The sixth annual Victoria Beer Week has officially begun. Friday night’s Lift Off! event at the Victoria Public Market was packed with beer aficionados eager to dive into the premiere of 15 delicious British Columbian craft beers. To help the brew go down, seven Public Market vendors were on hand to keep us going strong throughout the night, offering hearty bites inspired by, you guessed it: beer!
From the moment the doors opened, the kegs were flowing, and with my personal four-ounce mini-pint I weaved my way through the crowds looking for something light to start with. Saanich’s Howl Brewery’s Petrichor Rose Saison proved to be a wonderful way to whet the palate. Crisp and herbal, the hazy, honey-toned brew was elegant while full bodied, with an alluring aroma of rose petals and Meyer lemon. Suddenly spring seemed so much closer.
As a long-time fan of Richmond’s Fuggles and Warlock’s imaginative creations, the White Mage Belgian White IPA was a must-taste on my list. Creamy with a bite, this witbier is fresh and medium bodied with a touch of winter spice rounding out the finish. Next, Nelson brewery Torchlight’s Sakura Cherry Blossom Gose is true to style: it’s slightly sour with a balanced saltiness that carried the malted cherry beautifully. Immediately I knew I had to grab two for the road.
With 12 ounces down, it was time to cruise the grub. I went with Roast Meat and Sandwich Shop’s Phillips Pilsner poached bratwurst with beer-infused Dijon mustard. Full of flavour with grilled onions and perfectly seasoned meat, I was back in the game. I needed something earthy and found Victoria’s Axe and Barrel’s Traditional Bockdid the trick with its caramel-toffee sweetness, bolstered by a pleasant coco bitterness.
Finishing the night, Swans Brewery filled my glass with their awesome Cherry Jade Rice Lager. Easily my favourite, the ruby-red brew boasted toasty rice notes with a hint of cherry sweetness. My last swig was Twa Dogs’ Hazy Mist New England IPA. Surprisingly tropical with notes of pineapple, pairing perfectly with The Very Good Butcher’s Shroomageddon Sliders, a vegan treat even the most devoted carnivore would love.
Victoria Beer Week
Various times, Friday, March 1 to Saturday, March 9
Various prices and venues
victoriabeerweek.com