No doubt many Canadians will toast the nation's 145th birthday with a frosty cold one sometime this weekend. We have so many choices. I believe the Beer Store brags of over 350 brands, and their arch enemy, the LCBO could probably add a few more choices to that list.

Then we have Ontario craft brewers, some of whom become successful enough to be swallowed up by the big guys.

WHEN BEER IS NOT BEER

I like beer, and I like a beer to taste like a beer. It pains me to see the degeneration of this beverage by the many fruity flavors being added. What else can they do to grow market share I guess? Beer is beer, has always been beer, and unless you experiment, develop, and change, you will never expand. OK, but...

Coors Light Iced T is being introduced to Canada this summer. As a matter of fact we're the lab rats. If they can make it here they might make it anywhere. A lemony tea flavor has been added to an otherwise decent light beer. Social networks have had some fun with the acronym of said beverage, which Coors claims was neither on purpose, nor a mistake. Oh ya and I believe you. (Sarcastic font unavailable.)

Right now there are dozens of fruity beers on the market. Molson Canadian 67 Sublime adds both lemon and lime. Bud Light with lime wasn't enough, they now added a Mojito that includes a hint of mint. You add orange to Rickards White. Alexander Keith's Original Cider smacks of apple. One microbrewery has a pumpkin spiced ale. Blecch! There should never be pumpkin flavored anything.

I blame Corona for starting this, a skunky import in a clear bottle that was so hideous you had to kill the taste with lime. Somehow, bless them, they made it trendy.

Health advocates scream murder at those flavored tobacco products claiming they are nothing more than smokes for kids. Yet we have never asked the same question about fruity beers. The beer market is under assault from coolers and wine and those darn kids just aren't consuming enough plain beer. Let's dress it up and get some underage brand loyalty NOW.

Beer commercials feature attractive 20-somethings, half of which you would have to ID at the bar or Beer Store. That's no accident. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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