So, this is going to be less of a review and a bit more of a write-up on the beer style and why I think it’s awesome. Torque has consistently been doing fun things with beer since they opened over a year ago. They’ve always got interesting beers on at their taproom and have been putting out a wide-range of brews for us to enjoy in bottles and cans. One such beer is their “Foundation” American Pale Ale.

American Pale Ales (APA) are, obviously, pale, refreshing and well hopped but with the right amount of malt backbone to balance the beer. The opportunity to select from hops can give this beer a range and either reflect classic hops or new world hops. Generally, an APA is more accessible than an IPA while still providing a hop forward flavour.

The APA is a modern American craft beer adaptation of the English pale ale. These beers tend to reflect ingredients that can be sourced by the brewery locally. While these beers are an American craft beer invention, the desire to source locally means that this Italian version will hopefully have a little bit of that old-world flare.

Prior to the explosion of popularity of the IPA, the American Pale Ale was the most well-known and popular of the American craft beer styles.

What makes the American Pale Ale from Torque so much better is that it supports charity. Last year they raised over $10,000 for Habitat for Humanity from the sale of Foundation at their taproom and in twelve-packs. Not only that, but it’s an easy drinking, refreshing, and well-hopped beer that is perfect to enjoy in this warm weather.

This year Torque has partnered with the Never Alone Foundation to raise funds in support of those affected by cancer. Torque will be donating $4 from every case of foundation to this worthy cause. The beer is launching this week and I really recommend people get out and pick some up. Not only do I think the beer is well done, it’s also for a great cause. If you are looking to stock your fridge with something that is refreshing, well-hopped and supports a great cause, Foundation is the beer for you.

I also want to highlight that I’ve been mistaken the past couple of weeks with the next beers from Torque. Torque’s “Czech Please” Czech pilsner will be out shortly and that will be followed by Magnetic North Hefeweizen and a six-pack of their Hazy Whaler New England IPA.

I’m off to Nova Scotia for work this week so I may not get a chance to post a Friday Beer news. I’ll certainly be tweeting about east-coast beers and look forward to trying out some of what’s new.

-Beer Winnipeg