It was touted as the event not to miss during Victoria Beer Week, and it did not in any way disappoint. Taking over the old car shop at the Roundhouse at Bayview Place, a selection of beers were offered that all had made contact with wood in one way or another. From barrel aged to foeder aged, and even those that were just let to brew with the lightest kiss of added wood chips, there was just something about drinking these nicely aged beers in a nicely aged building.
The list of beers available was almost overwhelming, with many beers at or above 10% ABV, but this meant breweries were bringing their highest quality beers that showcased their abilities and style.
Gladstone Brewing’s Black Braggot was the talk of the event, with brewers, guests and organizers all agreeing that it was simply an amazing beer full of flavour and warmth. Braggots are essentially a strong beer mixed with honey, and in this case, their braggot was also barrel-aged for a year, leading to a thicker bodied mouthfeel along with the sweetness and strength of the added sugar from the honey. Normally this beer is only available at the brewery in Courtenay, so if you’re hoping to try this, you’re in for a bit of a drive.
Strange Fellows from the Lower Mainland impressed with seven beers available, including four from their subscriber only Fellowship Series, and Driftwood’s Singularity was a draw for all attendees hoping to keep their bottles at home untouched for a little while longer.
L’Authentique Poutine & Burgers food truck offered their east coast inspired fare to attendees hoping to warm up on the crisp afternoon, and did not disappoint, as the lineup was fairly constant throughout the event.
This was a beer lover’s idea of perfection, as all of the beers were inspired and sophisticated, and it was just too difficult to decide what beer to have next. Everyone left in a great mood while happily discussing the beers they had a chance to try. Expect to see this event return as an annual showcase, and definitely as the event not to miss.