From August 1–31, 2026, the Greater Victoria Ale Trail is turning into one giant scavenger hunt!

Visit participating breweries across the Greater Victoria Ale Trail and put your detective skills to the test. Each brewery has hidden a unique item somewhere in its taproom, and your mission is to find it, snap a photo, and upload it through the BC Ale Trail app.

Along the way, you’ll discover incredible local breweries, enjoy great beer, meet the people behind the taps, and maybe even uncover a few hidden stories.

Whether you’re a seasoned craft beer fan or simply looking for a fun way to explore the region, this is the perfect excuse for a brewery adventure.

How to Participate

Getting started is easy!

1. Open the BC Ale Trail App

Navigate to the Greater Victoria Scavenger Hunt challenge.

2. Visit Participating Breweries

Head to each participating brewery throughout the month of August.

3. Read the Clue

Every brewery has its own clue to help guide you toward a hidden item somewhere inside the taproom.

4. Find the Hidden Item

Search the brewery and see if you can solve the clue.

5. Snap a Photo

Once you’ve found the mystery item, take a photo and upload it through the BC Ale Trail app.

6. Check In

Don’t forget to check in while you’re visiting to earn your regular BC Ale Trail reward points.

Complete the Hunt & Earn Rewards

Finish every scavenger hunt challenge before August 31 to receive:

500 BC Ale Trail bonus points

The exclusive Greater Victoria Scavenger Hunt Badge

One automatic entry into the Grand Prize Draw

Every completed hunt earns one entry into the draw.

Why Join the Hunt?

The scavenger hunt is about much more than finding hidden objects.

It’s an opportunity to:

• Discover breweries you’ve never visited before
• Explore different neighbourhoods across the Greater Victoria Ale Trail
• Meet local brewery staff and hear the stories behind each stop
• Support local craft breweries
• Earn BC Ale Trail points while enjoying great beer
• Spend a summer day exploring one of BC’s best craft beer destinations

Take your time, grab a flight, enjoy a meal, browse the merch, and make a day (or several!) of it.

Participating Breweries

4 Mile Brewing Co.
199 Island Hwy, View Royal, BC

Bad Dog Brewing
7861 Tugwell Rd, Sooke, BC

Beacon Brewing
9829 Third St, Sidney, BC

Category 12 Brewing
2200 Keating Cross Rd, Saanichton, BC

Checkerhead Brewing
10602 Sherburne Dr, Shirley, BC

Driftwood Brewery
836 Viewfield Rd, Victoria, BC

Herald Street Brew Works
506 Herald St, Victoria, BC

Hoyne Brewing Co.
101-2740 Bridge St, Victoria, BC

Île Sauvage Brewing Co.
2960 Bridge St, Victoria, BC

Mile Zero Brewing
4495 Happy Valley Rd, Metchosin, BC

Phillips Brewing & Malting Co.
2000 Government St, Victoria, BC

Small Gods Brewing Co.
9835 Third St, Sidney, BC

Sooke Oceanside Brewery
5871-A Sooke Rd, Sooke, BC

Spinnakers Gastro Brewpub
308 Catherine St, Victoria, BC

Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.
#63, 560 Johnson St, Victoria, BC (Market Square, Lower Courtyard)

Plan Your Hunt

The scavenger hunt runs August 1–31, 2026, giving you the entire month to complete every stop.

Whether you visit one brewery each weekend or tackle several in a day, there’s no wrong way to experience the hunt.

Download the free BC Ale Trail app, gather your friends, and start exploring!

Grand Prize

(Placeholder until prize package is finalized.)

Complete the Greater Victoria Ale Trail Scavenger Hunt and you’ll automatically receive one entry into our Grand Prize draw. Full prize details will be announced soon.

The post Greater Victoria Ale Trail Scavenger Hunt appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

We asked BC Ale Trail fans to vote for their favourite cozy brewery space across the province, and the responses poured in, just like a rainstorm on a dreary Vancouver day. From covered and heated patios complete with firepits, to comfortable nooks with cushy seating (perfect for enjoying a book or board game), to warming seasonal brews and menus full of comfort food, BC breweries are the perfect place to go this fall when you want to relax and unwind.

We’ve tallied the votes, and we’re excited to share the results. Over 700 votes were cast for 134 different breweries from around the province—from Vancouver Island to the Kootenays and Northern BC. Whether you’re looking for a fireside pint after a rainy-day hike or a warm corner to catch up with friends, these breweries have mastered the art of cozy. Without further ado, here are your Top 10 Cozy BC Breweries:

1: BC’s Coziest Brewery (as voted by YOU!) – Camp Beer Co

Camp Beer Co. has got a serious fan base in their hometown of Langley, BC – and beyond – and it’s easy to see why. Camp has mastered the art of creating a brewery that feels less like a tasting room and more like gathering around the campfire with friends. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by thoughtfully designed spaces that invite you to settle in and stay awhile. The heated, glass-enclosed patio—complete with an actual fire pit and large retractable doors—creates that perfect indoor-outdoor flow that works in any weather. Inside, the experience only gets cozier with distinct zones like The Cabin, featuring cedar-board walls and a fireplace, and the Chalet and Woods sections within Camp Grounds coffee shop that feature a faux long fireplace that’s particularly magical during winter months. Board games are ready for borrowing, dogs are welcome on the patio, and the Camp Outfitters retail area doubles as an ambiance-rich space where you can browse merchandise among the beer barrels aging select brews.

The crew at Camp has skillfully woven quality craft beer into this welcoming environment. Their rotating seasonal lineup keeps things fresh, with exciting returns like First Light Coffee Cream Ale, a local favourite brewed with Camp Grounds Coffee, and the award-winning Flannel Pyjamas mocha imperial stout, which will be making its seasonal reappearance around their annual birthday celebration. The brewery’s creative approach extends to collaborations with breweries across BC, Alberta, and Manitoba, showcasing their adventurous craft-beer ethos while maintaining the high quality that’s earned them recognition at the BC Beer Awards and Canada Beer Cup.

The beer community’s love for Camp Beer Co comes down to authenticity—this is a space genuinely designed for comfort and connection rather than just beer consumption.

Because the beers are creative and high quality, the community trusts what we do. Combine that with a space that feels more like friends gathering than a formal tasting room, and you get love from locals and visitors alike.

The patio has earned its reputation as one of BC’s best for that “camp-style hangout” feeling and all-season accessibility, while the various seating zones encourage lingering conversations over exceptional pints. Whether you’re a Langley local or a craft beer enthusiast travelling through BC, Camp delivers that rare combination of creative brews, seasonal surprises, and a space that makes you feel like you’re hanging out at a friend’s place rather than just visiting another brewery.

Previously, Camp won the BC Ale Trail Best Brewery Experience in 2022, and was voted one of the top 10 patio spaces on the BC Ale Trail this past summer. They were also named Brewery of the Year at the 2025 BC Beer Awards.

Find Camp Beer Co in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

2: Locality Brewing

Cozy looks a little different at Locality Brewing — and craft beer fans love that. We’re talking farm-fresh air, crackling fire pits, big blankets, good friends, and beer made from the fields behind the lagoon you’re looking at. It’s less “cabin in the mountains” and more “welcome to your favourite farm hangout — we saved you a seat.” The Lodge gives all the warm-wood, fireside energy, and outside you’ll find sheltered nooks, heaters, teahouse seating, and those fire pits that keep coming up. Whether you’re curling up with a pint or just soaking in the view, cozy is a vibe all its own at Locality.

This time of year calls for beers worth lingering over; here’s what’s on tap to keep you warm: Goldilocks Oatmeal Stout (creamy, chocolatey, and just right), Farm-Fresh English IPA (brewed with hops grown right there on the farm – get it before it disappears!), plus rotating seasonal surprises that make each visit feel a little bit special. Keep an eye out for an upcoming collaboration beer release made with Barn Owl Brewing: Apple Pie Saison.

Why do people love Locality? “We like to think it’s because we treat everyone like family — and because nothing beats sipping beer where it’s grown, malted, and brewed. Locality is a little slice of farm magic, and whether you’re bringing your pup, your kids, your date, or your whole crew, you’re welcome here,” says the team at Locality.

Visitors always tell us the same thing: “You come once, and it instantly feels like your spot.” We think that’s because you can feel the heart in this place — and the people behind it.

“BC beer fans show up, support local, and love a good story in their pint — and we’re grateful to be part of such a passionate, creative craft community,” they continue. “So bundle up, bring your favourite people, and come get cozy on the farm. Fires on, good beer flowing, and room for everyone — that’s the Locality way. See you soon — your seat by the fire is waiting.”

Find Locality Brewing in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

3: Field House Brewing – ABBY and CHWK

While several votes specifically called out Field House Brewing’s Abbotsford location, many simply noted Field House as their favourite cozy spot—and both of this Fraser Valley brewery’s locations definitely hit the mark. Both locations were built for cozy moments, the kind where you can slow down, grab a pint, and settle in with good company. Each space has its own charm, but both share that Field House feeling: welcoming, laid-back, and full of character. In Abbotsford, you’ll find guests gathered around the big stone fireplace, especially on rainy afternoons! In Chilliwack, the modern lodge-style fireplace brings that same cozy energy, perfect for settling in with a flight or a seasonal stout.

They’ve also got board games you can borrow, so whether you’re posted up by the fire, enjoying the patio with heaters and a screen, or tucked into a corner table with friends, there’s always a reason to stay a little longer.

Keep an eye out for fresh seasonal beers dropping every week – from refreshing sips like the Super Tall Key Lime Pie Sour to Field House’s upcoming holiday dessert stouts.

Field House is all about creating a space where everyone feels at home. From our cozy fireplaces and inviting taprooms to our friendly team behind the bar, we want every guest to feel like they belong. We focus on making great beer that sparks conversation and moments worth lingering over. We brew more than just good beer, we brew good times at Field House.

Come for the beer, stay for the community, and know that there’s always a place for you here at Field House.

Find Field House Brewing in Abbotsford, BC, and Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

4: Barn Owl Brewing

The renovated 1920s heritage barn that houses Barn Owl Brewing in Kelowna is a special space. From the intimate taproom, where you can cozy up at the bar across from the taps and friendly taproom staff, to the epic loft complete with community tables, fireplace, shuffleboard table, games cupboard and view of the brewing area, to the intimate patio space that welcomes pets and people, complete with grassed area where you can pull up a chair or a blanket, you can’t really go wrong when choosing where to cozy up with your pint or flight.

There’s always something new on tap to pair with your visit. A seasonal favourite, the Nutty Owl Vanilla Chestnut Ale, is about to make its reappearance, and the team is also about to release a new community brew in support of the Canucks Autism Network.

If you ask Gary Brucker, co-founder of Barn Owl, what makes the taproom a cozy fan-favourite, he’s got no shortage of reasons: “Our setting, our brews and other beverage offerings, our team, our live music (twice a week all year), our daily food trucks, our pet-friendly patio, our adjoining Coffeehouse, our allowance of outside food and more.” If you want to read more about Barn Owl and their dedication to craft and community, check out the Hops Among Friends blog featuring an interview with Gary.

Find Barn Owl Brewing in Kelowna, BC, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

5: Nelson Brewing Company

Nelson Brewing Company is located in the heart of the West Kootenays, nestled among the Selkirk Mountains and a stone’s throw from the shores of Kootenay Lake. Housed in an original 1800s historic brewery building, their small but mighty tap room is a hub for locals and tourists alike. The charming gas fireplace and cozy leather seats make it the perfect place to unwind, connect with friends, and sample new creations from the brew team. There are plenty of games to play and even an old chairlift retired from the local ski hill, repurposed into a swing on the patio.

We’re proud of our name and the place we call home. We’re more than just a brewery here in Nelson, we’re your neighbours!

Keeping on theme of cozy taproom, NBC has brewed up something special this fall: A Peach Cobbler Hazy IPA. This isn’t your grandma’s cobbler! It’s brewed with peach purée, cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of salt. A full-bodied, dessert-inspired ale, juicy, decadent, and loaded with Dolcita hops.  Keep your eyes peeled for its release this month.

Find Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

6: Deadfall Brewing Company

Deadfall Brewing Company in Prince George, BC, is a small (30-person capacity), inclusive, and fully accessible brewery.  Along with having only low-top tables and a counter-height bar for accessibility, they also supply free menstrual products and free diaper changing supplies.

When we reached out to the team at Deadfall to ask what makes their space so cozy and why their fans love their space, they provided us with a list that comes straight from their fans:

• No TV or plug-ins
• Velvety couches and warm, inviting colours
• No ‘fake’ people
• ‘Hole in the wall’ vibes
• POOCHES!
• The brewery isn’t hidden away behind walls; it’s visible from the taproom area
• Funky art and plants
• A library with books and board games to borrow
• Small, intimate live shows, and a great playlist on days without live music
• Fully accessible
• The Code of Conduct

As we move into winter, we also move into dark beer season. Keep an eye out for Deadfall’s seasonal releases:  the recently released Cherry Porter, and a Milk Stout is on the way as well.

Find Deadfall Brewing in Prince George, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

7: Wheelhouse Brewing Company

Wheelhouse Brewing Company occupies Prince Rupert’s original train station building right at the water’s edge. The heritage architecture, modern comforts, and stunning harbour views create a cozy atmosphere enhanced by vintage nautical touches throughout.

The main level features a bar with a bartop crafted from 100-year-old reclaimed fir beams, an open kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven, and a patio just steps from the Pacific Ocean—perfect for chatting with bartenders and fellow beer lovers while pizza aromas fill the air, or catching a sunset from the patio with your dog. Upstairs, the Sunroom offers a cozy fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive 270° harbour views—what regulars call “some of the best seats in the house for relaxing, whale watching, and unwinding.”

Beyond great beer and pizza, Wheelhouse offers entertainment for all moods: a full bookcase of games from children’s favourites to strategy games to Cribbage, Game-On Thursdays featuring trivia and music bingo, and monthly Whispers of Wool gatherings for crafters.

One standout offering is the Rain Gauge Lager, brewed each October. This traditional German lager has unique pricing: the more it rains in Prince Rupert, the more the pint price drops. As Wheelhouse says, “Here, at the wettest brewery in Canada, we embrace precipitation. When you live in Prince Rupert, you can’t let a little thing like rain stop you from getting out with friends for a good time and a delicious craft beer.”

“Wheelhouse was built by friends who wanted to make great beer and create something meaningful for the North and Prince Rupert,” explains founder Craig Outhet. “Our staff are here because they want to be—they love the Wheelhouse family we’ve built. The brick walls, local history, pet and kid-friendly vibes, and our forno oven from a family business in Naples all add to that welcoming ‘come-as-you-are’ atmosphere.”

At Wheelhouse we encourage you to relax, eat, socialize, and take in the view — we’re not just a quick pour.

Find Wheelhouse Brewing in Prince Rupert, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

8: Abandoned Rail Brewing Co

Abandoned Rail Brewing Co is truly a destination where people can slow down and connect — with each other, with the land, and with the beer. Set on a working farm where they grow their own barley, and surrounded by vineyards, the scenic KVR Trail, and stunning mountain views, Abandoned Rail is all about celebrating community and craft in the heart of the South Okanagan. The taproom is small and intimate, which naturally creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. A beautiful gas fireplace adds warmth through the colder months, while the soft lighting and comfortable décor make it an inviting place to settle in with a pint. Guests can often be found gathered around the communal tables playing one of the many board games that are available, or outside around the large fire pit in the winter.

We’re proud to be a Rainbow Registered space, creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. Families, pets, locals, and travellers alike are always welcome. Our team’s friendly and down-to-earth approach, paired with the community feel of our farm brewery, makes it a place people return to again and again.

Keep an eye out! The brew team at Abandoned Rail are crafting a new seasonal beer — a dark IPA featuring cherries grown right beside the picnic tables in their patio space. They’ve even asked their followers to help name it! Alongside that, the Bellhop Porter returns as a cozy winter favourite — it’s a three-time consecutive Canadian gold medal winner (2023, 2024, and 2025).

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co in Penticton on the Penticton Ale Trail

9 (tie): Barnside Brewing

Nestled among the farmlands of Delta, Barnside Brewing’s tasting room blends the charm of a working farm with the comfort of a community gathering place. The feedback they hear most often is that it feels like spending time in your friend’s backyard. Built from the ground up using reclaimed barn wood from local farms, the space has a rustic warmth the moment you walk in. Big communal tables, soft lighting, and views over the hop fields make it the perfect place to settle in with friends, a pint, farm-to-plate menu choices, and great conversation.

There’s no shortage of year-round cozy corners. From the couches by the fireplace to the long tables under the heated pavilion overlooking the fields—or inside with views of the brewing tanks and historical map—guests can choose their own spot to unwind. Board games are always on hand, and there’s often something happening, from trivia to special seasonal events that bring the community together.

As the weather cools, the seasonal beer lineup heats up. Just in time for the hockey season, the Five For Fighting Hazy Pale Ale is back on tap! And if you are looking for the perfect companion for chilly days, try the Porter – rich, and toasty. Every Barnside beer is made with a focus on ingredients grown right in Delta – notably their own barley and hops – giving every pint a true taste of place.

What makes Barnside so welcoming is our people – both our team and our guests. There’s a genuine sense of connection here; farmers, families, locals, and craft beer lovers from all over share stories over a beer made just steps from where its ingredients were grown.

The team at Barnside is ready to welcome you: “For BC craft beer fans, we’d just say: come visit the farm! There’s always something new on tap, a warm welcome waiting, and a seat by the fire with your name on it.”

Find Barnside Brewing in Delta, BC on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

9 (tie): Farmhouse Brewing Co.

Chilliwack’s only farm-based brewery, Farmhouse Brewing Co., offers a cozy atmosphere where visitors can truly unplug and unwind. From seasonal decor to rustic barn wood walls, every detail creates a warm, welcoming vibe.

Guests can settle beside the crackling wood fire outside, grab a spot on the plush couches around a fire table on the covered and heated patio, or relax beneath cozy lights in the solarium. The Tasting Lounge has plenty of seating options, plus board games to enjoy with your favourite people. With 18 beer taps and new seasonal releases throughout the year, Farmhouse keeps craft beer fans coming back for more. Their British Nut Brown hit the taps this week, and dark beer lovers should definitely watch for a pair of upcoming Porter releases! If you want to keep things on the lighter side, seasonal, rotating radlers are on tap throughout the season.

Farmhouse welcomes everyone—all ages, all people—with friendly staff who make sure you feel right at home. Well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome in all outdoor spaces, because at Farmhouse, pets are family, too.

Whether you’re gathering indoors or out, Farmhouse is the perfect spot for quality time in a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere.

Find Farmhouse Brewing Co. in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Warmth & Welcome: BC’s Top 10 Coziest Breweries (as Voted by You!) appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

In 1982, John Mitchell was struggling to get a crazy idea off the ground: he wanted to brew his own beer and serve it in his pub, something no one else in Canada was doing. With the help of fellow British expat Frank Appleton, he managed to scrape together money for some brewing equipment (adapted from a dairy) and a brewing space. Appleton had the skills to create a recipe and make the beer. Mitchell managed to get the necessary permissions to open his Horseshoe Bay Brewery. But one magical ingredient was missing: yeast.

Mitchell’s appeals to various large breweries to use some of their yeast had gone unanswered or were rejected. No one was interested. No one, that is, until Mitchell reached out to one of the top breweries in his native England: Fuller’s Brewery, home of the famous ale London Pride. Under Appleton’s expert hand and using the yeast shipped over from Fuller’s, Horseshoe Bay Brewery produced a London Pride-style beer that they christened Bay Ale, the first keg of which they tapped in the summer of 1982. In his memoir, Appleton recalls the nervousness they both felt that first night, especially when the initial pour was cloudy. However, nerves proved to be wrong. Bay Ale was so popular that they soon found themselves selling out, and Horseshoe Bay Brewery became both a destination and an inspiration for other craft beer fans out there, including the people who would soon establish Granville Island Brewing, Shaftebury Brewing, and more.

Bay Ale was the first collaboration in the history of Canadian craft beer, and the spirit of that partnership is now being replicated in a new beer – The Transatlantic Collaboration IPA, a beer produced in collaboration with Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria and Fuller’s Brewery in England. This is the first John Mitchell Signature Collaboration, with more planned for the future. The proceeds of this beer and future Signature Collaboration beers will go to the KPU John Mitchell Legacy Endowed Scholarship. After much anticipation, the Transatlantic IPA was released this week at special events held at Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria and the Barley Merchant in Langley. To say that craft beer fans in BC were excited to try it is an understatement.

But why Spinnakers? Since Horseshoe Bay Brewery has long been closed, Spinnakers was the natural choice. Spinnakers’ history extends back to 1984, when John Mitchell helped architect Paul Hadfield realize his dream of opening a brewpub. As one of the few breweries in BC serving beer on cask and producing traditional English ales, it seemed only right that it was the site and the partner for this new Fuller’s collab.

John Mitchell’s longtime friend John Ohler spearheaded the collaboration, and planning began over a year ago. When Ohler first reached out to Fuller’s head brewer Guy Stewart, Stewart was initially taken aback: “Who’s this mad Canadian?” he recalls asking himself. However, as soon as he heard the history, he was on board. He contacted their yeast labs immediately and asked them to ship some to Paul Hadfield’s brewing team at Spinnakers. Along with the yeast, Stewart sent the recipe for Fuller’s famous Extra Special Bitter (ESB).

With the ESB recipe, Fuller’s yeast, and Hadfield’s vision for producing an old-world style IPA, the Spinnakers brewers got to work. After a couple of test batches, they arrived at that perfect balance of rich malt and earthy, slightly floral hops. The Transatlantic Collaboration IPA was born. A beautiful, clear, bright copper, it’s somewhere between an English IPA and an ESB, with a healthy dose of nutty malt richness balancing the moderate hop bite. It’s not your usual West Coast-style IPA; it is more subtle and points to its origins in the English ale tradition. It’s a beautiful beer, and fairly sessionable at 5.2% ABV.

The events at Spinnakers in Victoria and The Barley Merchant in Langley were crowded with brewers, brewery owners, and other supporters of the BC craft beer industry. Longtime industry advocates like Ken Beattie and Lundy Dale were there, and Guy Stewart himself flew over from England for the celebrations. This collaboration marks an important moment in BC craft beer history, so it was meaningful to see such a gathering of craft beer luminaries present to honour it.

John Ohler, who has worked tirelessly to support the BC craft beer industry and memorialize Mitchell’s legacy, agrees.

“It’s an important milestone in Canada’s craft beer history. Forty-three years after Fuller’s in England sent yeast to John Mitchell to open Canada’s first craft brewery, we’re doing it again!” he says. “And this is at a time when Canada’s craft beer industry is struggling. We need to recognize the importance of collaboration in craft beer – it’s what characterizes craft beer. Collaboration brings multiple people together to create an interesting product for the consumer. The industry desperately needs this.”

The Transatlantic Collaboration IPA will be available at various private liquor stores on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, including Vessel, Jaks, and Legacy. Spinnakers will be donating proceeds from the sales to the John Mitchell Scholarship at KPU’s Brewing and Brewery Operations Program.

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post New Beer from Spinnakers Replicates Canada’s First Craft Beer Collaboration appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

After all, past Alaina was barely a beer fan. Sure, I enjoyed the occasional wheat beer (the brand shall not be named), but Doppelbock? Lambic? Gueuze? I wouldn’t have guessed those were styles of beer – let alone real words! I had a tenuous grasp on beer styles, at best. I knew Pilsners and IPAs existed, but my beer goggles were firmly behind accounting spectacles. Fast forward to today, and I have learned that the world of beer extends far beyond the selection at the BC Liquor Store. I now know that I am a sucker for decoction mashing, have a deep-seated appreciation for the classics, will forever be a hop head and a funk fanatic, and overall, am a proud Beer Geek. But how did I get here?

Pandemic Beginnings

My story began to unfold during the pandemic. Like many, I created a new Instagram account (@eye.of.the.beerholder86), but I knew I was one of many new ‘Beerstagrammers’ trying to make their mark in the world. I had my niche (makeup and beer), but as a lifelong baker, the science of beer spoke to me, and I wanted to learn more. Not working in the industry, I was uncertain about how best to navigate amongst those that I admired (we all know that beer kept a lot of us sane during those dark months). I was relieved to find out that women in the beer industry are particularly open to sharing with each other. To this day, I am still blown away by the quality of women I have met and am forever grateful for how welcoming they have been. Women like Master Cicerone® Mirella Amato (author of Beerology, the only Canadian Master Cicerone®, and overall wonder woman of beer) and Certified Cicerone® Lundy Dale (Pink Boots Society, BC Craft Brewer’s Guild, and BC Ale Trail powerhouse), were integral in opening my eyes to what is available to someone wanting to take the journey in beer. Knowing I had the support of so many women, I felt much more prepared to take the next step.

Choosing a Path and the Challenges of Walking It

After doing some research, I decided to follow the Cicerone® Certification Program. The Program is one of several international beer education programs (others include, for example, Prud’homme Beer Certification, Doemens Biersommelier program, etc.). Certification levels include Certified Beer Server, Certified Cicerone®, Advanced Cicerone®, and the elusive Master Cicerone® (as of the writing of this article, there are only 28 Master Cicerones® in the world!). Becoming a Cicerone® is a marker of excellence in beer education and shows you are knowledgeable in various aspects of beer service (including the dreaded off-flavour identification), beer production, beer styles, beer history, and beer and food pairing. According to the Cicerone website, there are currently 206 Certified and 14 Advanced Cicerones® in Canada (~70 and 4 of which are in British Columbia, respectively).

To be successful, candidates must pass various examinations, including tasting, demonstration, and oral exams. The complexity of the program cannot be understated. As someone who has sometimes felt like a professional student and exam-taker, I can say that the program is not for the faint-hearted. It took nearly a year of dedicated studying and practice tastings (with my study buddy Noelle Phillips) to obtain the designation of Certified® Cicerone. One of the largest challenges of the Cicerone® Program is that there is no “one-stop shop” for studying. While the Program releases syllabi for the various accreditation levels, there is no official “course” available. They do offer various “Road to Cicerone” mini courses that cover various beer styles, but beer style knowledge is only a portion of what you need to know to successfully complete the examinations. There is a plethora of free material available to those studying for the programs, but I recommend investing in The Beer Scholar for a structured approach to studying. The monthly live group tasting sessions are an invaluable way to soak up information from other beer nerds!

I found that one of the hardest aspects of studying was preparing for the tasting and demonstration exams – both of which were an in-person component of the certification process and required me to travel (to Seattle and then to Calgary). The demonstration portion of the exam requires the candidate to effectively demonstrate an aspect of beer service, i.e. disassembling and cleaning a beer faucet or keg coupler. Not having regular access to a brewery, this is where networking came into play. Not only were local brewers happy to give tours of their facilities, but they were also generous with sharing equipment to practice with. It pays to be curious and just ASK!

One of the components of the tasting exam is differentiating between various beer styles when being served them blind. The beer styles you are expected to know at the Certified Cicerone® level are, far and above, classical examples. No Imperial Pastry Stouts here! The hunt for classical styles took a lot of time, and ultimately, a lot of beer was dumped. When you’re tasting a panel of 8 similar beers, some of it must be sacrificed in the name of clear-headed beer evaluation. This is where finding study partners has its benefits – it is cost-effective to split up the purchasing of the beer styles, and everyone cries less when only 1/3 of a bottle or can is dumped versus 2/3.
The largest component of the tasting exam is the unpleasant, but necessary, ability to identify off-flavours in beer. A Cicerone® should be able to identify when a beer is not fit for service – and to do this, must be familiar with the various tastes and smells that signal when a beer is ‘not quite right’. The Program offers ‘spike kits’ in single-dose and 12-person sizes – it is a much better value if you can purchase the large kit and share it with others (or you’ll end up using a gem scale to divide it into 12 single-serve cups, like I had to do). The tasting exam was by far one of the most humbling experiences of my life. I have always considered myself to have a good palate and a solid sense of smell – so, not passing it on the first try was a reality check. Though please do not let this deter you, it is not uncommon to need multiple attempts to pass the Cicerone® exams.

An Evolving Journey

All in all, the path to Certified Cicerone® has been a rewarding one. Passion is contagious, and there is no shortage of that within the beer industry and from its supporters. Beer education has allowed me to connect with people all around the world, given me a much deeper appreciation for the ‘craft’ of craft beer (and those who make it), and stoked the fire of curiosity. Reaching the Certified Cicerone® level is not the end of my journey, but just the beginning. Next up is Beer Judge Certification, and a deeper dive into the world of beer and food pairing (I recommend Mirella Amato’s course). Be sure to check out mine and Noelle Phillips’ new Instagram account,@ladies.of.the.pint, and come along for the ride!

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Accountant to Cicerone – the (Unexpected) Journey of a Beer Geek appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.