Two beers from King Breweries will be at festival in Sweden
By Bill Rea

Canada promises to be well-represented later this month at the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival, thanks in part to King Breweries.

Ten breweries from across the country have been selected to have some of their creations taken to Sweden, including the King Pilsner and King Dark Lager.

Brewmaster Phil DiFonzo said his beers were among four lagers that will be going from Canada, and he considered that a triumph for the efforts being made in King.

"When we receive this kind of news, we really feel complete," he remarked. "That's what we're trying to do; make our statement with lagers."

The beers going from Canada were selected by noted beer authority Stephen Beaumont, who said he's been writing on the subject for about 18 years, including two editions of The Great Canadian Beer Guide.

He said he was contacted by the Canadian Embassy in Stockholm about presenting Canadian craft beers at the festival, adding he was left the liberty to select products from what he considered the best breweries. His choices were aimed at obtaining a cross section, both in terms of geography but beer styles as well.

"I don't think there are many lagers in Canada that are stylistically or in general better than King Pilsner," Beaumont remarked. "Phil has done an outstanding job with that brewery."

DiFonzo said he didn't know his beers were being considered for the festival until he heard from Beaumont.

"He just called me up and told me 'I've chosen you to go to Stockholm. Is that okay with you?'" DiFonzo recalled.

It was okay.

"Stephen Beaumont knows his whisky and beer probably better than anyone in Canada," he added.

DiFonzo was particularly pleased because his brewery has always concentrated on the quality of the product, as opposed to volumes of sales. "We're never going to be a well-known Brewery in Ontario for the amount of beer that we sell," he commented.

"I feel very complete, very full cycle," he added. "We've made a really good statement in the beer community across Canada. We're one of the best."

The festival will run over two weekends, from Sept. 20 to 22, and Sept. 27 to 29.