BC Brews in the News
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Feature Stories
‘This is a handoff’: B.C.’s beloved Persephone Brewing up for sale
Vancouver is Awesome • July 27
The company’s owner says he’s looking to pass the business on, after suffering a debilitating injury.
After 14 years in business, Persephone Brewing on the Sunshine Coast is up for sale.
The brewery announced the news publicly on social media late last week, and owner Brian Smith penned an open letter published on Persephone’s website.
“Persephone is looking for its next owner,” he writes. “We’re opening up the search for the right person or people to carry this farm and brewery into its next chapter, and if the right match doesn’t come along, we’ll close this chapter ourselves with the care, gratitude, and on our own terms, with a wind down this fall.”
B.C. researchers turn to wild yeast in bid to help struggling craft breweries
CBC • July 13
A new research project out of Langara College and the University of British Columbia is exploring how to brew beer – using wild yeast foraged from around the province.
According to the study, it could be a way to give B.C.’s struggling brewing industry a financial break, while creating some new beer flavours in the process.
Two Lower Mainland breweries are supporting the project, including Parallel 49 in Vancouver and Barnside Brewing in Delta. They have both written letters of support for the researchers to obtain grant funding.
Kelowna International Airport taphouse wins gold at global airport food awards
Castanet • July 15
The Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar at Kelowna International Airport has taken top honours at a global awards event, being named Airport Bar or Pub of the Year.
August 2026
Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival returns with a taste of community
Ladysmith-Chemanius Chronicle • August 4
Chemainus will once again transform into a summer festival destination next month as the Cowichan Craft Beer and Food Festival returns for another year, bringing together dozens of breweries, food vendors, musicians and community groups.
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‘Care for the land and people’: B.C.’s Persephone Brewing looks for the right buyer to take over
The Vancouver Sun • August 2
A renowned Sunshine Coast’s brewery is up for sale as CEO Brian Smith looks for a new leader to take it forward
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Beer column: BC brewery and Seabus Memes create ‘poor man’s Aperol spritz’
Now Media • August 1
If you’re a fan of British Columbia craft beer and a good Aperol spritz, this may be the collaboration you never knew you needed.
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July 2026
Release of Wildfire supports Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
Join Cannery Brewing starting Friday, July 31st, 2016 for the return of their Wildfire Dark Lager. Celebrate the release at the brewery over the long weekend for chances to participate in prize draw .
Every year, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this limited beer is donated to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation to support their incredible work.
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Beyond the Beaches: Penticton | A Perfectly Crafted Destination
Après Destinations • Oct 7/25 (re-released July 2026)
Join Après Destinations as they explore the people and places shaping Penticton’s craft scene – where good beer meets great company, and every visit feels like coming home.
Watch the full video
Kim Lawton: Crafting Community in the Okanagan
On this episode of CREATE, Kim shares lessons on entrepreneurship, marketing, relationship building, community, and the power of shining a spotlight on others.
Kim Lawton is an entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and passionate advocate for craft beer, wine, tourism, and small business. As the owner of DogLeg Marketing & Business Solutions and Marketing Director for both Cannery Brewing and Fort Berens Estate Winery, she has spent nearly three decades helping brands tell their stories, build meaningful relationships, and connect with their communities.
View the full podcast
KPU expands applied hop research through partnership with Molson Coors
Kwantlen Polytechnic University • July 23
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), in partnership with Molson Coors, unveiled a new research and development hop yard today in Chilliwack.
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Beer column: I’ll take my iced cappuccino in beer form, please and thanks
Now Media • July 18
Old Yale Brewing has never been afraid to get creative with summer releases. They showed that last year with a trio of cocktail-inspired releases, with the Blue Hawaiian Tropical Ale returning for an encore this summer. The Fraser Valley brewery’s latest summer release is not fruit or cocktail inspired, but rather a play on one of Canada’s favourite summer treats.
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Kelowna International Airport taphouse wins gold at global airport food awards
Castanet • July 15
The Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar at Kelowna International Airport has taken top honours at a global awards event, being named Airport Bar or Pub of the Year.
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Vote for your favourite B.C. breweries in the 8th annual Growlies
Vancouver is Awesome • July 14
The Growler launched the B.C. Craft Beer and Cider Reader’s Choice Awards (a.k.a. The Growlies) eight years ago — to celebrate that vibrant culture of beverage production and enjoyment. From now until July 26, cast your votes online for the best beers, breweries, ciders and cideries in the province.
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B.C. researchers turn to wild yeast in bid to help struggling craft breweries
CBC • July 13
A new research project out of Langara College and the University of British Columbia is exploring how to brew beer – using wild yeast foraged from around the province. According to the study, it could be a way to give B.C.’s struggling brewing industry a financial break, while creating some new beer flavours in the process.
Read the full article
Beer column: The BC Ale Trail’s comprehensive summer beer roundup is here!
Penticton Now • July 11
Josh Duncan writes: It’s time for a little self-promotion, and that’s my favourite kind of promotion! I recently had the privilege of helping out the BC Ale Trail with its summer roundup, a comprehensive guide of BC craft beers you need to have on your radar over the coming weeks.
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‘Exciting and humbling’: New Lake Country brewery just getting its feet wet
Now Media • July 11
If you’re a craft beer lover that enjoys visiting local breweries, you’ve probably had the thought at least once that it would be cool to open your own brewery. That’s something that Richard Marken and the crew at Cutwater Brewing in Lake Country have experienced first hand since opening the doors to the Central Okanagan’s newest taproom in April.
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Beer column: Say hello to BC’s newest brewery in beautiful Nakusp
Now Media • July 4
Nakusp Brewing has officially opened its doors in the beautiful village that sits on the eastern shores of Upper Arrow Lake.
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Revelstoke’s 30-year-old brewery readies taps to toast hoppy new chapter
Summerland Review • July 10
Celebrating 30 years pouring pints and claiming dozens of beer awards, Revelstoke’s largest microbrewery is taking the leap this summer with new hoppy brews inspired by local thrill-seekers. Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. first got the taps running in 1996, growing over the decades under the auspices and intellect of nuclear particle physicist Bart Larson and partner Tracey, with a background in zoology.
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Trail Blazers: The original ale trail
Castlegar News • July 2
Trail Daily Times ad from June 1969 (Trail archives)….. Long before anyone coined the phrase “Ale Trail,” Interior Breweries of Creston was already promoting a brewery tour of sorts.
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June 2026
Pints, pitches, and plates: A summer soundtrack
Victoria News • June 28
The World Cup is in full swing, and for many of us, there’s no better place to catch the beautiful game than at our local breweries.
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From field to glass: How innovative BC farms are creating tourism experiences
The Western Producer • June 26
More people today are looking for a closer connection to the food and drink they consume. During recent travels in British Columbia, we visited two innovative farms that offer products grown and processed on the farm and unique visitor experiences.
Featuring Farmhouse Brewing
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WestJet First Major North American Airline To Offer Only Craft Beer
Forbes • June 23
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Turkish-inspired street food makes mark at Penticton’s original craft brewery
The Summerland Review • June 19
Two of Penticton’s most recognizable food and drink brands have joined forces.
Featuring Tin Whistle Brewing.
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Where to eat, sip, and savour in downtown Kelowna this summer
The Georgia Straight • June 9
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Fourth annual Craft Beverage Week now underway in Langley
Fraser Valley Today • June 6
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Taste what’s growing in the Okanagan this summer
The Georgia Straight • June 3
Featuring Lakesider Brewing
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Seven breweries and distilleries within walking distance of North Vancouver’s World Cup festival
Times Colonist • June 7
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Kootenay Ale Fest June 20 at Coy’s
e-know.ca • June 6
Featuring Fernie Brewing Co, Nelson Brewing Co, Radium Brewing, Whitetooth Brewing Co, Wild North Brewing Co, Invermere Brewing Co, Encore Brewing Co, Over Time Beer Works.
Read the full article
May 2026
This walkable getaway is made for Vancouverites craving a reset
Vancouver is Awesome • May 24
For those in Metro Vancouver craving a summer getaway that feels both relaxing and refined, Penticton is making a strong case as one of B.C.’s most compelling destinations.
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B.C.’s craft beer industry cautiously optimistic ahead of World Cup summer
CityNews Vancouver • May 24
Featuring: BC Craft Brewers Guild Executive Director, Ken Beattie
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Vancouver’s Award-Winning Mexican Brewery Shuts Down Its Chinatown Outpost After 18 Months
Noms Magazine • May 20
Featuring: La Cerveceria Astilleros Chinatown
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Beer column: What new fun flavours are in this year’s Juice Box Sour Mixer?
NowMedia • May 16
Featuring: Dead Frog Brewery
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Wine Guy: Circling back to classic West Coast IPAs
The Province • May 14
Featuring: Four Winds Brewing Co., Strange Fellows Brewing, Steel & Oak Brewing, and Superflux Beer Co.
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Popular Kelowna brewery offers Mother’s Day ‘do-overs’ after poor service on Sunday
NowMedia • May 11
Featuring: Rustic Reel Brewing Co.
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Beer column: It’s spicy, it’s sour, it’s ‘basically a margarita in a beer can!’
NowMedia • May 9
Featuring: Backcountry Brewing
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Beloved brewery celebrates 25 years in Penticton
Penticton Herald • May 9
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Langley brews support for those who serve
Langley Advance Times • May 6
Featuring: Dead Frog Brewery
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Downtown Vancouver’s The Magnet celebrates 7 years with 7 craft beers for $7
Vancouver Is Awesome • May 6
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What to Open for Mother’s Day: Vessel’s Spring Picks Portrait
Scout Magazine • May 5
Featuring: Brass Monkey Taproom
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April 2026
Port Moody brewery names beer after Canucks’ Brock Boeser
Daily Hive • April 30
Featuring: Yellow Dog Brewing in Port Moody and Penticton
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Drink beer with Surrey firefighters for $50 at summer charity event
Peace Arch News • April 29
Get ticket info and read the full article
Raising a glass for conservation: Brewery partnership supports invasive species removal
The Free Press • April 27
Featuring: Fernie Brewing Company’s
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Reopening of Chilliwack brewery pushed back just a bit
Fraser Valley Today • April 27
Featuring: Old Yale Brewing Chilliwack
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Beer column: The original is iconic, will the Dat Juice spinoffs be able to deliver?
NowMedia • April 25
Featuring: Twin Sails Brewing
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Kelowna brewery secures silver medal at 2026 World Beer Cup
NowMedia • April 24
Featuring: Jackknife Brewing, along with Four Winds Brewing Co., Shaketown Brewing, and Whistler Brewing Co.,
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The Best Beers In The World—Winners Of The 2026 World Beer Cup
Forbes • April 22
Featuring: Four Winds Brewing Co., Jackknife Brewing, Shaketown Brewing and Whistler Brewing Co.
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New ownership takes over Beard’s Brewing Company
Energetic City • April 22
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Beer column: A full list of winners from the 39th annual Okanagan Fest of Ale
NowMedia • April 18
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Upcoming Poetry Gym at Gladstones will leave you well-versed
Comox Valley Record • April 17
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Island Rewind: First brewery opens on Vancouver Island in 1983
CHECK Media • April 14
Watch the segment
Barnside Brewing Co. Harvest Festival announces lineup: What you need to know about the concerts
Vancouver Sun • April 14
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Okanagan Fest of Ale a ‘hopping’ success in Penticton; West Kelowna brewery wins best in show
Castanet • April 12
Featuring: Lakesider Brewing Co
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Highway 97 wins People’s Choice at Fest-of-Ale
Penticton Herald • April 12
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Penticton Minor Lacrosse Association partners with Cannery Brewing for fundraising beer
Castanet • April 11
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Beer column: Cannery’s annual Babe Brew is as tasty as it is impactful
NowMedia • April 11
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BONUS: Read Hannah Irvine’s blog about brewing last year’s Babe Brew
25 top-notch patios in Vancouver you need to check out this season
Daily Hive Vancouver • April 11
Featuring: Parallel 49 Brewing
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Penticton bus routes offer free transit for Fest of Ale
Castanet • April 10
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Ace Brewing and BC Marine Trails teams up for another community clean-up
Comox Valley Record • April 9
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Wine Guy: Scoping out selections on the B.C. Ale Trail
The Province • April 9
Featuring: Brass Monkey Taproom, Hoyne Brewing, and Île Sauvage Brewing
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New brewpub opens on Hwy 97 in Lake Country
Castanet • April 8
Featuring: Cutwater Brewery (coming soon to the BC Ale Trail!)
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Beer column: This strawberry cheesecake delight will go perfectly with Easter dinner
Now Media • April 4
Featuring: Superflux Beer Co.
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From farms to film sets: Inside B.C.’s most resilient city, the Township of Langley
BC Business • April 2
Featuring: Locality Brewing, and The Barley Merchant
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North Island Craft Beer Fest brings fun to community fundraising
Campbell River Mirror • April 2
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March 2026
North Point Brewing seeks permanent curbside patio approval
North Shore Daily Post • March 30
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Penticton’s Cannery Brewing throwing a big party to celebrate 25 years in business
Castanet • March 28
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Beer column: Camping season is nearly upon us, but this Camp beer is now year-round
NowMedia • March 28
Featuring: Camp Beer Co.
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New Revelstoke brewery opens with aim of tapping into accessible beer
Revelstoke Review • March 27
Featuring: Revystoked Brewing Company
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Saanichton’s Category 12 brewing makes pivotal Shift to new menu and new malt
Vancouver Island Free Daily • March 27
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BC brewery secures international headliners for annual summer music festival
NowMedia • March 24
Featuring: Phillips Brewing & Malting
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Fest-of-Ale right around the corner
Penticton Herald • March 22
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Beer column: Spring calls for sessionable beers and you’ll find that in this box
NowMedia • March 21
Featuring: Four Winds Brewing
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Vancouver Island Brewing Named Official Craft Beer Partner of the Victoria HarbourCats
The Dugout • March 18
Featuring: Vancouver Island Brewing
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Beer column: You might hear the ice cream truck jingle when you crack open this sour
NowMedia • March 14
Featuring: Phillip’s Brewing & Malting
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Beer column: Pick up this new Field House 6-pack and your sweet tooth will thank you
NowMedia • March 7
Featuring: Field House Brewing
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These Pink Boots are made for brewing: KPU Brewing celebrates International Women’s Day with collaboration beer
Education News Canada • March 6
Featuring: Farm Country Brewing
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Penticton’s Fest of Ale tickets now on sale, promising more fun and bigger options
Castanet • March 6
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Two Kelowna craft breweries taking part in Animals & Ales fundraiser
Castanet • March 1
Featuring: Railside Brewing and Three Lakes Brewing
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February 2026
Beer column: From the mountains to the forest, experience the best of BC with these tasty IPAs
NowMedia • February 28
Featuring: Fernie Brewing Co & Beere Brewing
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Music, memories, and malt: Victoria’s Brass Monkey on a new track
Oak Bay News • February 28
Featuring: Brass Monkey Taproom
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Phillips brews up new festival of fermentation for Victoria
Sooke News Mirror • February 27
Featuring: Phillips Brewing and Malting
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Beer column: Another BC brewery calling it quits after 12 years
NowMedia • February 21
Featuring: Torchlight Brewing
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Kelowna International Airport showcases local food, beer, wine at two new restaurants
Castanet • February 18
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“Never just about beer, it was about connection”. West Kelowna brewery set to close
Capital News • February 17
Featuring: Connector Brewing
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Beer column: A touch of Valentine’s Day red in these farm-to-table IPAs
NowMedia • February 14
Featuring: Abandoned Rail Brewing
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Beer prices could go up again this year
CTV News • February 13
Watch segment
North Vancouver brewery closes after less than 4 years in business
The Growler • February 9
Featuring: Braggot Brewing
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Beer column: A farewell to Lighthouse with 4 tasty winter creations in one tidy little pack
NowMedia • February 7
Featuring: Lighthouse Brewing
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January 2026
Beer column: Let’s drink to Groundhog Day with a beer named after the classic film
NowMedia • January 31
Featuring: Backcountry Brewing
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Local brewers weathering a storm in the craft beer industry
Freshet News • January 26
Featuring: Dageraad Brewing, Side Quest Brewing, and Tinhouse Brewing
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Canadians reducing alcohol consumption, impacting beer industry
CTV News • January 24
Watch the segment
‘Death by 1000 cuts’: B.C. Brewery closes after 27 years in business
CTV News • January 20
Featuring: Light House Brewing
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Beer column: As one BC brewery closes, another one expands to take its spot
NowMedia • January 17
Featuring: North Point Brewing Co.
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Ellison Field Taphouse now open at Kelowna airport
NowMedia • January 10
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Beer column: You look like you need a winter ale to warm up this weekend
NowMedia • January 10
Featuring: Twin Sails Brewing
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Behind bars: Victoria’s Drake crafting a unique reputation for beer and food
Vancouver Island Free Daily • January 4
Featuring: Driftwood Brewery , Whistle Buoy, Herald St Brew Works, Four Winds Brewing, Brassneck Brewery, Camp Beer Co.
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Beer column: Hello darkness my old friend, we’ve come to drink you up again
Victoria Now • January 3
Featuring: Hoyne Brewing Co
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