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Shake off the winter blues with a flagship brew

Flagship February celebrates beers known for their consistency, quality and reliability
mathieupoirier-beer-feb25
February is a great time to sample a few local flagship beers, including Category 12's Chromatic IPA and Small Gods Brewing's Neverending German Pilsner.

While February is typically when most are tired of the cold, ready for spring, and looking for change, it’s also an opportunity to remind ourselves of some of the beers that do the opposite: The Flagships.

These beers, known for their consistency, quality, and reliability, are exactly what Flagship February is all about, so as we all shake off the January blues, it’s time to appreciate those classic beers that breweries pride themselves on year-round.

Victoria is lucky enough to have so many great, well-known flagships that people all across the province and even across the country associate with quality and consistency. Driftwood Brewing’s Fat Tug IPA, Hoyne Brewing’s Dark Matter, Phillips Brewing Blue Buck, and Spinnaker’s Brewpub’s Mitchell’s ESB are all well-known examples, but what about some of the smaller or newer breweries?

Sidney’s Small Gods Brewing has made its Neverending German Pilsner a must-have in the taproom with its slow-pour offering in that tall, narrow glass. It’s also a great option to pick up in cans, where you can try that slow pour on your own for a nice fluffy head.

Slightly south on the Peninsula, Category 12’s Chromatic IPA is a great alternative to Fat Tug, and when tasted blind, quite a few individuals often prefer it.

What about the Westshore? Sooke Brewing’s award-winning Belgian Blond Ale is always a nice light treat and pairs with food exceptionally well, especially from the food truck on-site run by Burger on Point.

If you’re looking for something with a nice malty backbone similar to Blue Buck, a quick trip back toward town to Sooke Oceanside Brewery will do you wonders with the tasty Renfrew Red Ale. This staple beer has been a standout since the early days of the brewery, back when it was neighbours with the gas station, and is still a must-try.

Closer to home, a personal favourite is Whistle Buoy’s Coastality Pale Ale, which, even on a cold day, is nice to enjoy in the comfort of the covered patio in Market Square with your choice of food ordered from anywhere nearby.

So take some time and enjoy the beers that breweries strive to dial in, perfect, and keep fantastic every month of the year while supporting them in the slow season so they’re still around come summer.