Well, I certainly didn’t keep Teardrops and Ales updated while on my month-long adventure to Newfoundland and the Atlantic provinces, but it’s not too late to reflect upon my time in Canada!
Obviously, I’m a big fan of craft beer. I have visited hundreds of breweries across North America. I love to try new beers, and document my enjoyment of them. My favorite beer style is definitely a New England IPA, but I’ve been branching out a bit and have recently discovered a love of some lagers.
One of the (many) highlights of my trip was a visit to Moth Lane Brewing on Prince Edward Island. It was my second time there and cemented the spot as my favorite brewery of all time.
I’ve told a few people this, and they all respond “Oh, another favorite?” but to be honest, I think Moth Lane tops all breweries for me – of all time – in all places. There is just something incredibly special and unique about this small slice of heaven in Lot 11 on the western side of PEI. Moth Lane is in Ellerslie, and sits right on the northern coast of the island.
I first visited Moth Lane in 2017, not long after Eric had opened it. There was a cardboard sign tacked to a power line pole at the end of a red dirt road directing you to the brewery. I visited with my parents, and we had a wonderful afternoon tasting beers and meeting some really fantastic locals – one was a potato farmer, one a oyster farmer. We talked about beer, their amazing island home, and even a hockey player from PEI who was, at the time, playing for the Charlotte Checkers.
So when I planned a trip back to PEI in 2024, Moth Lane was at the very top of the “must do” list. I hyped it up so much that I’m not sure Alison expected to enjoy it as much as she did!
It lived up to every bit of my expectations. We tried nine different beers, and each was excellent – even the lagers that I don’t typically enjoy. My hands down favorite was a brew named “Serendipity” that Eric had used local PEI hops in, and let it age for about 9 months. It was perfection…. Silky smooth, with just the right balance of sweetness and hops. Honestly, it’s one of the best beers I’ve ever tasted, and though it wasn’t one of the New England IPA’s that I tend to prefer, it was exceptional!
The unfortunate part of discovering your favorite brewery is on Prince Edward Island is that the beer isn’t distributed off the island. I bought a few bottles to bring home with me which I will savor, but it’s likely going to be a few years before I can get back!
The fortunate thing about loving a brewery in a province like PEI is that it will inspire me to return – and the entire island is worth a visit. The people, the beaches, the beer and of course the potato museum are an exceptional place to visit!
Teardrops & Ales 