cool fall night.

Amsterdam Brewery, Autumn Hop 5.6%
This wet hopped beer takes Collingwood-grown hops and uses them within four hours of picking. The results are dark brown ale with notes of dried fruit and slight cinnamon. One of our favourites to come out of the relocated brewery in a long time. You can always visit the massive new brewpub if you're having trouble finding it.

Sawdust City, Long Dark Voyage to Uranus 8.5%
After 18 months of perfecting their brews in Etobicoke, Sawdust will finally be opening their brewery in Gravenhurst, where they will showcasing some very interesting beers. For those who haven't yet tried any of their brews you'll soon be able to pick up this Imperial stout. Rich black in colour, with hints of anise, chocolate and malt, just in time for the brisk weather.

Black Oak Brewing, Oaktober Fest 5%
After opening in 1999 in Oakville and moving to Etobicoke in 2008, Black Oak has been working on a new range of seasonal beers, releasing some soon (while others are being kept hidden until next year). The Oaktoberfest is right on schedule, with sweet malt, bitter hops and a slight spicy note.

Great Lakes Brewery, Saison Du Pump 5.2%
A familiar sight for anyone headed west of the city via the Gardiner, they've been entertaining us every fall with a smashing pumpkin ale. I was overjoyed to learn that it will soon have a partner in crime in this fabulous pumpkin saison. A combination of a Belgian farmhouse beer with all the added spice of nutmeg and cinnamon in its pumpkin ale.

BONUS

Cameron's Brewing Co., Resurrection Roggenbier 5.2%
Cameron's have been producing great beer for the last 15 years out of Oakville, with their latest release being no exception. This rye beer is a spicy yet refreshing amber ale. Coming out soon in the big 650ml bottles for sharing with yourself.

Photo by knightbefore_99 on Flickr