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18 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday September 27, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com It's time again to vote with your throat By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF This federal election is going to be close if the Vote With Your Throat poll at Oakville's Trafalgar Brewery is accurate. And it has proved to be uncannily accurate in the past. As of yesterday, local beer drinkers have the Tories slightly in the lead heading into the Oct. 14 federal election. Here's how. Residents can do more than mark their ballot on Election Day -- they can have fun voting with their throat ahead of time. Trafalgar Brewery is offering residents here, and across Ontario, the chance to support their party while drinking beer. People visiting the brewery or its inhouse pub, both located at 1156 Speers Rd., will be able to buy a case of political beer that promotes their party of choice. The electorate expresses its preference through its popular choice from among four beers available, representing major parties in the election. Buying trends are tabulated by the brewery and posted on its billboard. Final results will be posted the day before the election. "It's fun," said Mike Arnold who, with his wife, Nancy, owns Trafalgar Brewery. Arnold began the Vote With Your Throat poll for the 2005 federal election. That was followed by the municipal and provincial elections. "We got it right every time except for the Oakville election. We had Mulvale winning, but it was very close. I guess the beer drinkers favoured Mulvale over Rob (Burton)," said Arnold. It is Arnold himself who writes humorous descriptions to adorn each party's beer label. In fact, it was out of a conversation in the pub about beer labels being boring, that the Vote With Your Throat poll was born. Arnold pens each party's beer description -- he said it is "logical" -- which are fodder for fun by many. Staffers at the small local brewery track poll results and provide graphics for the labels. This time, each party leader is depicted up to their nose in a pint -- and this time there's a green beer available, too. Here are this election's contenders: · Old Tory Lager -- This American-style lager has been popular in western Canada for years but has had trouble gaining acceptance in Ontario. Made with American Willamette hops (a less volatile variety) and barley from Western Canada, Old Tory Lager is trying desperately to become the country's beer of choice. Served ice cold, this pale, colourless beer goes best with family cook- MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER TIME TO VOTE: Trafalgar Brewery owner Mike Arnold with four political beers -- Worker's Brown Ale, Debatable Ale, Lib Red Lager and Old Tory Lager -- that will be tracked in the Vote With Your Throat poll. ing. There are no hidden ingredients in this beer. · Lib Red Lager -- Despite years of heavily subsidized advertising and fluency in two distinct beer styles, this red lager has not been able to attract a majority of followers. A recent makeover has attempted to show a more robust body enhanced with a delicate red hue. Its full-bodied flavour has a noticeable uncertain aftertaste. Lib Red is trying to find acceptance in restaurants across Canada. · Worker's Brown Ale -- There are no preservatives, chemicals, pasteurizing, genetic modifications, or any other bad stuff in this beer. Using many styles of malt from different origins, the allinclusive flavour of this ale is universally pleasing. However, people seem to either love it or hate it. Worker's Brown Ale matches well with a broad range of bland foods ranging from macaroni and cheese to tuna sandwiches. · Debatable Ale -- Unlike the large domestic brewers, Trafalgar brews this all-natural beer with no corn footprint. Packed in recycled bottles and delivered on bicycles, this beer was not tested on animals. An excellent match for Debatable Ale is tofu, lentils, and brown rice. The politically-charged brews went on sale last weekend -- were available for sampling at last weekend's Autumnfest downtown -- and will be on sale until the election. Afterward, Arnold said there will be a winners and losers sale. After one week on sale, the latest poll results show the Tories with 40 per cent; Liberals at 36 per cent; NDP at 14 per cent and Green at 10 per cent. The beers cost $3.50 per 650 ml bottle, $22.95 for six, and $39.95 for 12. And , you can vote as many times as you want. PLUM fresh innovative YOUR CORPORATE CATERING SPECIALISTS As one of Oakville's leading caterers, we offer catering for: · · · · · 905-844-7110