Lighthouse Brewing Co.
Overboard Imperial Pilsner: An intense flavour profile and a strong 8.5% alc/vol. A long cool fermentation with a pure pilsner yeast strain creates a unique spicy flavour and a soft malty body. Considered to be one of the best hops in the world and straight off the vines from the 2010 German harvest, Hallertau Mittlefruh is the only hop used in this beer. This pilsner is crystal clear with a rich golden colour and is best enjoyed well chilled and served in a stemmed tulip glass. 650 ml.
Cream Ale: Find this smooth and tasty brew in Lighthouse’s Summer Premium Pack alongside Race Rocks Amber Ale, Riptide Pale Ale and Fisguard 150 Bavarian Lager. Brewed as a modern take on traditional pre-prohibition cream ales, Lighthouse Cream Ale glows a burnished orange and drinks with a silky smooth mouth feel. Vienna and Cara malts add richness and depth of flavour, and new season whole-leaf New Zealand hops lend enticing floral and tropical fruit aromas. Fresh and fragrant, clean and compelling, Lighthouse Cream Ale is the perfect farewell to a setting west coast sun. 341 ml.
Philips
Wheatking: Brewed with signature weizen yeast, this unfiltered, “cloudy” hef is a perfect match for the lazy days of summer. It’s hip to be hazy. 5% 341 ml.
Raspberry Wheat Ale: A crisp, dry and refreshing summer beer. Brewed with B.C. raspberries for a full nose and crisp finish, this beer pairs well with sunglasses and patios. 5%. 650 ml.
Canoe Brewpub
Summer Honey Wheat Ale: To satisfy the throngs of patio lovers, Canoe released its Summer Honey Wheat Beer. This crisp, smooth, light-bodied wheat beer is infused with Saanich Peninsula wildflower honey. It is thirst quenching, delicate in flavour, perfect with a twist of citrus (orange suggested), and seems to dissappear in great quantities. 5%.
Driftwood
Belle Royale Strong Belgian Cherry Ale: Driftwood married their spicy Belgian yeast with a pile of malt and 900 pounds of sour Morello cherries from Oregon to create this strong, sour cherry ale. This beer could be laid down, but don’t deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying the intense fruit and spice flavors fresh. Pairs well with dessert or as an aperitif. 9%. Starts at $6.25 for 650 ml, available only in private liquor stores. Later in the summer, Driftwood will be releasing a double India Pale Ale. Watch their website for details. driftwoodbeer.com/beers.
Spinnakers
Tour de Victoria Summer Ale: This light ale was made to help promote Rider Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria and his push to the Tour de France later this summer.Remember: don’t drink and ride. 3.8%.
Peach Hefeweizen: Available on tap at the pub. It’s made with peaches from Lifecycles and features Silk Road’s Pink Paradise tea.
Raspberry Ale: Watch for this offering as soon as local raspberries from Saanich are available.
Swans
Smooth Sailing Honey Ale: This light and refreshing honey beer was pale fermented with honey. 5% .
Tessier’s Witbier: With a hint of coriander and orange peel, this wheat ale is sure to please on a hot summer’s day. 5% .
Coconut Porter: This award-winning beer took top prize in the fruit and vegetable category in the Canadian Brewing Awards in 2010. A refreshing mix of coconut with the smoothness of a porter makes for one tasty bevvie.
Saltspring Island Ales
Heather Ale: Available on draught in Victoria and on the festival scene, this popular beer is coming out in bottles this summer. It should hit the shelves in July.
In draught only, Kolsch is available in several pubs and restaurants around town (Glo, Prima Strada, Fort Café). Kolsch is an easy-drinking “session beer” with a flavourful biscuit malt character and a gentle hint of citrus hops.
Saltspring is also running a summer cask program, featuring special one-off cask creations made with local ingredients such as Salt Spring nettles and Maple buds. The casks will continue to be featured at Tre Fantastico, Clive’s Lounge & Veneto. Cask nights are announced on their facebook & twitter pages. M