Summer’s coming and to help you discover a new taste, here’s Monday Magazine’s pick from each of Victoria’s breweries that we think are worth a try.
CANOE BREWPUB
(canoebrewpub.com)
Bavarian Copper Bock
Winner of a Canadian Brewing Awards Gold Medal in 2008, this beer combines a rich malt character with a subtle hop aroma to produce a delicious European-style bock beer.
Category 12
(category12beer.com)
Unsanctioned Belgian-inspired Saison
Their flavourful Saison is discreetly sessionable. It boasts a crisp body with a dry finish and a bouquet that is distinctly Belgian. Hints of clove and spice, complemented by aromatic hops, make this a stand out where it matters most.
DRIFTWOOD BREWERY
(driftwoodbeer.com)
OLD CELLAR DWELLER BARLEY WINE
Three times the malt bill and five times the hops of a normal strength beer, this Barleywine tests the limits of the brewhouse. Enjoy this special beer young, but save a few bottles for future winters. Enjoy not too cold, say about 13C! Barleywine will age indefinitely, like wine.
4 MILE BREWING CO.
(4milebrewingco.com)
BEST BRITISH ALE
This beer’s good breeding shows through in the exquisite balance of English malt & hops. It’s cask conditioned so is naturally carbonated. It’s great for an afternoon at the lake with friends.
HOYNE BREWING CO.
(hoynebrewing.ca)
Devil’s Dream IPA
Here’s to Daniel Lapp, Oliver Schroer, ELH, and all great fiddlers. Libation and music, like the tumultuous marriage of malt and hops, stand waiting at the crossroads. And look: here comes the Devil, whistling past the graveyard, singing in the midnight choir, bottle in one hand, a fiddle in the other, and that crazy smile
LIGHTHOUSE BREWING CO.
(lighthousebrewing.com)
Jackline Rhubarb Grisette
Jackline Rhubarb Grisette is a lighter style of saison traditionally brewed for the miners of the Hainaut region of Belgium, and differs from the more rustic/funky/sour saisons brewed for the itinerant farm workers of Wallonia. Crisp, dry and tart, almost cider-like, with a light Belgian spicy character and gentle rhubarb fruitiness. 5.5% abv, in 650ml bombers and one of the flavours of Lighthouse's Summer Bounty Pack.
MOON UNDER WATER
(moonunderwater.ca)
The Victorious Weizenbock
Canadian wheat, German Munich and a little chocolate malt combine into one open-fermented party. Fruity New Zealand hops complement the melanoidins, spicy clove-like phenols and banana esters.
PHILLIPS BREWING CO.
(phillipsbeer.com)
Coulrophobia IRA
Coulrophobia India Red Ale juggles fresh pine bitterness with hints of citrus fruit. Pouring deep reddish-copper colour with a marshmallow white head, its fresh, full aroma may just change your mind about big noses. Delicately balanced with a hearty malt base, you’ll smile at the amount of body squeezed into this flavour vehicle.
SPINNAKERS GASTRO BREWPUB
(spinnakers.com)
Dragonfly Rye Saison
Brewed with Canadian pilsner and rye malt, American hops and a French saison yeast, Dragonfly Rye has a delicate balance of fruit and spice, with a light body and a refreshingly dry finish.
SWANS BREWPUB
(swanshotel.com)
OLD TOWN PILSNER
Brewed in the heart of old town Victoria, light gold, floral, balanced with a noble hoppy aroma and a full, soft texture. Their homage to the beers of 1903.
VANCOUVER ISLAND BREWERY
(vanislandbrewery.com)
HIGH TRAIL HONEY ALE
High Trail Honey Ale is a tribute to our majestic wilderness, rolling meadows and the mighty peaks of this Island we call home. A smooth, medium bodied ale with a slightly sweet honey finish created by utilizing a combination of local wildflower honey and roasted barley malts.