I’ve missed traveling quite a bit and have been thinking about how the most recent trips are nearly a year away at this point. Since I’m unable to travel, I wanted to part from my reviewing usual Chicago breweries and go international. Enter Labatt Blue, a Canadian Pilsner.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking: “Didn’t he say he was going to do something different than a lager for the next one?” You’d be right, and I’d apologize if I didn’t have something good lined up to follow this one. Patience, dear reader. 

Hailing from one of my favorite countries ever, Labatt Blue is a no nonsense kind of lager. It is clean and crisp with a remarkably clear appearance. This should be no surprise – breweries mastered clarity long enough ago that most are trying the hazy end of the spectrum. It’s slightly bitter with nice notes of cereal and orange clover honey. Each sip makes me want another until I’ve finished the can. 

The simplicity of the beer permeates every aspect of it, including its can. In fact, the most complex portion for me is the Canadian-mandated French that appears here – something my colleague likely sees as trivial. We can’t all be French-Canadian, Nick. 

Overall, this is a simple review of a simple beer. That said, sometimes that’s just what I want: a beer that doesn’t try to be more than what it advertises itself as. It gets the job done, and I can respect that.