With summer fast approaching, here are 10 summer beers from some of British Columbia’s best local craft breweries.
Whether it’s a Hazy IPA from Kelowna or a Cherry Saison from Revelstoke, each of these 10 beers were hand-crafted and inspired by the warm-weather adventures and experiences that the province is known for. Plan a trip to visit some of these breweries in person or look for the beers in your local liquor store.
Jalea Guava Saison by Andina Brewing (6.4% ABV | 24 IBU*)
This farmhouse/saison ale is smooth and creamy thanks to the guayaba puree from Colombia, Belgian saison yeast, and Huell Melon hops from Germany. It has a creamy champagne-like taste, balanced out by hints of pear, apple, strawberry and guava, with spicy notes, a delicate peach/guava colour and a full white head. This unique beer will only be available in Andina’s tasting room for a short time.
Andina Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Ale Trail.
I Was in the Pool ISA by Backcountry Brewing (3.4% ABV | 20 IBU)
This super sessionable India Session Ale features tasty hop varietals Vic Secret, Mosaic and Simcoe. Although very hoppy, this beer’s alcohol percentage has experienced significant shrinkage… making it an ideal summer sipper that won’t slow you down. Backcountry Brewing was named BC’s Rookie Brewery of the Year at the 2017 BC Beer Awards.
Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Squamish Ale Trail.
The Fuzz Peach Milkshake IPA by Bridge Brewing (6% | 45 IBU)
Dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo hops, which results in aromas of peach and vanilla, added lactose provides a sweet finish to this aromatic and refreshing summer IPA. Pop into Bridge’s welcoming tasting room to try this beer along with some delicious tacos prepared on-site.
Bridge Brewing can be found on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail.
Ruby Sunset Pomegranate Sour Ale by Central City Brewers & Distillers/Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks (6% ABV)
Part of Central City’s Red Racer Across the Nation Collaboration 12-pack, which features collaborations with breweries from all across Canada, this all-BC brew is reminiscent of a west coast sunset. Pick up the whole pack and taste your way across the country.
Central City Brewers & Distillers can be found on the New West, Delta & Surrey Ale Trail, and Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks will be part of the new Richmond Ale Trail coming later this year.
Foggy NE IPA by Kettle River Brewing (5.5% ABV)
What better way to celebrate the gorgeous Okanagan summer than with this thick and foggy IPA that bursts with strong notes of orange peel and a bright, zesty citrus flavour? Kettle River is a small-but-growing brewery in Kelowna’s burgeoning brewery district. The brewery has a food truck parked permanently out front and a cozy patio to enjoy Kelowna’s famous summer weather.
Kettle River Brewing can be found on the Kelowna Ale Trail.
Faux Paw Cherry Saison by Mt. Begbie Brewing (6.5 ABV)
When Mt. Begbie Brewing was building its new brewery last year, a bear walked across a freshly poured concrete slab, leaving its paw prints forever preserved in the brewery’s floor. This limited release beer, brewed with cherry purée, celebrates that curious bear’s faux paw. This Revelstoke brewery was named Brewery of the Year at the 2017 Canadian Brewing Awards.
Mt. Begbie Brewing can be found on the Kootenays Rockies East Ale Trail.
Kamloops Common by Red Collar Brewing (5% ABV | 28 IBU)
Light, crisp and poundable, Kamloops Common is brewed to fit the Kamloops lifestyle: this vegan-friendly, unfiltered beer has no preservatives, and is naturally carbonated.
Red Collar Brewing can be found on the new Kamloops Ale Trail, which will launch this summer.
Raspberry Wheat Ale by Trading Post Brewing (7.5% ABV | 7 IBU)
This ruby red beer is sweet, strong and juicy, making it the perfect patio sipper for the summer months ahead.
Trading Post Brewing can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.
Scurvy Dog Spruce Ale by Wheelhouse Brewing (5.3% ABV | 30 IBU)
This crisp and refreshing summer beer is brewed only once a year when the Sitka Spruce tips are out. The hand-picked spruce tips give it a sweet, citrus taste, making it perfect to enjoy on land or while exploring the Pacific Ocean.
Wheelhouse Brewing can be found on the new Northern BC Ale Trail, which will launch this summer.
Tomorrow We Ride Hefeweizen by Whitetooth Brewing (5.3% ABV | 12 IBU)
A big hit last year, Whitetooth is bringing this beer back just in time for this summer. Hopped with Citra and El Dorado, resulting in a notes of tangerine, honey, clove and banana, this tasty brew is popular with the mountain biking crowd that rolls up to the brewery’s patio.
Whitetooth Brewing can be found on the Kootenays Rockies East Ale Trail.
