You know what they say… behind every great beer name, there’s an even greater story. Once upon a pre-COVID time, I embarked on a road trip across the Kootenays. Dipping into breweries for crisp salvation, I came across a number of brow-furrowing, curiosity-sparking Kootenay beer names. Intrigued to discover the secrets and stories that lurk … Continued
Yes, 2020 has been a horrible year in a lot of ways, but we have also demonstrated amazing resilience, generosity and kindness throughout. I’ve been thinking long and hard about how to approach this end-of-year blog without simply using the clichés about 2020. It’s too easy to label December 31 as the end of the … Continued
Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, something else, or nothing at all…it’s a weird December. That said, we can still find ways to enjoy traditions, both new and old. In the BC Craft Beer community, people in the industry are finding solace in traditions that fit this year’s restrictions or adapting them to make sure … Continued
I can’t resist using a bowling term to describe the major renovation at Freddy’s Brewpub and the connected family-friendly McCurdy Bowling. With the distinction of being Kelowna’s first brewpub established in 2001, Freddy’s embarked on a complete reset of its facilities in honour of nearly 20 years of business. Chris Bunnage (Sales and Marketing) said … Continued
This is a story of resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. This story was originally published on the Hoyne Brewing WEBSITE. Cans have always been something that we considered, but we wanted to be able to do them right before we made the investment. Sean [Hoyne]’s view was that only the best machine that delivers the … Continued
With the arrival of December, many craft breweries in British Columbia are releasing special beers for the holiday season. These beers are often a little darker and stronger, making them perfectly suited for colder, darker days, and some incorporate spices or ingredients that invite holiday nostalgia. In fact, 2020 might as well be called the … Continued
Stay local. Support local. Give local. This holiday season, give the gift of craft beer and local experiences on the BC Ale Trail. How is it already time to think about holiday season gifts?!?? I don’t know about you, but 2020 has been the longest, yet quickest year. But since it is that time of … Continued
In a year when brewery experiences were turned upside down, Aaron Colyn and the Twin City Brewing team proved that prioritizing community pride and customer relationships is as much of a winning formula as pizza and craft beer. Do you think your town is tough? Consider Port Alberni, B.C. In the past century, this … Continued
While we’re all staying close to home, a great movie or TV show about travel can really scratch an itch. It’s not quite the same as the real deal, but watching characters embark on intense adventures or explore faraway lands helps us appreciate both past trips and ones to come. Travel makes us laugh, cry, … Continued
Don’t be THAT person! Follow the BC Ale Trail’s guide to tasting room etiquette in the new world of physically-distanced craft beer. Craft beer exploration looks a little different in 2020. Current COVID-19 rules recommend that we all “stay local and avoid non-essential travel within B.C.” Nevertheless, tasting rooms are open at breweries throughout the … Continued
