’Twas the night of beer fest, where all through the stadium, not a drink cup was left empty, not even for a moment. The beer signs were hung from the rafters with care in hopes that drink tokens would soon be spent there. The patrons were nestled all snug in the stands while barley and hops danced in their head.
All of which is to say that on Friday, November 29, I went down to Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre to check out their fourth annual Christmas Craft Beer Show. The arena was packed with many people who sported costumes to contribute to the festive spirit. Here are some of the great beers I sampled there.
Moon Under Water
Dime Bag Sour Key IPA
A fruity but tart beer seeking to emulate the flavour of the classic sour key candy, and kind of finding it. A refreshing and spritzy beer that was accompanied with a complimentary sour key.
Sooke Oceanside Brewery
Lonestarr Schwartzbier
A perfect balance of malty and sweet, with a well-rounded flavour. It’s soft and light, which makes it a perfect sipper for anyone who likes a darker beer but doesn’t want to fill up.
Twa Dogs
Parting Kiss
This intriguingly named brew has a dark, malty flavour with a whiskey presence that is pleasant but not invasive. It has a round and very creamy mouthfeel that brings the experience full circle.
V2V Black Hops Brewing
Victory Ale
This amber ale has a very light and round flavour, and its body is reminiscent of a Guinness. While enjoying this brew I was told of all the amazing charities V2V donates proceeds to to help veterans; I highly recommend checking the brewery out.
White Sails Brewing
Gallows Point Chocolate Porter
Oh, man: Gallows Point is basically chocolate in a glass. Extremely on-point rich chocolate flavour with a silky, low-carbonated body. Absolutely one of my favourites.
Broken Ladder
Pears & Peaches
This cider has a very sweet tropical flavour with very little sour. The pears and peaches flavour is tailed by a pleasant cinnamon warmth.
Ace Brewing Company
Fruit Bomb Raspberry Mango Sour
This very appropriately named sour has a very sharp raspberry taste with a welcome accent of mango. It has a very effervescent, almost dry, flavour that makes for an excellent sour.