Before you read any further, remember I’m a wine drinker by profession and by passion. When I do stray, it's in search of something harder, like whiskey or tequila.While I respect beer, I admire it from a distance. I have tasted many but can count on one hand the number of bottles I’ve actually finished.
Yet as I drink for a living, I find it impossible to ignore the craft beer frenzy.So in honour of Vancouver Craft Beer Week, I decided to ride the wave and taste through as many as I possible could to see what all the fuss is about. All beers mentioned are available for sampling at the Vancouver Craft Beer Week Festival June 6th & 7th.
Sipping through 40 samples (with help from my friends), I had way more fun than I expected. It also became very clear that I prefer a lighter and less hoppy style. In general, I like bitter flavours (think coffee, dandelion greens and orange zest) but I found many of the IPAs overwhelmingly so. Perhaps this aggressive hoppiness is an acquired taste but it made me think of over oaked wine.
I was looking for the same qualities I seek in my vino: finesse, complexity, balance and refreshment. My top five picks are below but there were plenty more that pleased my palate. I had to include these honourable mentions.
I was charmed by the easy breezy, ginger and tropical nature of The Cannery Brewing Co. Skaha Summer Ale. I also enjoyed the toasted honey wafer quality of the Dogwood Brewing Honey Ale.
While am not a fan of cucumber in general, I can see the appeal of SteamworksKiller Cucumber Ale. I’m thinking it might entice gin and tonic enthusiasts in need of a lower alcohol beverage.
And tea drinkers are sure to appreciate the Deep Cove Sun Kissed Tea Saison.Infusion with green rooibos tea, it offers plenty of fruity notes like, mango and apple orchard.
The Brassneck Brewery Changeling gets my vote for the most unique. A fruit beer with 20% Viognier must from Chile, it has a tart, sour almost vinegary profile but I still found it very intriguing. Though admittedly it’s less ‘beer’ like. And at the end of the day, I want my beer to taste like beer. Or at least what I think a beer should taste like.
The more I tasted, the more I liked. I may become a devoted beer drinker yet.
Off the Rail, Czechmate Pilsner 6x355ml $n/a
Pure, clean, refreshing and sassy, this pilsner is judiciously hopped giving just a touch of pleasant bitterness. I can totally imagine knocking back a bottle to quench my thirst after a summer hike.
Moon Under Water, ‘Hip as Funk’, Farmhouse IPA 650ml $7*
Grapefruit and passion fruit with a spicy earthy edge. Rather than an overt hoppiness, it’s dominated by an invigorating tangy quality. The ‘funk’ refers to the fact that it has been brewed with some brettanomyces, a wild yeast which can lend a barnyard quality. But thankfully I don’t find it overly so.
Category 12, ‘Waveform’, Witbier 650ml $7*
Very balanced notes of citrus pith, delicate blossom, pink peppercorn, pine and spice. Frothy and light on its feet with a savoury saltiness, it would be a cleansing partner with tempura.
Dageraad, Belgian Blonde Ale 650ml $8-9*
Clocking in at 7.5%, this strong ale sees a second fermentation in the bottle. The CO2 produced is trapped meaning it’s naturally carbonated. Elegant and finessed with subtle lemon, coriander and flowers, it is creamy, nutty and finishes bright. Totally suitable when nibbling on cheese.
Bridge Brewing Co, ‘Ambleside’ Amber Ale 650ml $6-7*
Fairly hoppy nose but offset by fragrant melon notes. Much less hoppy on palate where toasted walnut skins chime in. Lots of character but very easy to drink. I’m thinking barbequed chicken.
*Available at private liquor stores. Prices may vary.
