Walking up to a craft brewery tap list for the first time can feel unexpectedly overwhelming. A dozen beers on tap, each with its own name and style, and a server waiting to take your order. If you already know what you like, no problem. If you are newer to craft beer, or just not sure which Lone Oak beer is right for you today, this guide will help.
Lone Oak Brewing makes a range of beers on Prince Edward Island, from easy-drinking lagers that suit anyone to more complex seasonal releases that reward a little curiosity. Understanding what to drink at Lone Oak comes down to knowing what you enjoy and matching that to what is on tap.
Here is a practical breakdown of the styles you are likely to encounter at any Lone Oak location, who they suit, and how to decide.
Start Here: The Lager
If you are newer to craft beer, or if you simply want something cold and refreshing without a lot of complexity, start with the lager.
A lager is clean, crisp, and easy to drink. It is the style most people are already familiar with from mainstream beer, but a well-made craft lager has more flavour and more character than the mass-produced equivalents. It is not an inferior choice for experienced drinkers either. A good lager is one of the hardest beer styles to brew well precisely because there is nowhere to hide: the clarity of the flavour reflects the quality of the ingredients and the brewer’s craft directly.
Spencer Gallant, Lone Oak’s head brewer, has built a reputation across Canada for exactly the kind of clean, precise brewing that makes a lager worth ordering. If you are unsure what to get, and particularly if someone in your group says they do not really drink beer, the lager is the safest and often most satisfying recommendation.
| “A well-made craft lager is one of the truest tests of a brewer’s skill. At Lone Oak, it is also one of the most reliably enjoyable pints on the list.” |
For Hop Lovers: The IPA
If you enjoy a beer with more bitterness, more aroma, and a flavour that rewards attention, the IPA is the natural next step.
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. The style is defined by its use of hops, which contribute bitterness, aroma, and flavour in varying degrees depending on the variety of hops used and when they are added during brewing. Modern IPAs, particularly the New England or hazy IPA style, are less aggressively bitter than the traditional version and lean more toward fruit and tropical aromas. West Coast IPAs tend to be drier and more bitter.
Lone Oak’s hop-forward beers reflect Gallant’s approach to balance: enough bitterness to give the beer character without making it harsh, and enough aroma to make it interesting glass after glass. If you already know you enjoy hoppy beer, the IPA is the obvious choice. If you are trying one for the first time, asking your server which version is on tap and whether it is more bitter or more aromatic will help you calibrate.
For Something Lighter: Session Ales and Pale Ales
Not everyone wants a full-strength IPA, and not every occasion calls for one. Session ales and pale ales occupy the middle ground between a lager and an IPA: more flavour and character than a lager, but lighter in both alcohol and intensity than a full IPA.
A pale ale has moderate hop character with a slightly more pronounced malt base, which makes it more rounded and accessible than an IPA while still offering something interesting. Session ales are typically brewed to a lower alcohol content, which makes them the right choice for a longer afternoon when you want to stay comfortable across multiple pints.
For groups with mixed beer preferences, pale ales and session ales tend to be the most widely enjoyed. They are approachable enough for newer drinkers and interesting enough for experienced ones.
For Something with Depth: Amber Ales and Dark Beers
If your preference runs toward richer, more malt-forward flavours, the darker end of the tap list is worth exploring.
Amber ales get their colour and flavour from roasted malts, which contribute notes of caramel, toffee, and sometimes toast. They are fuller-bodied than a lager or pale ale without being as intense as a stout. They pair well with food, particularly grilled meats and hearty dishes, and they suit cooler evenings better than hot summer afternoons.
Stouts and porters, when they appear on the Lone Oak seasonal or rotating list, are the darkest and richest beers available. A stout is typically smooth and full-bodied with flavours of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted grain. If you have ever enjoyed a Guinness and wondered what a craft version might taste like, a well-made stout from a local brewery is the answer.
| “Dark beers have an undeserved reputation for being heavy. A well-made stout or amber ale is often more drinkable than people expect, and more rewarding once they try it.” |
Seasonal and Rotating Taps: The Case for Trying Something New
One of the genuine pleasures of visiting a craft brewery with an active brewing program is the seasonal and rotating tap list. Lone Oak changes its offerings throughout the year, reflecting both the seasons and Spencer Gallant’s ongoing experimentation with styles and ingredients.
Summer might bring a light wheat beer or a fruited sour. Autumn might see a pumpkin ale or a rich amber. Winter often produces the richest and most indulgent releases. Spring is frequently when brewers reach for something lighter and brighter.
When you visit Lone Oak, ask what is seasonal or rotating on the tap list. These beers are typically produced in smaller quantities and are not always available. Trying something you have not had before is one of the better reasons to visit a brewery rather than a bar, and Gallant’s seasonal releases are usually worth the small risk of ordering something unfamiliar.
What About Seltzers and Non-Beer Options?
Not everyone in a group drinks beer, and not every visit calls for one. Lone Oak produces hard seltzers alongside its beer range, which offer a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that suits warm-weather drinking and appeals to guests who find beer too heavy or too bitter.
Hard seltzers are made by fermenting a sugar base and adding natural flavours. They are typically lower in calories and carbohydrates than beer and have a clean, lightly flavoured character that sits closer to sparkling water than to ale. For visitors to PEI who are enjoying a summer afternoon at the Beer Garden in Cavendish or the taproom patio in Borden-Carleton, a seltzer is a perfectly reasonable choice.
For guests who are not drinking alcohol, asking your server about available non-alcoholic options is always the right first step. The team at any Lone Oak location will be able to tell you what is available on the day of your visit.
How to Order with Confidence
The most practical advice for anyone standing in front of a craft beer menu for the first time is simple: ask.
Every Lone Oak server can walk you through what is on tap, describe the flavour profile of any beer, and recommend something based on what you tell them you enjoy. There is no wrong answer when you are trying something new, and the goal of a good server at a brewery is to help you find something you will genuinely enjoy rather than to impress you with terminology.
Quick Reference: What to Order Based on Your Preferences
I usually drink mainstream lager (Coors, Bud, Molson): → Start with the Lone Oak lager
I like something crisp and refreshing: → Lager or session ale
I enjoy hoppy or bitter beers: → IPA or pale ale
I prefer something fuller and richer: → Amber ale or seasonal dark beer
I want something light and summery: → Wheat beer, seltzer, or session ale
I don’t really drink beer: → Hard seltzer or ask your server for current non-beer options
I want to try something I haven’t had before: → Ask what’s seasonal or rotating
I want to try everything: → Ask if a tasting flight is available
One last note: Lone Oak’s tap list changes throughout the season, and not every beer described in this guide will be available on every visit. The core range, including the lager and the session ale, is typically available year-round. Seasonal and rotating taps come and go. Checking the Lone Oak website at loneoakbrew.com or asking when you arrive will give you the most accurate picture of what is on offer on any given day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lone Oak Beer
What beers does Lone Oak Brewing make?
Lone Oak Brewing produces a range of craft beers on Prince Edward Island, including core styles such as lager, IPA, pale ale, and session ale, alongside seasonal and rotating releases that change throughout the year. The brewing program is led by co-founder Spencer Gallant, recognized as one of Canada’s most talented craft brewers. Lone Oak beers are available on tap at all five PEI locations and at PEILCC stores across the Island.
What is an IPA and is it too bitter for me?
IPA stands for India Pale Ale. Traditional IPAs have a noticeable bitterness from hops, but modern versions, particularly hazy or New England IPAs, are much more aromatic and fruity than bitter. If you are unsure, ask your server which IPA is currently on tap and whether it leans more bitter or more aromatic. Many people who think they do not like IPAs find they enjoy the more modern, juicy style.
What is the easiest Lone Oak beer to start with?
The Lone Oak lager is the most accessible starting point for anyone newer to craft beer or who wants something clean and refreshing without a lot of complexity. It is well-crafted, easy to drink, and suits a wide range of palates and occasions.
Does Lone Oak have non-beer options?
Yes. Lone Oak produces hard seltzers alongside its beer range, offering a lighter, lower-calorie alternative. Non-alcoholic options may also be available depending on the location and the season. Ask your server on the day of your visit for the current full list of non-beer options.
What is a craft lager versus a regular lager?
A craft lager is brewed using the same cold-fermentation process as a mainstream lager but with higher-quality ingredients, more precise brewing techniques, and without the adjuncts (such as corn or rice) often used in mass production. A well-made craft lager has more flavour, more character, and a cleaner finish than most mainstream equivalents, while remaining approachable and easy to drink.
Can I try a sample before ordering at Lone Oak?
Many Lone Oak locations offer the option to try a small sample of a beer before committing to a full pint. Ask your server when you arrive. This is particularly useful if you are curious about a seasonal or rotating tap that you have not had before.
What is a seasonal beer at a craft brewery?
A seasonal beer is a limited release brewed to reflect a specific time of year, using ingredients, flavours, or styles associated with that season. At Lone Oak, seasonal releases might include lighter wheat beers and fruited seltzers in summer, richer amber ales and stouts in autumn and winter, and brighter, crisper styles in spring. Seasonal beers are produced in smaller quantities and are not always available, so they are worth trying when they appear on the tap list.






