Beer cocktails combine the flavours of craft beer with fresh citrus, herbs, spirits and seasonal ingredients to create drinks that are bright, balanced and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re hosting friends on the patio, firing up the barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon in the sunshine, the recipes we’re featuring offer a fresh take on summer sipping.

To keep things local, we’ve paired each cocktail with craft beer from BC breweries and, wherever possible, ingredients from the province. From a spicy IPA Michelada to a creamy Porter Beer Float, there’s a recipe for every taste and every occasion.

Before you start mixing, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your beer cocktails.

Tips for Making Beer Cocktails

• Match the beer style to the flavours in your cocktail. Not every beer pairs well with every ingredient.
• IPAs work well with citrus-forward recipes thanks to their bright hop character.
• Crisp lagers, pilsners and lighter ales provide a clean, refreshing base.
• Stir rather than shake. Carbonated beer and cocktail shakers don’t make the best combination. Frozen cocktails are the exception since blenders can handle those.
• Don’t skip the garnish. Fresh herbs, citrus or seasonal fruit add aroma, colour and a finishing touch to make every drink feel a little more special.

1. IPA Michelada

The Michelada is a classic beer cocktail for a reason. Bright citrus, a touch of spice and a crisp, hop-forward IPA come together for a refreshing drink that’s made for warm afternoons. This version uses a BC craft IPA for a West Coast twist on the Mexican favourite, with optional Worcestershire and hot sauce adding an extra layer of savoury flavour.

Serves: 1 | Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

• Juice of 1 lime
• Lime wedge
• 1 tbsp of sea salt (pour onto a plate)
• A handful of ice cubes
• 1 tbsp tequila
• Approx 3/4 of a 473ml can of IPA (such as Parkside Brewery’s Humans IPA)
• Worcestershire sauce (optional)
• Tobasco sauce (optional)

Method:

1. Squeeze lime juice into a small bowl or small measuring cup
2. Use a lime wedge around the rim of your serving glass
3. Carefully dip the rim of your glass in the salt (you want to have a thin rim of salt)
4. Add ice, lime juice and tequila to your glass
5. Stir gently and then slowly pour your beer into the glass
6. Garnish with a lime wedge
7. OPTIONAL – Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce and a couple drops of hot sauce for some kick

2. Raspberry Beergarita

If you’re dreaming of warm weather and beachside margaritas, this raspberry beergarita brings a little vacation energy to your own backyard. Fresh raspberries, lime and tequila pair deliciously with a raspberry-forward BC craft beer for a drink that’s fruity, refreshing and easy to share. Blend it up for your next backyard gathering or sunny afternoon on the patio.

Serves: 2 | Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 4-6 tbsp of tequila, or adjust to your taste
• 1 small lime, juiced
• 1 tall can of raspberry ale (such as Trading Post’s Raspberry Wheat Ale)
• 1 cup of ice
• Lime wedges
• OPTIONAL – Salt for the rim of your glassware (see cocktail #1)

Method:

1. In a blender, blend raspberries and water until smooth. Strain raspberries in a wire mesh colander over a bowl and pour juice back into the blender.
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
3. It will be very frothy, so let the liquid settle (just as you would a pint) before pouring.
4. While your liquid is settling, use a lime wedge to wet the rim of your glasses. Rim with salt.
5. Pour, add a lime wedge to each glass and enjoy!

Note: If you use frozen raspberries, increase your water amount to 3/4 cup.

Original cocktail recipe by sofabgood.com. 

3. Orange Elvis

Citrus and hops are a natural pairing, making this IPA cocktail bright, aromatic and surprisingly smooth. Gin, orange juice and a splash of elderflower liqueur complement the beer without overpowering it, while fresh herbs add an extra burst of summer flavour.

Serves: 1 | Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (4 tbsp) of dry gin (such as Spinnaker’s Botanical Beach London Dry Gin)
• 4 oz or a 1/4 tall can of IPA (such as Yellow Dog Play Dead IPA or Parkside’s Humans IPA)
• 1/2 oz (2 tbsp) St. Germain (semi-optional)
• Ice
• OPTIONAL – Fresh mint for garnish

Method:

1. Put some ice cubes in your glass.
2. Add gin, orange juice and St. Germain to a cocktail glass (or whatever you have available)
3. Use the stem of a spoon to stir and combine.
4. Slowly pour the beer.
5. Garnish with some fresh rosemary or mint.
6. Enjoy!

Note: If you have a cocktail shaker, add ice, gin, juice and St. Germain. Shake, shake, shake, and strain into a glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour IPA over ice. Add the beer after shaking to preserve the carbonation.

4. Raspberry Gin-ger Beer

Sweet raspberries, zesty lemon, homemade ginger syrup and gin come together in this vibrant cocktail, with a raspberry beer adding a refreshing finish. It takes a little extra preparation, but the homemade syrup is well worth the effort, and you’ll have enough left over for another round.

Serves: 2 | Time: 1 hour

Ginger Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup (150 g) of fresh ginger root, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cup water

Method:

1. Combine water, sugar and ginger in a small saucepan.
2. Heat to a gentle boil.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Remove from heat and let mixture steep for 30 mins.
5. Strain and chill in a covered container in the fridge.

Note: You’ll have enough left for at least four cocktails.

The Cocktail

Ingredients:

5. Black Velvet

Simple, elegant and ready in just a few minutes, the Black Velvet combines sparkling wine with a rich porter or stout for a cocktail that’s both refreshing and decadent. This version uses BC-made bubbly and craft beer for a local take on a timeless classic.

Serves: 1 | Time: 2-3 mins

Ingredients:

• 4 oz bubbly wine (such as Evolve Cellars Pink Effervescence)
• 4 oz porter or stout beer (such as Yellow Dog Smoked Porter)

Method:

1. Pour bubbly into glass (will hit about halfway in a traditional champagne glass)
2. Top it off by slowly pouring your beer.
3. Make another for your partner.
4. Enjoy!

Note: While not in season, a stout should give the cocktail an impressive layered look. Regardless, both versions are delicious.

6. Porter Beer Float

This grown-up take on the classic ice cream float pairs creamy vanilla ice cream with a rich porter or stout for a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and indulgent. It’s easy to make, fun to serve and guaranteed to be a conversation starter at your next summer gathering.

Serves: 2 | Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

• Vanilla ice cream (such as Island Farms)
• 1 tall can of porter or stout (such as Yellow Dog Shake a Paw Smoked Porter)

Method:

1. Fill two small mason jars (or glassware of your choice) each with around two big scoops of ice cream
2. Slowly pour half a can of the beer over the ice cream in each glass.
3. Enjoy the creamy, fizzy finish!

Note: If you have kids or want a non-alcoholic version, Phillips Brewing & Malting offers a great root beer. It’s available in most grocery stores.

Share your beer cocktail creations with us by tagging @bcaletrail on social media. Happy mixing!

Originally written by Yasmine Hardcastle on July 22, 2020. Updated by the BC Ale Trail team in 2026.

The post Shake Up Summer with BC Craft Beer Cocktails appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Now, we all know that these sweet summer moments are made better with a British Columbian-made craft beer in hand, and that’s exactly what I’m here for. My name is Josh Duncan, and I’m a self-proclaimed craft beer lover living in beautiful Kelowna, an area that’s home to around 20 fantastic and diverse craft breweries. I love patio pints on a hot Okanagan summer day. I love browsing local liquor stores for new craft selections. And I love visiting breweries while on vacation because they’re often the heartbeat of small BC communities.

I’ve been able to showcase that love through a weekly beer column that has featured hundreds of beers and dozens of breweries over the past three years. Now I get the privilege of highlighting all of the exciting BC Ale Trail craft beer options that will go perfectly with your summer plans. I’m talking lagers that beg for a fresh slice of lime, sours that showcase the best fruit that BC has to offer, hazies that channel the tropical vibes you seek and everything else in between.

Simply put, these are the beers that need to be on your radar the next time you visit your local taproom or stop by your favourite liquor store ahead of a summer adventure. I’ll even help you out with featured picks from each BC Ale Trail region, because I understand the overwhelming feeling of standing in a liquor store with dozens of enticing options staring back at you from the fridge.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin (100 Mile House, Lillooet and Quesnel)

Kootenay Rockies (Nakusp and Nelson)

Thompson Okanagan (Kelowna, Lake Country, Penticton and Summerland)

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody, Powell River, Vancouver and Whistler)

Vancouver Island (Victoria and Port Alberni)

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

If you’re someone with a simpler palette for beer but wants to support BC’s craft breweries, Barkerville Brewing Co. has the perfect option for you.

The Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner is light and refreshing, with an ABV of 5.4%. You may know lemon and ginger as a classic wellness combination that’s celebrated for soothing upset stomachs, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity. It turns out to be an incredible beer combination as well, which the Quesnel brewery has showcased brilliantly with this seasonal beer that will snap you to attention before warming your soul.

Just under 400 kilometres south of Barkerville Brewing Co. is Lillooet Brewing, proud creators of the Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit. Mountain Bluebird is decorated, winning Best in Class at the 2023 Okanagan Fest of Ale and returning in 2024 to win Best Wheat Ale as well. Named in honour of conservation efforts in the Lillooet area to protect the Mountain Bluebird, this wheat beer is citrus- and coriander-forward with a crisp, sweet finish.

Three seasonal releases from Barkerville Brewing Co.

Two Sisters Spruce Tip Ale (4.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
Made using spruce tips that were harvested from the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest by our own brew crew.

Pearl River Lemon Ginger Pilsner (2.4% ABV | 21 IBU)
A taste of adventure awaits you with each sip of this new spin on our classic pilsner. Let the splash of zippy citrus awaken your venturesome spirit as the peppery bite of ginger warms your resolve for the long journey ahead.

Claim Jumper Peachy Keen Kettle Sour (4.07% ABV)
Bursting with ripe BC peaches, this kettle sour opens with a lively tartness and finishes with a lush stone fruit character and a gentle natural sweetness. The result is a refreshing, thirst-quenching beer that’s perfect for warm days and easy drinking.

Find Barkerville Brewing Co. on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Strawberry Cheesecake Sour (4% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright sour crafted with real strawberry and lactose for a creamy, dessert-inspired pour. Juicy berry character, soft sweetness and lively tartness come together in a smooth, vibrant finish that feels both playful and polished.

Peaches & Cream Ale (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A golden ale crafted with ripe peach, vanilla and soft malt sweetness. Juicy fruit and a smooth, cream-like character carry through to a bright, easy finish. It’s decadent yet refreshing, with just a hint of forged summer indulgence.

Blueberry Limeade Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
A bright and refreshing sour crafted with real juicy blueberries and crisp lime. These ingredients shine through in a tart, vibrant pour with a clean finish – lively, refined and forged for summer. 

Find Cask and Cleaver Brewing on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Grizzly Bear Vienna Lager (5.3% ABV | 19 IBU)
An unfiltered European-style lager with a deep-copper colour and malt-forward flavour. Expect hints of biscuit and caramel with subtle herbal and floral notes.

Mountain Bluebird Belgian Wit (5.9% ABV | 15 IBU)
Our award-winning Belgian wit is infused with bitter orange peel and coriander. You’ll get interesting notes of bubble gum, clove and pepper on the nose.

Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour (5% ABV | 4 IBU)
The Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour blends tangy blackberries with lively citrus for a refreshingly complex profile, with subtle malt flavour that adds balance to every sip.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company on the Cariboo Ale Trail

Kootenay Rockies

Did you hear? British Columbia’s newest brewery, Nakusp Brewing Co., just opened its doors in June on the eastern shores of Upper Arrow Lake, and I can’t wait to visit their new space.

One of their inaugural beers is the Thorn to Be Wild Blackberry Blonde Ale, which begs to be consumed on a patio this summer. They use local blackberries to juice up this light beer that goes down smooth with a refreshing finish.

Nakusp Brewing Co. also has a couple of IPAs, a pale ale, a kolsch and even a nitro stout on tap for their first summer. Be sure to check this new brewery out on your next West Kootenays road trip!

Thorn to be Wild Blackberry Blonde (6% ABV | 16 IBU) from Nakusp Brewing

A smooth, light-bodied blonde ale brewed with the flavour of local blackberries. Juicy blackberry aromas lead into subtle berry sweetness and a delicate malt profile, finishing clean and refreshing with every sip.

Find Nakusp Brewing in Nakusp, BC

Cerveza De Limon Mexican Lime Lager (4.7% ABV) from Backroads Brewing Company

A Mexican-style corn lager with fresh-zested lemon and lime for a citrusy punch.

Find Backroads Brewing Company on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Penticton’s Cannery Brewing says their Dry Hopped Imperial Red is “a true passion project,” so I’d be remiss not to feature it for this region.

In beer terminology, imperial means a stronger, bolder and more intense version of a base beer style – essentially a beer that is considered strong when compared to what you’d usually expect from that style. In this case, the Dry Hopped Imperial Red is 7.5% ABV, a much higher alcohol content than most amber or red ales you’d find, and therefore it receives the imperial title. This one has a rich, malt-forward profile, which complements the Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook hops as they deliver layers of citrus and pine.

Around 15-20 minutes up the road in Summerland is Giant’s Head Brewing, where a beloved summer favourite is back on tap and in liquor stores for another year. It’s the Apple Lite Lager, a summer seasonal that offers up a fruity twist on the brewery’s year-round 3716 Lite Lager. It’s made by mixing the 3716 Lite Lager with apple juice made from McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples from Steve & Dan’s Fresh BC Fruit Farm in Oliver. A six-pack of the easy-drinking, the 4.5% ABV Apple Lite Lager is perfect for a hot summer day.

Gluten Schmuten Gluten Free Fruited Sour (4.9% ABV | 15 IBU) from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Light, refreshing and endlessly crushable, this tart sour features a clean, fruity finish with apricot and subtle blueberry notes. Made with BC-grown fruit juice, it offers just a hint of sweetness for balance. It’s an easy-drinking, gluten-free twist on a classic style. Gluten levels are always less than 20 ppm.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Extra Pale Ale (3.2% ABV | 30 IBU) from BNA Brewing Co.

BNA Brewing Co. is re-releasing this fan favourite at a lower ABV, but not compromising any of the bright tropical citrus notes, clean bitterness or dry finish

Find BNA Brewing Co. on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail or Southern Interior Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Cannery Brewing

Dry Hopped Imperial Red (7.5% ABV | 60 IBU)
This limited-release Dry Hopped Imperial Red is a malt-forward lager with a bright, aromatic hop profile. Dry-hopped with Simcoe, Mosaic, Centennial and Chinook, it delivers layers of citrus and pine that beautifully complement its rich malt backbone. This beer is a true passion project from our brewing team, exploring the balance between rich malt character and vibrant hop expression.

Wildfire Dark Lager (5.5% ABV | 15 IBU)
This dark lager pays tribute to the firefighters who bravely fight our nation’s wildfires. It will be available for a limited time as of late July and through the summer. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this beer will go to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Okanagan Adventure Pack
Cannery Brewing’s Okanagan Adventure Pack contains a collection of three cans each of four of our most popular beers – Lakeboat Lager, Muse Pale Ale, Trellis West Coast IPA and Naramata Nut Brown Ale. The beer options included in this pack are designed to go along with all of your summer adventures. Enjoy them after a hike or a bike ride, after doing some yard work or while relaxing with friends on the patio.

Find Cannery Brewing on the Penticton Ale Trail 

Six seasonal releases from Cutwater Brewing and Lounge

Peachy Keen Fruited Gose (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A refreshing wheat ale that’s bursting with juicy peach and bright tangerine notes.

Lazy Daze NEIPA (5.5% ABV | 57 IBU)
Big, smooth and seriously hoppy. This one is packed with Azacca and Galaxy hops, and bursting with tropical and stone fruit flavour and aroma. 

The Pale Rider Canadian Pale Ale (5% ABV | 33 IBU)
Brewed with high-quality two-row Canadian Prairie barley, this beer has a light biscuity malt backbone with hints of orange citrus and light pine. A very drinkable pale ale with a frothy white head and a crisp, clean finish.

Berry Potter & The Strawberry Wand of Destiny (5% ABV | 10 IBU)
A strawberry gose that’s tart and sweet with a hint of sea salt, and fermented with loads of fresh strawberries.

The Highlander Red IPA (5% ABV | 59 IBU)
A clean and smooth beer with light chocolate notes, driven by premium Château Cara caramel malt.

EL HEFE! Hefeweizen (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A true traditional German wheat hefeweizen with subtle notes of clove, banana, orange and coriander, roasted in-house by our very own Chef Logan!

Find Cutwater Brewing and Lounge on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Apple Lite Lager (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU) from Giants Head Brewing

The 3716 Lite Lager blended with locally-grown McIntosh, Granny Smith and Gala apples that come together to create a crisp, clean lager.

Find Giants Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

Rascally Radler – Grapefruit Radler (3.5% ABV | 20 IBU) from Grey Fox Brewing

Tangy and juicy citrus flavour with a gentle malt sweetness. Gluten-free, of course!

Find Grey Fox Brewing on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

Did you know that over 90% of Canada’s highbush blueberries are produced right here in BC? Did you know that the vast majority of those are grown in the Fraser Valley? 

If not, that’s a fun fact for you, and fortunately, something that the fine folks over at Camp Beer Co. were well aware of.

The Langley brewery has taken some of those fresh blueberries to create the unique Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour, which won a gold medal at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup. While the vibrant blueberry flavours do the heavy lifting in this beer, you can’t undersell the role of the honeybush tea that is native to South Africa. The combination produces a rich, juicy, tart and refreshing beer that is unlike anything you’ll taste this summer. And while it’s perfect for beating the heat and will go down easy, don’t let this beer fool you; it’s an imperial at 7% ABV, which means you’ll want to pace yourself before you get too lost in its delicious flavour.

Oh man, is this second feature for Vancouver, Coast & Mountains ever a fun one. It’s two beers that you can mix to create a third. It’s essentially a three-for-one. Lucky you!

Let me explain. Main Street Brewing has collaborated with Vancouver social media icon Seabus Memes to create the Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour. The former is a 5% ABV pilsner that comes in 473 ml cans. It’s crisp. It’s bright. It’s full of citrus flavours. Honestly, it will satisfy you on its own. The latter is a little rowdier at 7% ABV and has notes of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine, all packed together in a 250 ml can.

If you mix these two creations into your favourite large pint glass, you’ll create what the brewery calls a “poor man’s Aperol Spritz.” This adventurous DIY pint is perfect for summer sipping while you scroll through the latest Seabus meme drop on a Friday afternoon.

Three seasonal releases from Bomber Brewing

Rosefinch Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV)
Bursting with bold, ripe raspberries, this refreshing brew offers a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours to harken the coming of warmer days ahead.

Limoncito Loco Salted Lime Lager (4.5% ABV)
Limoncito Loco – our “crazy little lime” – is a crisp, salt-kissed lager inspired by the classic chelada. Brewed with sea salt, organic dried lime and fresh lime zest, it’s bright, zippy and dangerously crushable. Basically summer in a can – no beach required.

Hefe Metal Hefeweizen (4.7% ABV)
This refreshing, golden, medium-bodied wheat ale roars with a dynamic but harmonious chorus of amped-up fruit and spice notes.

Find Bomber Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Bridge Brewing Company

PrimeTime Limelite (4% ABV)
A crisp, ultra-refreshing light lager with a bright twist of lime. It’s easy-drinking at 4% ABV, it’s clean, it’s zesty, and it’s made for long patio sessions.

Nimbus (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
A smooth and juicy sipper loaded with tropical fruit character – think mango, pineapple and a splash of peach. Bright citrus up front gives way to a soft, creamy finish, with just enough hop bite to keep things crisp.

Find the Bridge Brewing on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Camp Beer Co.

Shadow Ridge Blueberry Tea Sour (7% ABV | 22 IBU)
This unique beer is brewed with generous additions of blueberry purée and honeybush tea. Vibrant berry flavours lead the way, supported by the tea’s natural honey-like sweetness and delicate floral notes. Rich, juicy and refreshxingly tart, it finishes smooth with layers of fruit and herbal complexity. Shadow Ridge was a gold medal winner at the 2025 Canada Beer Cup.

Hidden Horizons Oat Cream IPA (6.7% ABV | 25 IBU)
A juicy hazy IPA bursting with pineapple, peach, passionfruit and strawberry candy. Superdelic, Nectaron and Rakau deliver saturated New Zealand hop character, while lactose paired with a ton of oats gives this beer a soft, smooth finish.

Liquid Light Witbier collab with Dageraad Brewing (5.1% ABV | 18 IBU)
A collaborative witbier from Camp Beer Co. and Dageraad Brewing, this one is brewed with Belgian malts, osmanthus tea and orange zest. It offers a refreshing mix of floral, citrus and subtle sweetness, while a late addition of pear juice adds a smooth, fruity finish. Light, crisp and complex, it’s perfect for a refreshing summer drink!

Find Camp Beer Co. on the Langley Ale Trail

Four seasonal releases from Dead Frog Brewery

Cream Soda Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A juicy, sweet, bright pink sour bursting with refreshing flavours of fresh fruit, a hint of vanilla and a blast of summers gone by. 

P.O.G Tropical Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing tropical sour ale bursting with a juicy combo of passionfruit, orange and guava. This one will have you feeling like you’re on a beach in Hawaii.

Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A refreshing sour golden ale with a fresh splash of peach, a hint of lemon and a crisp finish. 

Lemon Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV | 12 IBU)
A lemon packed sour exploding with flavours of fresh squeezed lemon, a splash of sweet lemon zest and a juicy blast of lemon on the finish. This powerful brew gloriously balances refreshing lemon flavour with so, so, so very much sour.

Find Dead Frog Brewery on the Langley Ale Trail

POG Sour (8.3% ABV) from Five Roads Brewing

This POG sour bursts with the tropical flavours of passionfruit, orange and guava! Its extra-strong sour flavours balance sweet citrus notes with a tangy and tropical complexity. Light-bodied and crisp, it finishes clean with a mouthwatering tartness that invites another sip, making it a perfect choice for this summer’s sour selection!

Find Five Roads Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Canadian Wheat Lager with Pineapple (5% ABV | 24 IBU) from Foamers’ Folly

Bright and tropical with juicy pineapple leading into citrus, mango and subtle berry notes from Mosaic hops, all layered over a soft wheat backbone. Light-bodied and slightly hazy, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a lively carbonation and a clean lager profile. This beer finishes crisp and refreshing, with lingering tropical fruit and balanced, gentle bitterness.

Find Foamers’ Folly Brewing on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Locality Brewing

Maple Lager (4.5% ABV)
Light, crisp and refreshing, Maple Lager is a smooth German-style lager brewed with real maple syrup. It’s a brilliant golden colour with a clean, dry finish. This easy-drinking lager showcases subtle bready malt character and a delicate maple sweetness that lingers just enough to keep you coming back for another sip.

Mango IPA (7.5% ABV)
Juicy, hazy and packed with tropical character, this 7.5% IPA combines real mango purée with Elani and El Dorado hops for vibrant notes of ripe mango, pineapple and citrus. It won’t be released until the end of July to celebrate our birthday, but this smooth, fruity and dangerously easy-drinking beer is worth the wait!

Blonde Ale (5% ABV)
The Keeping it Simple S.M.A.S.H Blonde Ale is a light and easy-drinking American ale. This beer has a base of pale malt with a light touch of hop, and it’s fermented with a clean ale yeast. This beer is as straightforward as it gets!

Find Locality Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Luppolo Brewing Company

Tart Wild Ale w/ Local Raspberries (5.4% ABV)
After being fermented with our house culture of Brett and Lacto, this one is refermented on hundreds of pounds of fresh raspberries from the Fraser Valley. It’s a refreshing, medium-bodied beer that pours a bold, bright red with a mousse-like head. Aromas of raspberry and lemon lead to flavours of fresh-picked raspberries and a subtle Brett funk. The finish is a lovely balance of jammy sweetness and bright acidity.

Luce Dry Japanese Style Rice Lager (4.8% ABV)
Luce (Italian for light), is our interpretation of a crisp, dry, Japanese-inspired rice lager. This beer truly is sunshine in a glass! This beer underwent a cereal mash in the kettle with high-quality Haiga rice. The addition of the rice lightens the body and adds a unique grain character, making this beer incredibly crisp, refreshing and the perfect companion to these long summer days. Lagered long and cold, and naturally carbonated, Luce boasts aromas of petrichor, honey and a restrained herbal tea hop character. High-quality local pilsner malts were used to enhance the flavour and drinkability for a smooth, yet crisp finish. Let Luce awaken your palate and further brighten your spirit! 

Find Luppolo Brewing Company on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Main St. Brewing

Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner (5% ABV | 35 IBU) and Basement Suite Spaghett Sour (7% ABV | 10 IBU)

This limited-edition collaboration with @seabusmemes brings together two very special brews that can either be enjoyed on their own or combined to make something entirely new and wonderful. Blend the 473 ml Vancouver Special Sauce Lemon Pilsner with the 250 ml Basement Suite Spaghett Sour for a one-of-a-kind local flavour that’s a take on a Spaghett Cocktail (aka the poor man’s Aperol Spritz). It blends Special Sauce’s crisp, bright and citrus flavours with Basement Suite’s adjuncts of grapefruit, lemon peel, chamomile and tangerine to make a three-in-one beer experience that’s perfect for summer sipping. Whether you’re top shelf or in the basement suite, this is one combo that screams for the memes.

Find Main St. Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford

Golden Hour Raspberry Sour (4.5% ABV | 5 IBU)
Lush raspberry unfolds into a juicy, ruby-red tartness in this sour. Bright fruit flavour is balanced by a light, crisp body and a clean, mouth-watering finish. It’s perfect alongside lighter bites or something sweeter. 

Lake Days GolHazy Pale (5.5% ABV | 25 IBU)
Bursting with bold tangerine and zesty citrus, this hazy pale ale layers bright tropical and stonefruit notes over a smooth, juicy body. Aromatic with a soft, balanced finish, it’s endlessly drinkable and perfect alongside your favourite pizza.

Salty Lime Mexican Lager (5% ABV | 18 IBU)
A refreshingly unique and modern twist on a traditional Mexican lager. We used flaked corn to create a light-bodied and easy-drinking beer with just a touch of sweetness to perfectly compliment the salt and lime flavours. This Mexican lager is the finest balance of sweet, salty and tangy, which makes it a must-try.

Find Old Yale Brewing Abbotsford on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Sidekick Brewing

Clever Kit Pale Ale (5% ABV | 35 IBU)
Built on a clean base, this smooth pale ale delivers bright tropical and stone fruit hop character with a splash of citrus and just the right kick. It’s the kind of dependable companion that shows up, sharpens the moment and keeps things humming.

Lifeguard Spike Pineapple Whip Sour (5% ABV | 12 IBU)
Inspired by the sunny nostalgia of a pineapple whip, Spike layers juicy pineapple with soft vanilla and lactose for a creamy, whipped texture. It’s bright and tropical up front, with a zippy sour finish that keeps the sweetness in check. 

Rhinestone Renata Black Lime Lager (4.5% ABV | 10 IBU)
Rhinestone Renata struts in with a whole lot of sparkle. Brewed with black limes, kaffir lime leaves and a smooth blend of corn and pilsner malt, this crisp lager shines gold in the glass and leaves a playful twang on the tongue. Easy-drinking with just enough earthy funk to keep things interesting, it’s made for disco nights, dusty boots and second rounds.

(Rhinestone Renata is a collaboration with Home By Midnight, the dance party for early risers. Proceeds from the sale of this beer will go towards helping support queer joy on and beyond the dance floor.)

Find Sidekick Brewing on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Steel & Oak Brewing

Sunglow Hefeweizen (4.8% ABV)
A classic German Hefeweizen brewed with a double decoction process for rich banana bread character and a soft, pillowy finish.

Juniper Dry Gin Saison (4.5% ABV)
A dry saison brewed to taste like a gin rickey. The idea came out of a brainstorm at Four Winds Beach House, and our head brewer, Aaron, turned it into something special. He preserved lemon and lime in-house by soaking them in salt and alcohol, then added juniper berries foraged from Vancouver Island to bring that botanical gin character.

Subtropic Hazy IPA with Nectaron (6.2% ABV)
One of our most popular beers, Subtropic is a hazy IPA that’s been on our roster since 2018. This version features a generous dry hop of Nectaron, a New Zealand hop that’s become one of the most sought-after in craft brewing right now for its intense tropical aromatics.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Storm Brewing

Pina Colada Hazy IPA (7% ABV | 20 IBU)
A juicy IPA with strong notes of Coconut and Pineapple.

Strawberry Shortcake Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A malty amber ale infused with strawberries and vanilla.

Find Storm Brewing on the Vancouver Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Townsite Brewing

Suprazunga Blonde Ale with Passionfruit, Orange and Guava (5.2% ABV | 25 IBU)
This dry-hopped blonde ale gains its superpowers from the delicious passionfruit, orange and guava additions. It’s safe to say this beer is ready to save the day with its crisp reflexes and fruit-forward finishing moves.

Berms & Bridges Hazy Pale Ale with Lemon and Sea Salt (4.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
Conditioned with fresh lemon juice and pink Himalayan salt, Berms & Bridges is bright and bursting with citrusy goodness.

Blackberry Peach Sour (5.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
In late summer, the endless vines of ripe, juicy blackberries can be found all over the Sunshine Coast. This beer pays homage to those hot sunny days picking berries (and eating a few along the way). This balanced tart wheat ale pours a bright pink hue, packing in everything this delicious berry has to offer. This year’s version includes the addition of peach puree for an added stone fruit punch! 

Find Townsite Brewing on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Trading Post Brewing

Raspberry Wheat Ale (7.5% ABV)
Everyone’s favourite backyard beer is back! Big, bold and juicy, the Raspberry Wheat Ale is slightly sweet and dangerously crushable. 

Rosie Rhubarb Crumble Ale (5.8% ABV)
Rosie was born from a family recipe — the rhubarb cake that our operations manager Quinn’s mom made famous, now brewed into a beer. A generous oat bill brings that warm dessert softness, while local raw wildflower honey from Honey Bee Centre and fresh Fraser Valley rhubarb from Obella Farms push and pull between sweet and tart.

Borealis Haskap Sour (4.5% ABV)
Borealis is a fruit sour brewed with haskap berries. The name comes from the boreal forest, the northern Canadian ecosystem where haskaps grow wild and are among the very first berries to ripen each spring. We wanted a name that felt rooted in where the ingredient actually comes from.

Find Trading Post Brewing on the Langley Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Whistler Brewing Co.

Lime Creamsicle Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and soak up the sun. When thirst strikes, cool down with a pint of Whistler’s new Lime Creamsicle Sour! A refreshing lime-flavoured beer with a smooth, ice cream twist and a touch of tart citrus at the end. The ultimate treat for warm, sunny days!

Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
A new and unique series of craft sour beers, the Creamsicle Sour Mixer Pack features four exciting flavours – lime, orange, raspberry and blueberry. All of these blend the tangy, sour undertones of lime, orange, raspberry, and blueberry, only to be complemented by a smooth, creamy finish. Perfect for the summer months!

90 Light Lager (4% ABV | 15 IBU)
A light lager of superior quality and taste, this easy-drinking beer has a touch of malt and is crisp and refreshing. With only 90 calories and four grams of carbs, it’s time to try a Canadian light beer!

Find Whistler Brewing Co. on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Play Date Apricot & Guava White Sour (5.7% ABV | 7 IBU) from Yellow Dog Brewing

The Play Date series is back for its sixth release, bringing the throwback vibes with a fresh new flavour combo. Play Date Apricot Guava Sour is bright, juicy, and just the right amount of trouble, blending smooth apricot sweetness with tropical guava and a crisp tart finish. So grab a few, head to the dog park, and ensure to plan your next Play Date! 

Find Yellow Dog Brewing on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Vancouver Island

We end our tour on Vancouver Island with a few selections from the always-impressive Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

First up is a new Dinosour from Phillips Brewing Co. that will have you yearning for the days of your youth. The Dinosour Power Rocket Pop is inspired by the iconic tri-colour popsicle and delivers those nostalgic flavours of cherry, blue raspberry and lemon-lime. And not to sound like your parents when you went for multiple Rocket Pops as a kid, but don’t have too many of these Dinosours because they’ll sneak up on you at 7% ABV.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter that you can really sink your teeth into, how about the 4% ABV Lemon Lime Fizz from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.? It’s the ultimate summer sipper that’s brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farms in nearby Saanichton. This light, crisp and refreshing creation is sweet, not sour, despite being defined by its bright, lemon-lime zest character.

Three seasonal releases from Dog Mountain Brewing

Tamatea India Pale Lager (5.5% ABV | 45 IBU)
Crisp with clean, light bitterness, this IPL is incredibly refreshing. Brewed with only Waimea hops, grown in the Nelson region of New Zealand, which give notes of tangerine, grapefruit, pineapple and pine. This is a hoppy, clean lager.

Rodeo Double NEIPA (7% ABV | 11 IBU)
We brewed this beer with the IPAs of the years gone by in mind. Very little hop bitterness, but piles of hop flavour and aroma.

I “Heart” PA Hazy IPA collab with Twin City Brewing (8% ABV)
We ‘Heart’ PA; Port Alberni is our city. We also ‘heart’ IPAs. There are loads of late-stage hops in this beer.

Find Dog Mountain Brewing on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Three seasonal releases from Phillips Brewing & Malting

Solaris Citrus Wheat Ale (4% ABV | 4 IBU)
An easy-drinking summer sipper with bright lemon zest, fresh lime and a soft wheat finish. Smooth, crisp, seriously refreshing and only 4% ABV, perfect for sunny afternoons when one never quite feels like enough.

PUFF Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV | 35 IBU)
A vibrant, modern hazy loaded with hop character from Krush, Strata, Galaxy, Citra and Luminosa, bringing waves of citrus, tropical fruit and ripe stone fruit. Soft, pillowy, juicy and highly aromatic, it’s got just enough bitterness to stay balanced and effortlessly drinkable.

Dinosour Power Rocket Pop Sour Ale (7% ABV | 1 IBU)
First sip and you’re right back with that classic tri-colour ice pop. You know the one. A warm summer day, the ice cream truck song drifting down the street, kids sprinting with coins in hand, sticky fingers and the only plan being “stay outside until the streetlights come on.” Cherry. Blue raspberry. Lemon-lime. In that order. Exactly like you remember – except it’s 7% and you’re an adult now. 

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Two seasonal releases from Vancouver Island Brewing

Thrashin’ Caddy Juicy IPA (8% ABV | 40 IBU)
For centuries, cadborosaurus was just thrashin’ waves and keepin’ it cryptid, but this beer is too dang juicy to hoard. So Caddy came crashin’ ashore, shades on, tarps off, ready to party.

This beer provides a juicy hop punch with ripe orange and peach aroma. It is dangerously smooth!

Beach Shack Blackberry Blonde (5.2% ABV | 20 IBU)
The cooler’s full, the music’s on and the sprawling blackberry vines are full of plump, ripe fruit waiting to be popped in your mouth. This is summer at the beach shack. This fresh addition to our beach shack lineup delivers a burst of sun-ripened sweetness with a smooth, easy finish. It’s the flavours of the Island summer, one sun-kissed sip at a time. 

Find Vancouver Island Brewing in Victoria, BC

Lemon Lime Fizz (4% ABV | 11 IBU) from Whistle Buoy Brewing Co.

Brewed with 100% local grain from Field 5 Farm – barley, wheat and einkorn. Light, crisp and ultra refreshing with a dry finish and bright lemon-lime zest character. Fizz is an easy-drinking option made for sunny days.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Co. on the Great Victoria Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Summer Beer Roundup: Sip Into Summer with BC Craft Beer appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Winter beers have a special magic about them. Often darker and more robust, these carefully crafted ales and stouts are perfectly designed for the colder months. But it’s not just about the comforting warmth of a dark beer: this year’s lineup balances rich, hearty styles with lighter, more refreshing options—many incorporating seasonal fruits and spices in surprising and delightful ways–plus a hefty dose of hoppy brews.

We asked breweries on the BC Ale Trail to share what they’ve been brewing up, and they delivered: we’re spotlighting over 100 exceptional beers this year, showcasing the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of our local breweries.

These seasonal brews are more than just beverages: they’re perfect for gifting, elevating gatherings with friends and family, and sharing your local pride when hosting visitors. Whether you’re searching for the ideal companion to a cozy evening by the fire or a standout beverage to bring to a holiday gathering, ’tis the season to show off the flavours and sense of place that make your corner of BC special, one thoughtfully crafted beer at a time.

Jump to a region near you:

• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
• Kootenay Rockies
• Northern BC
• Thompson Okanagan
• Vancouver Coast and Mountains (includes the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast)
• Vancouver Island

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Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

• London Fog Ale (5% ABV) by Cask and Cleaver Brewing

Inspired by the classic London Fog, this ale is smooth, cozy, and lightly sweet. Vanilla and lactose add a soft, creamy body, while subtle Earl Grey–style bergamot and black tea notes bring a gentle, familiar warmth.

Find Cask and Cleaver Brewing in 100 Mile House, BC

• Ullr’s Coconut Porter (6.3% ABV | 38 IBU) by Fox Mountain Brewing

Brewed in honour of Ullr, the God of Snow and Patron Saint of Skiers. This is a robust porter that is mellowed with copious additions of toasted coconut and a hint of vanilla from fresh vanilla beans. Decadent.

Find Fox Mountain Brewing in Williams Lake on the Northeast BC Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Wolverine – Belgian Amber Ale (5.3% ABV |36 IBU)
A warm, copper-coloured Belgian amber with layers of caramel malt, stone-fruit esters, and gentle peppery spice. Lively carbonation lifts the rich flavours into a clean, dry finish, making this ale both deeply complex and effortlessly drinkable.

Spotted Bat Stout (5% ABV | 36 IBU)
A supernatural stout named after a supernatural BC bat, this dark and rich brew has notes of coffee and chocolate and is a year-round favourite for new and old stout aficionados.

Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat Stout (4.2% ABV | 36 IBU)
Brewed with fair trade espresso beans from Canada’s Level Ground Coffee Roasters and a touch of creaminess, this stout is velvety and rich with notes of coffee and chocolate.

Find Lillooet Brewing Company in Lillooet, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

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Kootenay Rockies

• Center Pole Pilsner (4.7% ABV) by Backroads Brewing Company

A light and refreshing German-style Pilsner, perfect for après, brewed in collaboration with Whitewater Ski Resort in honour of their 50th anniversary season.

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

• First Chair White IPA (6% ABV | 25 IBU) by Fernie Brewing Co

Catch the first chair with this citrusy White IPA. Bright & smooth, just like your favourite run on a bluebird day. A medium-bodied brew with lingering notes of zesty citrus & lively carbonation, First Chair features a balanced hoppy bitterness & subtle fruity spice. Loaded with Centennial & Citra hops, this White IPA is worth an early start to snag the front of the lift line.

And watch for the Backdrop Chocolate White Stout, coming soon! 5.6% ABV and 20 IBU. Light & smooth with creamy notes of cocoa, this Chocolate White Stout is the perfect backdrop to a winter day. A medium-bodied brew, Backdrop is silky & slightly sweet, finishing with a gentle earthy bitterness. Rich and roasted, featuring real cocoa husks and nibs, this Chocolate White Stout holds its own in FBC’s limited release line-up.

Find Fernie Brewing Co. in Fernie, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

• Two new releases from Rumpus Beer Company

Bodacious – Super Mega Session Ale (2.6% ABV | 18 IBU)
Bodacious is the in-between beer you never knew you needed. In fact, if you’re not already excited about where this fits in your life, the folks at Rumpus are probably not talking to you. Brewed with oats, BC grown Triumph hops, and a kiss of Azacca Cryo, it goes down crisp, clean, and easy. Pairs well with a good conversation, and maybe a few more.

Chrysalis – Foeder Aged Saison (5.3% ABV | 35 IBU)
Chrysalis is the latest pull from the oak foeder at Rumpus Beer. A classic beer of contradiction, it manages to be wildly complex and very crushable at the same time. Brewed with raw spelt, raw emmer, and Czech Saaz hops, then fermented with a blend of Saison and Brett yeast strains in addition to the resident microbiome of the foeder. They’ve keg-conditioned most of the batch straight up, but will also have a few one-off side hits throughout the winter, which will be blended with other beers or dry-hopped with some rad hop extracts from New Zealand.

Find Rumpus Beer Company in Revelstoke, BC, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

• Party Laps Hazy Session IPA (4.5% ABV | 25 IBU) from Tailout Brewing

When Tailout Brewing and RED Mountain Resort team up, you know it’s going to be a good time. Party Laps is an easy-drinking hazy session IPA brewed for those perfect après moments—swapping stories about the day’s best turns, secret stashes, and non-stop laps with your crew. Soft, juicy, and refreshingly crushable, it’s your go-to companion from first chair to last call. Let’s gooo!

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

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Northern BC

• Phoenix Rising Ale (5.5% ABV) by CrossRoads Brewing & Distilling

Golden and bright, dry hopped with Citra and Cascade hops

Find CrossRoads Tap and Kitchen in Prince George, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Three new brews from Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse

Silent Night Belgian Ale (7.25% ABV | 25 IBU)
Illuminated with flavours of coriander, cloves, star anise, licorice, juniper, and vanilla, this is a winter warmer.

Hello Gourdgeous Porter (7.6% ABV | 25 IBU)
This porter is everything you need in a drink: pumpkin, spices, and coffee, with perfectly blended flavours to produce the ultimate seasonal beer.

Seven Sisters Stout (4.8% ABV | 25 IBU)
A dark ale with distinct roasted character & hints of dark chocolate & coffee.

Find Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse in Terrace, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Old Man Winter (7.8% ABV) by Smithers Brewing Co

This beer will launch in early January and is a local favourite! It won Silver at the Canadian Brewing Awards this year. It is a Scottish-style dark ale with bold caramelized sugar and toffee flavours, and a sweet finish. This beer is from the Skeena Seasonal Series, in partnership with Canadian artist Roy Henry Vickers. The partnership with Roy showcases the true essence of Northwest BC and the Skeena Valley. There are a total of four beers, one representing each season; Old Man Winter is the winter beer of this series.

Find Smithers Brewing Co in Smithers, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Two Peaks Brewing

Coffee Lager (5% ABV)
This beer is a classic style with a smooth and balanced taste that is sure to please beer drinkers and coffee enthusiasts alike. This small-batch lager is crafted in collaboration with Bugwood Coffee, located in Smithers, BC.

Smoked Ale (5.4% ABV)
This beer has a malty backbone with hints of caramel. The bitterness from the hops helps to balance the sweetness of the malt, creating a well-rounded flavour profile with smoky notes.
Find Two Peaks Brewing in Kitimat, BC, on the Northwest BC Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

• Two new brews from Abandoned Rail Brewing Co.

Harvest Moon Dark IPA (6% ABV | 40 IBU)
This dark IPA opens with a touch of hop bitterness before settling into a rich malt backbone that carries notes of toasted grain and cocoa. Finished with juice from the cherries that grow beside the brewery’s picnic tables, it ends with a gentle tartness that ties it all together.

Bellhop Porter (5.8% ABV | 60 IBU)
Bellhop is a multi-award-winning brew, including gold medals at the Canadian Brewing Awards and Canada Beer Cup for the past 3 years. This malty, medium-bodied porter has a smooth mouthfeel with notes of roasted coffee and cacao.

Find Abandoned Rail Brewing Co. in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Nutty Owl Vanilla Chestnut Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU) by Barn Owl Brewing

A warm hug in a glass. This winter ale is lovingly made with roasted chestnuts and real vanilla. There’s a reason that people ask for this seasonal beer year-round.

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

• Back Hand of God Stout (5.2% ABV) by BNA Brewing Co (Crannóg Ales)

In cans for the first time in its 25-year history, Back Hand of God is ready for the masses! After BNA Brewing began brewing the storied recipes from Crannóg Ales in the spring, rumours began swirling that this iconic stout might be in line for packaging, and now that’s come to fruition. Still crafted with the same ingredients, including organic hops from Left Fields Farm, Back Hand of God balances its bold flavour with an effortlessly smooth body. Big notes of roasted barley bring forth aromas of coffee and cocoa, which carry through on the palate. It’s a beer that stays with you, sip after sip and beyond.

Find BNA Brewing in Kelowna, BC, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail;  Vernon, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail; and Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Three returning seasonal releases from Cannery Brewing

Kindling Imperial Stout (9% ABV | 60 IBU)
The 2025 batch of Kindling Imperial Stout is brewed with vanilla beans, coconut, oats and lactose. It was brewed with over three pounds of vanilla beans from Sumatra, Ecuador, and Madagascar — plus toasted coconut. Note: this beer contains lactose. Cannery is also pleased to release an updated label to reflect the new ingredients in this 2025 version. This year’s limited release Kindling is back as of Dec. 5th, just for the winter.

Kindling took home the Gold Medal in the 2022 Canadian Brewing Awards, and the Cannery team is thrilled that it is back, just in time for the festive holiday season. They can’t wait for you to try the new 2025 version.

Thornless Blackberry Porter (6% ABV | 40 IBU)
Blackberry flavour and roasted dark malts are combined to create a balanced sweetness in this robust porter. This seasonal beer is back for a limited time this winter.

Thornless won Gold at the 2022 BC Beer Awards. This beer pairs perfectly with steak, BBQ beef, and even with dessert. For a delicious treat, pair it with a rich chocolate brownie or make it into a float with vanilla ice cream.

Heist Maple Stout (5.5% ABV | 40 IBU)
Canadian Maple Syrup is sought after around the globe. This highly coveted commodity came into the spotlight when $18 million worth was stolen in the great Maple Syrup Heist. The addition of this liquid gold gives this Stout a truly Canadian twist.  Heist Maple Stout is back again now for the winter.

Find Cannery Brewing in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Empty Keg Brew House

Snow Bank Winter Ale (5.4% ABV | 30 IBU)
Dive into the season with Snow Bank, Empty Keg’s rich and warming Winter Ale. This deep amber brew is a perfect blend of caramel, toasted malt, and dark fruit, with a whisper of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and clove to evoke the spirit of winter. Full-bodied and smooth, it finishes with a gentle warmth, making it the ideal companion for chilly nights.

Double Trouble Chocolate Ale (8/2% ABV | 26 IBU)
Indulge your sweet side with this smooth, cocoa-kissed brew. Layers of rich chocolate and roasted malt melt together in every sip, making it taste like dessert in a glass—without being overly sweet. A cozy pint for when you’re craving comfort.

Find Empty Keg Brew House in Merritt, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

Oatmeal Stout (5.6% ABV | 25 IBU) by Giant’s Head Brewing

A classic oatmeal stout, with notes of dark chocolate & roasted coffee.

Find Giant’s Head Brewing in Summerland, BC

• Two new brews from Highway 97 Brewing

Fresh Tracks Winter Cream Ale (6% ABV | 20 IBU)
A true winter warmer with pleasant notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice, ginger and vanilla. This beer was brewed with après in mind for those beautiful, relaxing winter days.

Triple Berry Cream Wheat Ale (6% ABV | 19 IBU)
This little number is creamy and refreshing, made in traditional wheat ale fashion. You will taste a berry explosion with a hint of vanilla to round out those creamy corners. The bright profile that will keep you coming back is made up of a wild mixture of Raspberries, Blueberries and Blackberries.

Find Highway 97 Brewing in Penticton, BC, on the Penticton Ale Trail

Fireside Winter Ale (6% ABV | 18 IBU) by Lakesider Brewing Co.

Embrace the cozy charm of winter with our Fireside Winter Ale, the perfect companion for chilly evenings by the fire. This rich, full-bodied brew features notes of dried fruit and brown sugar.

Find Lakesider Brewing Co in West Kelowna, BC on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

• Appa The Stout – A Salted Caramel Stout (5/4% ABV | 30 IBU) by Red Collar Brewing

Appa, the mischievous Corgi, joins the esteemed ranks of brewery dogs with their own namesake beer at Red Collar. And really, could there be a more fitting style for the shortest, stoutiest pup around? This salted caramel stout is brimming with notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and toffee. A rich, smooth blend of flavours, enhanced with salt, makes it an ideal brew for the winter season. Unfiltered and naturally carbonated.

Find Red Collar Brewing in Kamloops, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

• Two new brews from the Noble Pig Brewhouse

Hopkuna Matata Brown IPA (5.75% ABV |40 IBU)
Malty and Hoppy. The best of both worlds! Piney and Citrusy hop notes paired with some chocolate and roasted notes. This beer is meant to remind you of a walk in the woods with your favourite meerkat friend.

Mulled Swine Spiced Belgian Pepper Ale (5% ABV | 20 IBU)
A festive remix of the Stick House Belgian Pepper Ale. The Mulled Swine uses similar spices to those traditionally found in mulled wine. Having this tasty Christmas infusion might just make your heart grow three sizes that day.

Find the Noble Pig Brewhouse in Kamloops, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail 

• Sling It American Amber Ale – Winter Edition (4% ABV) from Silverstar Brewing

The folks at Silverstar have taken the classic toasted-malt character of the style and refined it with precise, warm, subtle roast notes that add depth without heaviness, keeping the beer smooth, crips and genuinely sessionable.

Sling It is brewed in collaboration with Mac Boucher.

Find Silverstar Brewing in Vernon, BC, on the Southern Interior Ale Trail

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Vancouver Coast and Mountains

• Skull Lake Imperial Stout (9.6% ABV | 50 IBU) by A-FRAME Brewing

Blended on White Oak and bottle conditioned, this stout is dark, rich and intense. Delivering roasted depth and subtle sweetness, it’s layered with hints of cocoa and dark fruit. Smooth yet commanding, it gains complexity the longer it rests in the bottle.

Find A-FRAME Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Protect Our Winters Hazy Pale Ale (4.5% ABV | 28 IBU) by Backcountry Brewing

Protect Our Winters Pale Ale features Chili Thom’s iconic “Green Burst” artwork and is brewed with Mosaic, Simcoe, and Krush hops for a bright burst of tropical and citrus flavours.

“We believe our love of adventure in nature demands our participation in the fight to save and protect it. Partial proceeds from each beer sold will be contributed to Protect Our Winters Canada, a charitable organization united to advocate for policy solutions to fight climate change. Since launching this partnership in 2023, we’ve raised over $24,000 for POW, and we’re aiming even higher this year! ⁠$1 from each 4 pack and $50 from each keg will be donated, do your part and try the beer that fights climate change!” – Backcountry Brewing

Find Backcountry Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Spressy Tini Espresso Martini Stout (5.1% ABV | 35 IBU) by Beere Brewing

It’s ’tini time! This espresso martini-inspired stout was conditioned on chocolate, vanilla beans, and mountains of espresso beans roasted at Moja Coffee in North Vancouver.

Find Beere Brewing in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Albero Winter Saison (6.8% ABV) from Beva Brewing & Blending

An amber farmhouse ale to commemorate the cooler months. A blend of farmhouse ales aged in American oak and stainless steel using their house mixed culture and refermented with maple syrup.

Find Beva Brewing & Blending in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Two seasonal favourites from Bridge Brewing Company

The Grinch Winter Ale (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU)
This popular Winter Ale is a robust porter spiced delicately with cinnamon, vanilla and oak.

Santa’s Sac Belgian Golden Ale (10.5% ABV | 30 IBU)
A Belgian Golden Strong bursting with banana, clove and peppercorn— the perfect stocking stuffer!

Find Bridge Brewing Company in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Camp Beer Co.

Pecan Pie Imperial Brown Ale (7.1%ABV)
A decadent slice of dessert in a glass. This smooth imperial brown ale layers toasted pecans, vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar over a rich caramel and biscuit malt base. The aroma recalls a fresh pecan pie cooling on the counter, while each sip delivers nutty richness, gentle spice, and a soft roasty finish.

The Extra Mile Mandarin Cranberry Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)
The big brother to the beloved Mile Marker Hazy Pale Ale, the team at Camp amped up one of their favourite brews. Not only is Extra Mile a bigger beer, but they also added mandarin and cranberry puree. Loaded with heaps of Sabro hops, bringing subtle coconut and layered complexity. Soft and pillowy like a cloud.

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

• Seawise Giant Imperial Stout (11.2% ABV | 22 IBU) by Container Brewing

Dark and indulgent with complex notes of dark chocolate, espresso and a hint of black licorice. Full-bodied with a warm, satisfying finish that is surprisingly smooth.

Find Container Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Field House Brewing

Orange Dark Chocolate Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)
A nod to a classic chocolate dessert. Rich layers of sweet and flavourful chocolate blend with bright orange citrus characteristics, creating a dessert-like experience in this full-bodied imperial stout.

Fudge Brownie Vanilla Ice Cream Imperial Dessert Stout (10.5% ABV)
This imperial dessert stout was inspired by all the warm and delicious skillet brownies in the world. Rich chocolate fudge topped with smooth vanilla ice cream, drizzled with salted caramel.

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

• Three new releases from Four Winds Brewing Co.

Astraeus – Imperial Stout (9% ABV)
Astraeus, named for the Greek god of dusk and stars, is a bold yet balanced take on a timeless classic. This Russian Imperial Stout opens with rich aromas of chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramelized sugar, drawing you into its dark, velvety depths. On the palate, it’s smooth and creamy, decadent but not overindulgent, with a gentle hop bitterness that lifts the sweetness and keeps each sip remarkably drinkable.

Pomona – Stone-Fruit Sour (6.2% ABV)
One of the team’s favourite annual beers to brew, the 2025 Pomona is bright, lightly tart, and juicy as it’s ever been! Big bold stonefruit aromas and flavours are brought on by using loads of whole Okanagan apricots and nectarines. Fermented in steel with Lactobacillus and Sacc Trois, this sour ale was aged in an oak foeder for 18 months before being conditioned on carbonically macerated apricots and nectarines. You know what they say, good things take time!

Noctarous – Dark Sour Ale (5.9% ABV)
Noctarous is Nectarous’ sultry sibling: burgundy depths swirling with lush cassis, ripe blackberries, and a hint of spice. Unexpectedly bright, elegantly balanced, delicately tart. A compelling twist on the classic sour – where darkness meets flavour in a whole new way.

Find Fours Winds Brewing Co. in Delta, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Salted Caramel Ale (6.2% ABV | 16 IBU) from Fuggles Beer

Carefully balanced between indulgence and drinkability. This English-style amber ale is crafted with caramel-forward malts and enhanced with additions of caramelized sugar and hints of sea salt. Perfect for Fall, it’s gently warming and lightly sweet, while remaining exceptionally sessionable.

Find Fuggles Beer in Richmond, BC, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Howe Sound Brewing

Mexican Hot Chocolate Stout (5.8% ABV)
Rich cocoa, cinnamon, and a gentle kick of chilli blend into a silky stout. Like a cozy fiesta in a glass — warm, smooth, and a little bit wild.

Howe Sound Mixer 8 Pack (5 – 6% ABV)
Mix it up with your Howe Sound favourites – easy to share, easier to enjoy. Featuring the Howe Sound Lager, Hazy Daze Hazy IPA, Squamish Valley Pale Ale and Rail Ale Nut Brown, this 8-pack brings a taste of Sea to Sky adventure to every occasion.

Howe Sound Lager 12 Pack (5.5% ABV)
Crisp, clean and brewed or easy drinking – and now available in a convenient 12-pack of 355ml cans, it’s the perfect choice for sharing with friends, stocking the fridge, or bringing along for any Sea to Sky adventure. Balanced, refreshing and proudly brewed in Squamish.

Find Howe Sound Brewing in Squamish, BC, on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

• Christmas Brown Ale (6.3% ABV | 22 IBU) from the KPU Brew Lab| Kwantlen Polytechnic University

A festive twist on a classic English brown ale, this seasonal warmer brims with holiday cheer. Brewed with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and bright orange peel, this beer is a lively medley of holiday aromas. The warming spice blend lifts the beer’s smooth notes of toasted malt, coffee, and soft chocolate, making each sip feel like a cozy celebration of the season.

Find the KPU Brew Lab in Langley, BC, on the Langley Ale Trail

• Churro de Leche Pastry Stout (5% ABV) from La Cerveceria Astilleros

Indulge in a dessert-inspired pastry stout that tastes just like a churro in a glass! This fan-favourite brew is loaded with rich cinnamon, creamy vanilla, and dulce de leche caramel. Every sip delivers a velvety smooth mouthfeel with sweet, indulgent flavours, perfectly balanced for a decadent treat.

Find La Cerveceria Astilleros in North Vancouver, BC, on Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

• Farm to Barn Apple Pie Saison (5.5% ABV | 10 IBU) by Locality Brewing and Barn Owl Brewing

A farmhouse ale inspired by a classic apple pie, this saison layers crisp apple character with warming pie spices. Notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel and baked apple rise from the glass, balanced by the yeast’s classic spicy esters and a dry, effervescent finish. The malt bill provides a touch of biscuit sweetness, evoking flaky crust, while the spritzy carbonation keeps it bright and refreshing. It’s apple pie in a glass—comforting, spiced, and delightfully drinkable. A Barn Owl Brewing and Locality Brewing Collaboration.

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

• Dark Room V.2 – Blended Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Luppolo Brewing Company

Welcome to the Dark Room: where spirit-aged stouts and bold barrel-aged strong ales are the focal point. With an impassioned dedication, this barrel program aims to produce unique blends that showcase the relationship between beer and barrel developed over time. These small-batch beers, much like film emerging from a dark room, are snapshots that blend the past and present. No two batches will be the same – here for now then gone forever…

This second release in the series is a blend of 1- and 2-year aged stouts that were brewed with a mix of barley, oats, wheat and rye to create a rich and full-bodied beer. Both vintages were aged in freshly emptied Bourbon Whiskey barrels to create robust aromas of coconut, vanilla and caramelized sugar with a complex undertone of Whiskey and toasted oak. Indulge in decadent flavours of dark chocolate, caramel and oak-aged Bourbon. Enjoy now or cellar for later.

Find Luppolo Brewing Company in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Two new Imperial Stouts (8.9% ABV) from Main St. Brewing

Not one but two new Imperial Stouts in 250-mL cans now available just in time for Dark Beer Season at Main St. Brewing in Vancouver’s Brewery Creek: the Stroopwafel Imperial Stout and a Chocolate-Dipped Stroopwafel Imperial Stout!

Expect a rich, sweet and malty backbone with biscuity stroopwafel and caramel notes thanks to a specialty malt base, extended boil and addition of vanilla and cinnamon to the brew, and a chocolate-dipped delight with delicious cocoa notes to follow that up.

Find Main St. Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

• Winter Ale Spiced Beer (5.8% ABV) by Mariner Brewing

Mariner’s Winter Ale is a robust ale with a deep chestnut colour and a hint of vanilla and spice. A perfect winter warmer to complement crisp fall air, damp and dark evenings and the occasional bright and sunny snow day! Not only was this Mariner’s first award-winning beer ever, it also won Gold at the 2025 Canadian Beer Awards.

Find Mariner Brewing in Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Off the Rail Brewing Co

Twilight Bliss Dark Cream Ale (5% ABV)
A smooth and comforting Dark Cream Ale that bridges light and dark with effortless balance. Pouring a deep amber-brown with a soft, creamy head, it carries gentle notes of roasted malt, caramel, and a touch of chocolate, rounded out by a velvety mouthfeel. Subtle sweetness meets a crisp, clean finish, making it both approachable and intriguing. Twilight Bliss invites you to linger, unwind, and savour the moment between the day’s energy and the night’s calm.

Tiki Talk IPA (6% ABV)
A juicy, hop-forward hazy that’s bursting with notes of ripe pineapple and luscious mango. This IPA balances bright, fruity sweetness with a crisp, refreshing bitterness. Crack one open and drift away—this is your island escape in a can.

Hennes Kölsch (4.8% ABV)
Cologne is steeped in tradition from the city’s proud coat of arms to chants of the diehard FC Köln soccer fans and their legendary four-legged mascot, Hennes. He’s such an icon, Off The Rail named their Kölsch after him. Light, crisp and golden, this brew carries Cologne’s tradition. Named after a goat, brewed for the herd, this beer isn’t just good – it’s the G.O.A.T.

Find Off the Rail Brewing Co in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Parallel 49 Brewing

Craft Draft Stout (4.6% ABV | 28 IBU)
An Irish dry stout with rich coffee and chocolate notes. Beautiful cascade, fine thick head, and smooth velvety mouthfeel from nitrogenation. Light fruity undertone from English yeast. Light, dry, and easy drinking. Available exclusively at BC Liquor Stores.

Toques of Hazzard Double White IPA (9.2% ABV | 76 IBU)
Back for winter! An imperial IPA brewed with a large portion of wheat in the grain bill. A big hop punch with a hint of white grape, kiwi and lime from Nelson Sauvin and Citra. A little white haze adds mouthfeel. Light malt sweetness with wheat flavour. Surprisingly drinkable for its high ABV.

Toque Berries (8.6% ABV | 46 IBU)
P49 has twisted up their beloved Toques of Hazzard Double White IPA with blackberry and raspberry. The punchy hop aroma of white grape, kiwi, and lime character from Nelson Sauvin and Citra intertwines beautifully with blackberry and raspberry. A slight hint of tartness sharpens the overall impression. Generous amounts of wheat contribute to a pleasant haze, enhanced mouthfeel, and a distinctive wheaty undertone. This version is designed with slightly lower alcohol and lower bitterness than the original Toques of Hazzard to keep it approachable. Find it in this year’s Naughty & Nice pack.

Find Parallel 49 Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

• Auld Nick Winter Ale (7% ABV | 28 IBU) from R&B Brewing

First brewed in the winter of 1998, Auld Nick is a carefully handcrafted strong dark ale. This mellow and warming beer is the perfect antidote to the cold nights of winter.

Find R&B Brewing in Vancouver, BC, on the Brewery Creek Vancouver Ale Trail

• Hygge Pro Andreas Coppenhagen Spiced Lager (5.6% ABV | 22 IBU) from Sidekick Brewing

Embrace the warmth of comfort with this golden-dark Copenhagen Spiced Lager. Smooth caramel sweetness blends with notes of licorice, cinnamon, and vanilla, balanced by subtle bitterness. The result is a dry, satisfying brew that invites you to slow down and savour life’s simple pleasures.

Find Sidekick Brewing in Chilliwack, BC, on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Smugglers Trail Caskworks

Illicit Cargo Imperial Stout (10% ABV | 42 IBU)
The fourth annual iteration of Illicit Cargo is a Double Chocolate Hedgehog Caramel Imperial Stout brewed with a copious amount of Dutch cocoa, Madagascar bourbon vanilla bean, roasted hazelnuts, caramel malt and aged on American oak. An extended five-hour boil reduces this impressive stout down to something truly extraordinary. Learn more

Black Gold Coffee Stout (5.6% ABV | 29 IBU)
Even the most charismatic smugglers have a dark side! Black Gold balances bold, smooth and roasty flavours with slight touches of spruce and the added kick of cold-brewed
and whole bean coffee. 

Find Smugglers Trail Caskworks in Langley, BC on the Langley Ale Trail

• Throw Blanket West Coast IPA (7.2% ABV) from Steel & Oak Brewing

A little bit old school, a little bit new school, S&O took a classic West Coast IPA and added some new hop varieties. Strata is the star here, delivering resin and passionfruit on the nose and a mouthful of fresh pine. Idaho 7 and Amarillo support the throw blanket like a nice accessory throw pillow, with notes of citrus and stone fruit. Classic American Ale yeast keeps things crispy and clean.

Find Steel & Oak Brewing in New Westminster, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Taylight Brewing

Eggnogg White Stout (5.6% ABV)
This dreamy white stout brings all the silky-smooth sweetness you love from a classic stout without the roasted chocolate or coffee notes. Instead, it’s loaded with the festive spice of real eggnog.

Mint Conditions Stout (5% ABV)
This smooth, velvety pour brings together cool mint and rich cocoa, making it the perfect companion for cozy nights, festive gatherings, and fireside sips.

Find Taylight Brewing in Port Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Four new releases from The Patch Brewery

The Old Dewdney Dark Lager (4.8% ABV | 34 IBU)
The Old Dewdney is a barrel-aged, Czech Dark Lager. Clean but complex, nutty, toasty and smooth, with a dark chocolate dry finish

Hot Rocks: Nitro Orange Creamsicle Sour (4% ABV | 30 IBU)
Bright, citrusy kettle sour with orange juice forward hops, a hint of vanilla, and a silky nitro finish.

The Laity Lager (4.9% ABV) – Seasonal can design
The Patch Core Beer Laity Lager, all dressed up for Christmas. A Clean and crisp classic Lager.

Salted Brownie S’more Nitro Double Porter (7.4% ABV | 35 IBU)
Rich chocolate porter brewed with chocolate chips and cocoa nibs, layered with vanilla and topped with a marshmallow-like nitro foam.

Find The Patch Brewery in Maple Ridge, BC, on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

• Four new releases from Tinhouse Brewing Co.

Roundhouse Imperial Porter (9.5% ABV | 50 IBU)
A big, bold Porter, perfect for those cool winter evenings. Hints of coffee, chocolate, and roasted marshmallows.

2023 Single Malt Barrel Aged Porter (7.5% ABV | 45 IBU)
The Swingbridge Porter aged for two years in Single Malt Whisky barrels. Available on tap in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler Fills will be available.

2021 Barrel Aged Cherry Sour (7% ABV | 10 IBU)
The Hyde Kriek Cherry Sour aged four years in mixed-culture barrels from Dageraad Brewing, for a deliciously tart Belgian Lambic-like finish. Available in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler fills we be available.

2023 Single Malt Barrel Aged Peach Sour (9% ABV | 10 IBU)
The Mortal Peach Sour aged for two years in Single Malt Whisky Barrels for a stone fruit whisky sour like beer, with a lot of dry oak on the finish. Available on tap in the tasting room and select hospitality accounts only. Growler fills are available.

Find Tinhouse Brewing Co in Port Coquitlam, BC, on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

• Beartooth Belgian Dubble (7.5% ABV | 28 IBU) from Townsite Brewing

Pouring out a deep brown with ruby highlights, Beartooth’s complex caramel flavours with hints of raisin and dark fruit (think cherries and plum) is the perfect dark sipper to warm you up from the inside out on a cold winter’s night.

Find Townsite Brewing in Powell River, BC, on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

• Easy Stout – Non Alcoholic Beer (.5% ABV) from Wildeye Brewing

Made in collaboration with Thomas Haas Chocolate, the Easy Stout pours deep espresso brown with a soft tan head and offers rich aromas of cocoa, roasted malt and a hint of vanilla. The flavour is silky and balanced, with layered dark chocolate, gentle coffee notes and a touch of toasted hazelnut that leads into a clean, lightly roasty finish. Smooth and velvety in body, it delivers a decadent yet refreshing stout experience that showcases the signature chocolate character of Thomas Haas while keeping the drinkability of the EASY lineup.

Find Wildeye Brewing in North Vancouver, BC, on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

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Vancouver Island

• Three new brews from Ace Brewing Co.

Pilot Project – Valley Vibes Session IPA (4.2% ABV | 40)
The team at Ace are excited to unveil the winner of Pilot Project #6: Valley Vibes Session IPA by Max McLean. A low ABV, full-flavour brew showcasing Citra and Simcoe hops, bursting with bright citrus and juicy stone fruit notes. Once a small-batch stand-out, it’s now ready for the big stage.

Stout (6.6% ABV | 43 IBU)
A rich, smooth and full-bodied stout with a complex malt recipe. A touch of rye gives this beer a spicy background with rich chocolate and coffee notes taking centre stage. A touch of Beechwood smoked malt leads to a subtle smokiness that is present but not overpowering. A generous percentage of oats gives the beer a silky smooth mouthfeel and body. As cold weather approaches, this stout will help ease the burdens of winter.

Rocket Fuel West Coast Double IPA (9% ABV | 90 IBU)
Every holiday season, when the planets align just right, the team at Ace aims for the stars and boosts up their Jet Fuel IPA with an astronomical amount of hops! Buckle in ’cause the countdown is on and this stellar double IPA is ready to launch you into orbit!

Find Ace Brewing Co. in Courtenay, BC, on the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Bayview Brewing Company

Christmas Sour (4.7% ABV | 5 IBU)
The Christmas Sour is a traditional kettle sour with Lactobacillus Plantarum. It’s Christmas in a pint glass! Bursting with vibrant Yellow Point cranberries and supported by a beautiful meld of orange, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Cherry Poppins Cherry French Toast Dessert Sour (4.5-5% ABV | 5 IBU)
Keep an eye out for this returning favourite coming soon! More than a few spoonfuls of dark sweet cherries, cinnamon, vanilla, lactose and maple syrup help this sour beer go down. Supercalifragalisticexpiala-delicious!

Find Bayview Brewing Company in Ladysmith, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Three new releases from Category 12 Brewing

Breakthru Dry Irish Stout (4.9% ABV)
A smooth, approachable stout built on roasted malt character with a touch of vanilla for balance. Light in body yet rich in flavour, it delivers a clean, easy finish that makes this stout refreshing and satisfying. Check out the C12 website for each batch’s third-party certified gluten results!

Black Forest Pastry Stout (11.5% ABV)
Indulge in the layered decadence of this rich, dark stout. Brewed with nine malts and an abundance of cocoa, sour cherry, and vanilla, it evokes the timeless dessert it’s named for – dark chocolate, tart fruit, and creamy sweetness in perfect harmony

Prism Feoder-aged Wild New Zealand Pilsner (5.9% ABV | 29 IBU)
Prism is a wild take on New Zealand Pilsner: the same NZ hop backbone, re-fermented with Brettanomyces in the oak foeder to reveal new facets. Expect citrus-lime and sauvignon-blanc notes with a hint of tropical lift, clean mineral bitterness, and a bone-dry, persistent finish. The foeder adds depth without weight; Brett provides a subtle, elegant complexity rather than overt funk. It’s Seismic Shift seen through another angle.

Find Category 12 Brewing in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Gratitude Winter Ale (9% ABV) from Hoyne Brewing

Gratitude is Hoyne’s most heartfelt beer, inspired by a 15th-century winter-warmer style and brewed with those closest to them in mind. Luscious, full-bodied, and gently warming, it offers rich malt character with notes of caramel, toasted grain, and subtle spice, thanks to Thomas Fawcett and Golden Promise malts and BC-grown Willamette hops. Best enjoyed slowly from a snifter by the fire, this seasonal ale is crafted in honour of the people who bring colour and meaning to our community.

Find Hoyne Brewing in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Noël Gose (5% ABV) from Île Sauvage Brewing Co

A salty sour beer with cherries, baking spices and tonka beans.

Find Île Sauvage Brewing Co in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Confluence Bière De Coupage (6.5% ABV) from Land & Sea Brewing

Confluence is a blend of two rustic Saisons, one aged for the Oak Foeders over six months, and the other, a bright and freshly brewed Farmhouse Ale. This harmonious, blended Saison is brewed in celebration of Land & Sea Brewing’s seventh anniversary.

Find Land & Sea Brewing in Comox, BC, on the Northern Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Longwood Brewery

Chocolate & Vanilla Swirl Stout (6.5% ABV | 8 IBU)
Chocolate & Vanilla Swirl Stout is a decadent winter delicacy with gobs of sweet chocolate, dollops on dollops of vanilla, and so much creamy lactose. South American cacao nibs and pure vanilla extract are added at two stages of this brew to enhance the rich flavours from the first sip to the long, rich finish. This dessert beer is chocolate and vanilla all night long.

Big Red Pacific Red Ale (5.8% ABV | 28 IBU)
Big Red is a bold Pacific Red Ale brewed with a balance of citrus-forward West Coast hops and a smooth backbone of Pilsner, Biscuit and Red malts. A full pint in every super tall can — big flavour, big character, Big Red. An Imperial pint in every super tall can.

Find Longwood brews at the Brewery on Boxwood Road, and at the Longwood Brew Pub, both in Nanaimo, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Fathoms Below Imperial Stout (8% ABV) from Mount Arrowsmith Brewing and Fern + Cedar Brewing

A collaboration between sister breweries – the teams at Mount Arrowsmith Brewing and Fern + Cedar Brewing came together to create this rich and decadent Stout for the holiday season.

Find Mount Arrowsmith Brewing in Parksville, BC, and Fern + Cedar Brewing in Qualicum Beach, both on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Reinbeer Mixed Pack from Phillips Brewing & Malting

Featuring eight mystery brews inspired by Santa’s B-Team of mischievous reindeer. Each beer is crafted to showcase the creativity of Phillips’ expert brewing team, letting the personalities of these delightful troublemakers shine through. Expect a variety of unique, delicious beers that are perfect for celebrating the holiday season!

• Dozer – Brown Ale – ABV% 3.5
• Coco – Hot Chocolate Dark Lager – ABV% 4
• Glitzen – Aussie Sparkling Ale – ABV% 5.5
• Ryder – Rye Witbier – ABV% 5.7
• Crumby – Extra Special Bitter – ABV% 6
• Dipstick – Dip-Hopped IPA – ABV% 6.5
• Jitterz – Hazy Coffee IPA – ABV% 7
• Danky – Single Hop No Boil IPA – ABV% 7.5

Find Phillips Brewing & Malting in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Red Arrow Brewing

Toasted Coconut Porter (5.1% ABV)
The taproom smells incredible when the team at Red Arrow toasts all the coconut needed for this beer in their kitchen! Enjoy comforting dark malt notes of coffee and chocolate with a delightful toasted coconut finish. Oats and rye malt provide a soft mouthfeel for a rounded balance.

Espresso Dark Lager (5.3% ABV)
Coffee Beer! This special collaboration beer features big flavour made smooth by lagering. Rich, velvety, and dark malt-forward with heavy espresso aromatics thanks to the addition of 110lbs of Compass Espresso from Cowichan Valley’s own Peak’s Coffee.

Find Red Arrow Brewing in Duncan, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Contrary Evidence Nitro Cold Brew Porter (4.45% ABV | 24 IBU) from Serious Brewing Company

A smooth chocolate porter with the addition of Serious Coffee’s Three Amigos roast cold brew. Smooth, creamy, full-bodied bodied and easy drinking.

Find Serious Brewing Company in Chemainus, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

• Blink Milk Chocolate Coconut Porter (6% ABV) from Small Gods Brewing

The use of lactose sugar, along with fair-trade cocoa nibs, gives this porter a rich, creamy milk chocolate character that is then amplified by a bounty of shaved coconut.

Find Small Gods Brewing in Sidney, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Two new brews from Spinnakers Brewpub

Trans Atlantic Collaboration IPA (5.2% ABV | 40 IBU)
This old-world style IPA, features Fuller’s yeast, local malts, and a mix of old-world and Northwest hops. Its flavour profile includes notes of pine, grapefruit, and light malt. Read more about the history behind the beer.

Imperial Chocolate Stout (8.4% ABV | 5 IBU)
A robust American Stout that leads with subtle coffee flavours and opens to huge chocolate notes that are balanced out by a bite of sweetness.

Find Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Vanishing Act Sour (5.7% ABV | 10 IBU) from Twin City Brewing

Like taking a tropical vacation or the holidays, but without any of the family guilt. Vanishing Act is a pineapple coconut sour that starts as a golden base, gets acidified using a house culture of lactobacillus until sour, then gets hopped with pineapple-forward hops, fermented with Voss kveik, and finally conditioned on loads of pineapple and finished with a touch of coconut. A pina colada-reminiscent fan favourite that also happened to be a gold medal winner at the 2025 BC Beer Awards.

Find Twin City Brewing in Port Alberni, BC, on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

• Juleøl Winter Lager (5.6% ABV | 25 IBU) from Whistle Buoy Brewing Company

Pronounced Yule-ol. A winter lager inspired by the traditional holiday beers of Denmark and Norway. Malt forward and slightly sweet. Amber in colour with a hint of spice from star anise, cinnamon, and orange peel. Warming and seasonal, with balanced crushability.

Find Whistle Buoy Brewing Company in Victoria, BC, on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

• Smoked Dobbelbock (8% ABV) from Wolf Brewing Company

Beech-smoked malt on the nose gives way to a rich malty lager with toasted bread, raisin and prune, followed by caramel and a hint of molasses. A medium to full-bodied beer with a clean, lager-style finish.

Find Wolf Brewing in Nanaimo, BC, on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

The post Winter Warmers and Holiday Hops: 2025 Winter Beer Round-up appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

From coastal communities to mountain towns, BC’s craft brewers are celebrating the change of seasons with fresh, innovative beers perfect for those longer, warmer days ahead. Whether you’re planning patio sessions with friends or stocking up for weekend adventures, this season’s releases offer something for every beer lover.

Jump to a region near you:

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Kootenay Rockies

Thompson Okanagan

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including the Fraser Valley)

Vancouver Island

Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Two new releases from Lillooet Brewing Company

Lillooet Honey Ale (5/2% ABV | 20 IBU)

Fresh and golden, the Honey Ale is made with honey from local Cariboo Apiaries and is a definite crowd pleaser. Dominant floral notes with a mild, delightful flavour.

Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour (5% ABV | 4 IBU)

The Mountain Goat Blackberry Sour blends tangy blackberries with lively citrus for a refreshingly complex profile with subtle malt flavour that adds balance to every sip.

 

Kootenay Rockies

Bliss Blueberry Lavender Lemonade Ale (4.2% ABV) from Encore Brewing Company

Pouring a stunning magenta-plum hue, this ode to spring is exactly what you’d expect—juicy and floral, bright yet soft on the palate, each sip demanding another. So ditch your winter digs, slip into a sunhat and flippy-floppies, and enjoy this beer wherever you can find a ray of sunlight. Yeah. It’s Bliss.

Encore Brewing Company is located in Cranbrook, on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Thompson Okanagan

Three new releases from Cannery Brewing

Babe Brew Mango Milkshake IPA (8.5% ABV | 30 IBU)

This Mango Milkshake IPA is a fundraiser beer in support of the Beer Babes Family. Partial proceeds will go to support the work of the Beer Babes Family. Funds raised from the Beer Babe Brews are collected and awarded in the form of grants. Grants are awarded to women who work in the beer industry and are trying to improve their beer business.

This Mango Milkshake IPA was brewed with barley, oats, wheat, vanilla, and lactose (milk sugar). Mango puree from Pacific Coast Fruit Products was then added during secondary fermentation. It was hopped with Simcoe and Citra hops from Hops Connect Canada. Sponsors for the brew are: Hops Connect Canada, Yeast Canada Innovations, Pacific Coast Fruit Products, TricorBraun Canada (cans), and Altro Labels. Read more about the brew and the collaboration brew day in the blog by Hannah Irvine.

Sunblink Tropical Sour (5% ABV)

A tart, wheat-based kettle sour fermented with a blend of pink guava, pineapple & apricot.

Hop Chowdah Hazy IPA (6.5% ABV)

This hazy ipa is juicy with relaxed bitterness and a soft mouthfeel. Hopped with Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka & Nectaron hops. The Hop Chowdah was awarded Best in Class in the Hazy IPA & NEIPA category in the Okanagan Fest of Ale judging competition. “We were honoured to win this award for this delicious beer.” – Cannery Brewing

Cannery Brewing is located in Penticton, on the Penticton Ale Trail

Riptide Raspberry Nitro Sour (5.2% ABV | 18 IBU) from Copper Brewing

The folks at Copper Brewing set out to brew a beer that would make anyone’s Instagram followers jealous—brilliantly blue and irresistibly photogenic. But then reality crashed the party. It turns out that mixing bright blue raspberry with golden beer doesn’t give you electric blue—it gives you teal. Who knew basic colour theory had such strong opinions about beer? Luckily, this unexpected detour led to Riptide Raspberry Nitro Sour: tart raspberry flavour, velvety nitro smoothness, and a colour that’s either very hip or deeply confused. Either way, it’s delicious. Come ride the teal wave—you can explain it to your followers later!

Copper Brewing is located in Kelowna, on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail

Vancouver Coast and Mountains (including the Fraser Valley)

Mexican Light Lager (4.7% ABV) from Barnside Brewing

Silver Medal Recipient at the 2024 Canada Beer Cup in the Mexican Light Lager Category.

Brewed with Field 5 Pilsner malt, German Vienna malt, Canadian Flaked Maize, and hopped with Barnside’s own Sterling hops. Inspired by their favourite Mexican lager (think stubby bottle and gold foil), this Mexican lager is gently malty and refreshing to the last drop.

Barnside Brewing is located in Delta, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

A mixed pack and sour from Dead Frog Brewery

Juice Box Sour Mixer

This limited edition mixed pack includes eight new tall cans of sour power! Featuring the Rocket Pop Sour (5% ABV), Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV),  Raspberry Lime Sour (4.5% ABV, and Blueberry Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV). 

Peach Lemonade Sour (5% ABV)

A refreshing sour golden ale with a fresh splash of peach, a hint of lemon, and a crisp finish. The winner of the Okanagan Fest of Ale 2025 Best in Class Sour and Fruit Sour.

Dead Frog Brewery is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Put Me In Kölsh (5% ABV | 25 IBU) from Farm Country Brewing

Just in time for the beer league ball season, the team at Farm Country Brewing has crafted a dinger of a brew for your club. This super sessionable beer will have you rounding the hot corner and heading for home! Light but flavourful with a snappy, crisp and refreshing finish, this German Kölsch is sure to be your new favourite. A brew like this will always be there to celebrate your victories or help ease the agony of defeat. Put me in Kölsch… I’m ready to play!

Farm Country Brewing is located in Langley, on the Langley Ale Trail

Shiori Peach Sour (5.6% ABV) from Fuggles Beer Co

Bright, tart, and refreshingly juicy, Shiori is a beautifully crafted peach sour ale that balances luscious ripe peach flavour with a crisp, mouthwatering acidity. Perfect for those who crave something both fruit-forward and tart.

Fuggles Beer is located in Richmond, on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

Luminosa Brett Saison (4.5% ABV) from Luppolo Brewing Company

Luppolo’s new Quattro Stagioni Series, which means four seasons in Italian, is inspired by the ever-changing nature of mixed culture saisons. This first release is made with a blend of wheat, rye, and spelt and has gone through a lengthy secondary fermentation with Brettanomyces. Expect tropical Brett funk on the nose and classic saison esters of quince, tropical fruit and barnyard funk. Luminosa, or “bright” in Italian, is light and refreshing yet complex. Can conditioned for a spritzy natural carbonation, this beer perfectly encompasses the character of our house yeast and will continue to evolve in the can as the seasons turn.

Luppolo Brewing Company is located in Vancouver, on the Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Vancouver Island

Summers Edge (5.4% ABV | 13 IBU) from Alberni Brewing Co

A blackberry sour with a touch of peach bringing a blend of tartness and sweetness. Tangy notes mingle with just the right amount of fruity freshness, making it refreshing and satisfying. (Contains lactose).

Alberni Brewing Co is located in Port Alberni, on the Pacific Rim Ale Trail

Three new releases from Bayview Brewing Company

Strawbarb – Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Dessert Sour  (4.2% ABV | 5 IBU)

Rich, creamy, and delightfully puckering, this kettle sour blends strawberry and rhubarb with cinnamon, vanilla, and oats to deliver a full-on dessert-in-a-glass experience. Contains lactose.

Jason Mimosa – Brut IPA with Orange (6.3% ABV | 22 IBU)

This Brut IPA is brewed with 100% Vancouver Island malted barley from Field 5 Farm. The team at Bayview zested and juiced 80 lbs of fresh oranges for a citrusy, brunch-worthy beverage.

Cuttin’ Grass – Lawnmower Lager (3.7% ABV | 10 IBU)

This ultra-refreshing lager is brewed with pilsner malt from Field 5 Farm. Hopped with Amarillo and Huell Melon hops and finished with a touch of lemon peel, this beer is light-bodied and easy to drink; perfect after yard work or for sipping by the river.

Bayview Brewing is located in Ladysmith on the Central Vancouver Island Ale Trail

A mixed pack and local release from Lighthouse Brewing

Summer Voyage, the latest mix pack from Lighthouse, includes four easy-going brews that are perfect for warm summer days.

• Raspberry Lime Pilsner (5% ABV) Raspberry Lime Pilsner has all your favourite summer flavours: sweet and tart raspberries on the signature backbone of a pilsner and just a subtle hint of lime to balance it all. Pours a beautiful ruby red.
• Pineapple Hazy Pale Ale (5.5% ABV)  Bright, juicy, and tropical! Bursting with ripe pineapple, mango, and passionfruit, this hazy pale ale balances sweet and refreshing with a smooth creamy mouthfeel and vibrant aroma – a perfect escape to the tropics.
• Tropical Sour (6.7% ABV) Crafted with a blend of exotic fruit flavours and a tart sour brew, this beer is a refreshing oasis in a glass. A tropical and easy drinking sour to soak up the sun with.
• Salted Lime Mexican Lager (4.5% ABV) Crisp, refreshing, and citrusy! This easy-drinking lager delivers a burst of fresh lime , balanced by a touch of pink Himalayan salt for a tangy, smooth finish. Perfect for warm days, cool evenings, and everything in between.

Peninsula Pale (5%) ABV

Peninsula Pale is brewed with local malts from Field Five Farms on the Saanich Peninsula, a sixth-generation family farm about 45 minutes from the brewery. They grow their own barley and produce their own malt on-site, which gives the brewers at Lighthouse a direct farm-to-pint connection that’s both rare and meaningful. This vibrant brew features a blend of peach and floral hop notes with a complex malt character. When you pick up this beer, you’re not just getting something easy-drinking and crisp — you’re choosing a beer that supports real people, real farms, and real craft.

“Now more than ever, supporting Canadian agriculture and reducing reliance on long supply chains matters. Brewing with Field Five means we’re supporting BC farmers, reducing our footprint, and staying connected to the people and land around us. That matters to us — and we think it makes the beer taste even better.” – Lighthouse Brewing

Lighthouse Brewing is located in Victoria on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Every Pint Tells a Story –

Supporting Local. Celebrating Community.

The post Savour Spring: What’s Brewing Across BC Right Now appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Fresh hop beers are made with hops that come fresh off the bine, making it into the brew kettle or fermenter less than 24 hours after being picked. In BC, hops are typically harvested as early as late August through to early October, and then the race is on to get them to the brewery as soon as possible for maximum freshness.

Typically, hops are kiln-dried and pelletized to improve their shelf life. But fresh hop (or wet-hopped) beers retain more of the hops’ essential oils and volatile aromatics, resulting in a beer that is bursting with character that dried hops simply can’t provide.

Fresh hop beers are often brighter, earthier, more floral and can even feature an almost tingly sensation due to the prevalence of essential oils and acids. Naturally, beer styles that are built around hop character, like IPAs and pale ales, are generally preferred for fresh hop beers.

One thing is for sure, though, these unique beers are definitely different, and they only come around once a year, so get them while you can.

Unsurprisingly, it is best to drink fresh hop beers when they are fresh, as the volatile flavour compounds will degrade with considerable speed. Once a fresh hop beer is more than a month old, it’s lost most if not all of its magic.

Here’s a selection of fresh hop beers from across B.C. that you can find at your local craft beer store this fall:

Farm. Fresh. Hop. IPA by Barnside Brewing (Delta)

Fresh Cascade and Triple Pearl hops – with a couple of buckets of Tahoma thrown in for good measure – set the tone for the 2024 version of Barnside’s 100% farm-hopped beer. With their ’20 minutes from field to kettle’ promise, this beer is as fresh as it gets. It pours with a dark golden haze, presenting prominent stone fruit in the direction of nectarine and white peach, with citrus, grapefruit rind, and champagne-like carbonation, backed by a classic mild bitterness.

Hop Attack Fresh Hop IPA by Steamworks Brewing (Burnaby and Vancouver)

This classic West Coast IPA features assertive hop bitterness and plenty of that characteristic fresh hop tingle. Bright and lively with a sturdy malt backbone to not only support the hops, but leave the beer balanced and approachable as well. 

Green Reaper Fresh Hop IPA by Phillips Brewing and Malting Co. (Victoria)

This IPA features a massively fruity and floral nose, with massive gobs of citrus, pine and tropical fruit. Well-balanced with restrained hop bitterness resulting in a dangerously crushable beer.

Fresh Hop Extra Pale Ale by Cannery Brewing (Penticton)

Cannery’s annual fresh hop beer is based on their Muse Extra Pale Ale and this year features fresh Mosaic hops from Loftus Ranches in the Yakima Valley. The result is vibrantly fruity and floral with big hop aroma and flavours and a clean dry finish enticing you back to take another sip.

Maple Bay IPA Fresh Hop IPA by Backcountry Brewing (Squamish)

This lively hazy IPA bursts with stonefruit, citrus and melon aromas. Hazy gold in colour with a meringue-like head, notes of grapefruit, apricot and tropical fruit dominate with a lovely fresh hop tingle that will bring brightness to even the most dismal autumn days.

Sartori Harvest IPA by Driftwood Brewery (Victoria)

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Driftwood’s annual celebration of fresh hops. Centennial hops from the Sartori Cedar Ranch in Chilliwack’s Columbia Valley take centre stage here with luscious floral and earthy notes of pine, grapefruit and grass. An ample malt backbone helps support the moderate hop bitterness.

New Tricks Fresh Hop Hazy IPA by Yellow Dog Brewing (Port Moody)

This hazy little number features intensely fruity hop aromas and flavours, with juicy fruit flavours of citrus, stonefruit and melon. Low hop bitterness and a smooth finish mean you’re gonna go crazy for this fresh hop hazy. 

Wolf Vine Wet Hopped Pale Ale by Hoyne Brewing (Victoria)

Earthy notes of citrus, pine, and grass feature heavily in Hoyne’s annual foray into fresh hop beers. Malt notes of cracker and grain help round out this fresh hop pale ale.

The post Hop to It: Your Guide to B.C.’s Fleeting Fresh Hop Beer Season appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

As flowers bloom and warmer weather arrives, let’s embark on a tasting tour of the many special beers BC’s breweries are releasing this spring.

There is a wide assortment of styles to choose from, including sours, IPAs, saisons, and a variety of fruit-infused beers. Browse this list to find something from your local brewery or plan a trip to explore a new one.

Claim Jumper Hoppy Sour by Barkerville Brewing (3.75% ABV | 17 IBU)

This year’s version of Claim Jumper is a refreshing kettle sour dry hopped with Vic Secret, Amarillo and Cascade hops.

Barkerville Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail.

Why Can’t You Be Happy For Me And Then Go Home And Talk About Me Behind My Back Like A Normal Person? ⁠Passionfruit, Orange & Guava Sour⁠ by Backcountry Brewing (5.5% ABV | 8 IBU)

The name of this rather tasty beer is inspired by the movie Bridesmaids.⁠

Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Squamish Ale Trail.

First Cut Hazy IPA from Barnside Brewing (6.2% ABV | 40 IBU)

This super hazy and juicy hop bomb takes the hyper-local hop yard experience to a new level. Big, bold, and deliciously dank, featuring Barnside’s own farm-grown Triple Pearl and Cascade hops, Pilsner malt, and oats.

Barnside Brewing can be found on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail.

But My Mom Says I’m Cool Italian Pilsner from Bayview Brewing in Ladysmith (5.3% ABV | 30 IBU)

Light, refreshing, and crystal clear, this lager has beautiful flavours of melon and orange thanks to the use of Mandarina Bavaria and Huell Melon hops in the whirlpool and dry hop, complemented by a touch of sweet orange peel late in the boil.

Bayview Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part I Ale Trail.

Two tasty beers from Beva Brewing & Blending, a new brewery that recently opened in North Vancouver:

• Alpenhaus Helles Lager (5% ABV | 25 IBU) A Munich-style lager brewed utilizing traditional German brewing techniques, grain, and hops.
• Sprezza Saison Sauvignon (6.5% ABV | 30 IBU) A farmhouse ale fermented with Beva’s house mix culture, dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin, and re-fermented with sauvignon blanc grape must.

Beva Brewing & Blending can be found on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail.

Olde Ellis by BNA Brewing (7.5% ABV | 10 IBU)

A nod to the classic Olde English malt liquor. The label, which is an homage to the original OE 40s, was designed by Myron Campbell (@notsosimpleton). This is an Imperial Pilsner that cascades into the glass with a luminous golden yellow hue, boasts exceptional clarity, and is crowned by a pristine white head.

BNA Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Okanagan Adventure Pack from Cannery Brewing

This brand new mixed pack contains a collection of three cans each of four of Cannery’s most popular beers: Lakeboat Lager, Muse Pale Ale, Trellis West Coast IPA, and the ever-popular Naramata Nut Brown Ale.

Cannery Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail.

Two spring beers from Container Brewing in Vancouver:

• Tokyo French Kiss / French Saison with Yuzu (6.5% ABV) Expressive French Saison yeast finishes dry showcasing notes of cracked pepper, clove, apple, and pear along with citrusy tartness from the yuzu.
• RAD – Pineapple + Passionfruit Radler (3.8% ABV) A radler-inspired beer featuring pineapple and passionfruit.

Container Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Four Spring Beers from Dageraad Brewing:

Dead Frog’s new Juice Box Sour Mixer pack features four tart & tasty beers:

• Field Theory (4.2% ABV) This dry-hopped table saison is bone-dry and heavily dry-hopped with European noble hops.
• Tous Les Jours (3.2% | 10 IBU) Light and easy drinking, with a bright and bubbly carbonation, herbaceous hops, and a touch of brettanomyces.
• Enology Series No. 3 – Malbec (8.6% ABV)
• Enology Series No. 4 – Cabernet Franc (8.6% ABV)

Dageraad Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Juice Box Sour Mixer from Dead Frog Brewery

Dead Frog’s new Juice Box Sour Mixer pack features four tart & tasty beers:

• Mango Sorbet Sour (4.5% ABV | 18 IBU)
• Watermelon Warhead Imperial Sour (9% ABV | 22 IBU)
• Rocket Pop Sour (5% ABV | 8 IBU)
• Blueberry Lemonade Sour (5% ABV | 10 IBU)

Dead Frog Brewery can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Aurora Session Pale Ale by Deadfall Brewing (4.2% ABV | 16 IBU)

This session ale is citrusy, balanced, and refreshing.

Deadfall Brewing can be found on the Northwest BC Ale Trail.

Razamanaz Raspberry Sour by Driftwood Brewery (3% ABV)

Berliners put a shot of raspberry syrup in Berliner Weisse just before serving, so Driftwood decided to put it in the can. Tart, refreshing and bursting with raspberry flavours.

Driftwood Brewery can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Two Spring Beers from Farm Country Brewing in Langley:

• Put Me In Kölsch (5% ABV | 25 IBU) This crisp, clean, and easy-drinking beer is perfect for sunny days and baseball season.
• Johnny Smash Vol 11 (3.8% ABV | 25 IBU) The newest edition of Johnny Smash is a tribute to traditional English ales.

Farm Country Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Raspberry Lemonade Sour by Farmhouse Brewing (8% ABV | 6 IBU)

This fruited sour beer is tart and sweet. After souring with the brewery’s house lacto culture, a large helping of raspberry and lemon was added to provide additional sweetness and fruitiness.

Farmhouse Brewing can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Three beers from Fernie Brewing:

• Traverse IPA (5.9% ABV | 45 IBU) Chock-full of select southern hemisphere hops, this IPA is crisp, dry and fruity.
• Tunnel Creek Kolsch (4.8% ABV | 21 IBU) This tasty beer recently took home a gold medal at the Okanagan Fest of Ale.
• Backpedal Raspberry Sour (5% ABV | 10 IBU) Jam packed with juice and a tangy twist, this beer is pretty in pink to boot!

Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Agave Passion Fruit Sour by Field House Brewing (5.3% ABV)

Inspired by a favourite cocktail, this beer is soured using the brewery’s house culture and features Vancouver Island sea salt, real passion fruit, agave nectar, and a touch of lime.

Field House Brewing can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Una Mas Mexican Lager by Five Roads Brewing (4.6% ABV | 15 IBU)

This lager is light in colour and body, highly carbonated, and extremely crushable. Best served with a lime wedge to enhance the citrus flavour.

Five Roads Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Mango Mango Nectarous from Four Winds Brewing in Delta (5.9% ABV | 3 IBU)

In this iteration of Four Winds’ popular Nectarous Dry-Hopped Sour ale, the brewery added both real mangoes and mango terpenes for an over-the-top mango party in every sip.

Four Winds Brewing can be found on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Wily Gose by Grey Fox Brewing (7.5% ABV | 10 IBU)

It’s rare to see a gluten free sour beer, but Grey Fox is always pushing the boundaries with their delicious GF brews. This one, which was released for the Celiac Awareness event “Brews For All,” is a salted Gose with a lemony sourness.

Grey Fox Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Jam Session Raspberry Cream Ale by Howe Sound Brewing (5% ABV | 25 IBU)

An American-style Cream Ale with tart notes and a smooth mouth feel, brewed with natural raspberries.

Howe Sound Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail.

Sitka Sour by Île Sauvage Brewing (6% ABV)

This beer evokes spring on the west coast like no other thanks to the addition of freshly harvested Sitka spruce tips that are added to the brewery’s golden sour base.

Île Sauvage Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Blanche Deveraux French Blanche from Kettle River Brewing (5% ABV | 11 IBU)

This is a “simple” farmhouse ale, that is straw coloured with notes of clove and citrus. Finished with lemon juice, it is a thirst quenching patio crusher

Kettle River Brewing can be found on the Kelowna and West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Two Tasty Beers from Lakesider Brewing in West Kelowna:

• Summer Crush Pineapple IPA (6% ABV | 45 IBU) Featuring a tropical blend of hops with the soft kiss of pineapple.
• Okanagan Special Euro Pilsner (5.5% ABV | 32 IBU) Brewed in the classic Bohemian style using only premium floor-malted Bohemian barley and choice Noble hops.

Lakesider Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Double Cold IPA by Lighthouse Brewing (8% ABV)

A light-bodied clear IPA with assertive bitterness, fruit/tropical hop flavour, and a dry finish. It was fermented with a lager yeast strain and then dry hopped with El Dorado, Mosaic and Citra.

Lighthouse can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Citra Dragon Hazy Pale Ale from Longwood Brewery (6% ABV | 35 IBU):

This special “Year of the Dragon Pale Ale” blends the flavours of Citra, Mosaic, Rakau and Sabro hops. The mild malt backbone lets the hops run wild while keeping Citra Dragon from scorching your palate.

Longwood Brewery can be found on the Vancouver Island Part 1 Ale Trail.

Okanagan Peach Wheat Ale by Marten Brewing (4.2% ABV)

Taste delicious Okanagan peach in every sip.

Marten Brewing can be found on the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

Faux Paw Cherry Saison by Mt. Begbie Brewing (6.5% ABV | 25 IBU)

A beer inspired by the bear whose “faux paw” was walking across the brewery’s freshly poured concrete floor. This kettle sour saison is crafted using wheat malt and cherry puree, and has been fermented with an authentic Belgian saison yeast. It has a refreshing flavour and a delicious fruit aroma that is sure to be bear approved.

Mt. Begbie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail.

Two Spring Beers from Patina Brewing in Port Coquitlam:

• Peach Passionfruit Sour (5% ABV | 3 IBU) A delightful blend of BC peaches and tangy passion fruit.
• Thai Lager (4.5% ABV | 10 IBU) This thirst-quenching rice lager takes inspiration from the cuisine of Southeast Asia: spicy ginger and an aromatic citrus trifecta of lime leaf, lemongrass and calamansi.

Patina Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Aloha Amigo from RAD Brewing (4.2% ABV | 10 IBU)

This is a super light lager brewed with rice that finishes dry and crisp with a touch of Noble hops to balance this refreshing crusher. Tastes like “I want another!”

RAD Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Ale Trail Part 2 Ale Trail.

Fidelle “Floofy” IPA by Red Collar Brewing (5.6% ABV | 34 IBU)

Fidelle, affectionately known as Fifi, is a husky cross rescue from Baja in Mexico, now little sister to Diana the Black Lab and resident Red Collar guard dog. She is the inspiration for this hazy-style IPA.

Red Collar Brewing can be found in Kamloops on the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

The Grisette by Shaketown Brewing (4% ABV | 13 IBU)

This Szechuan peppercorn and blood orange grisette won bronze at the 2023 World Beer Cup Awards in the Herb and Spice Beer category. It was brewed with spelt malt, blood orange purée and Szechuan peppercorns.

Shaketown Brewing can be found on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail.

Sherona by Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse (4.5% ABV | 18 IBU)

With a hint of lime, this Mexican-style lager is sure to be a hit on a hot, sunny day.

Sherwood Mountain Brewhouse can be found on the Northwest BC Ale Trail.

Uncertain Kin Pink Guava Hazy Pale Ale by Small Gods Brewing (4.8% ABV)

This Hazy Pale Ale is loaded with Pink Guava puree, as well a massive dry-hop using 2024 Pink Boots hops blend, resulting in a beer that is full of tropical flavour.

Small Gods Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Scrumpers- Blueberry Peach Sour by Smugglers Trail Caskworks (4.5% ABV | 10 IBU)

This refreshingly light sour beer was brewed with blueberries and peach.

Smugglers Trail Caskworks can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Boysenberry Bloom by Sooke Oceanside Brewery (4.2% ABV)

A enticingly rosé session sour brewed with boysenberries and pale malt.

Sooke Oceanside Brewery can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Sunglow Hefeweizen by Steel & Oak Brewing (4.8% ABV)

This delicious wheat beer was brewed with the traditional double decoction method using only the highest quality German malt (60% Wheat and 40% Pilsner) and fermented with a classic Weizen yeast strain that gives notes of banana and clove, then hopped with Saphir and Mandarina Bavaria for a hint of citrus. Finally, it was naturally carbonated a little higher than most beers for a delightful effervescence and a pillowy head.

Steel & Oak Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Cool Ship by Strange Fellows Brewing (6.2% ABV)

Brewed in February 2021 using the orthodox methods of traditional Belgian lambic breweries, this beer began with a labour-intensive turbid mashing, followed by air cooling and inoculation in Strange Fellows’ open Koelschip vessel. Whatever wild yeasts and organisms that happened to be around the brewery that night inoculated a spontaneous fermentation in the cooling wort, which was then racked into oak barrels to ferment and age. All this, along with the addition of aged hops (2016 Tardif de Bourgogne, France) result in a beer with a uniquely delicious and complex character.
Strange Fellows Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail.

Let’s Get Take-Out Thai Wit by Tinhouse Brewing

This Belgian-style wheat beer pours slightly cloudy with a creamy smooth head and subtle flavours of lemongrass, lime, galangal and ginger.

Tinhouse Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail.

Suprazunga! from Townsite Brewing:

This is Townsite’s super-popular Zunga Blonde Ale fruited up with passionfruit, orange and guava.

Townsite Brewing can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail.

Daymaker Guava Sour by Twin Sails Brewing (5.1% ABV | 10 IBU)

Daymaker is a fruit-forward sour that pours a hazy pink hue, with a bright aroma and the flavour of ripe guava in every sip.

Twin Sails Brewing. can be found on the Port Moody Ale Trail.

What’s your favourite spring beer this year? Share your pick on social media and be sure to tag @bcaletrail.

The post Discover Over 50 Spring Beers from BC Breweries! appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

It wasn’t so long ago that thirsty beer drinkers with a hankering for a high-test brew had very few options. Big beers were once brewed only to give drinkers more bang for their buck, and flavour was an afterthought for these “malt liquor” offerings.

The early days of the craft beer boom soon brought more options, but not many. If you were lucky enough, you might be able to find a barleywine or a barrel-aged imperial stout with a double-digit ABV—but even then, they were likely to be small-batch seasonal releases. Blink, and you’d miss them!

Today, however, there is a plethora of full-bodied, fully-loaded libations produced by B.C. breweries, in just about every style imaginable. And unlike the repulsive paper-bag brews of yore, these beers are unequivocally delicious, with bold and complex flavours that are complemented and heightened by their higher alcohol content.

It goes without saying, of course (but I’m saying it anyway): please enjoy these beers in moderation. Many are so deceptively smooth and so dang tasty that they can get you into trouble if you’re not careful.

So, with that in mind, I think it’s high time to set out on the BC Ale Trail and explore this new generation of high-test beers…

Weighty by Four Winds Brewing (Delta, South of the Fraser Ale Trail)
10.0% ABV | Triple IPA
This utterly opaque Hazy IPA has the appearance of a glass of orange juice with a dollop of meringue on top. The intoxicating aroma of mandarin orange and tropical fruit creates an expectation that this beer totally delivers on. Imagine a Creamsicle in beer form, with notes of citrus, tangerine, and vanilla. Big hop flavour and aroma, with almost no perceived bitterness and a complete absence of alcoholic heat. This beer is so smooth, it should probably come with a waiver to sign. Four Winds has done it again! Is anyone surprised? 

Entropy Series No. 31 Balaton 12° by Dageraad Brewing (Burnaby, North of the Fraser Ale Trail)
10.5% ABV | Mixed Culture Barrel-aged Quadrupel with Balaton Cherries
Dageraad has long been B.C.’s own gateway to big Belgian-style beers, and Balaton 12° is yet another in a long line of exceptional releases as part of Dageraad’s ongoing one-off Entropy series. This deep crimson-brown ale sports a sturdy, if not vigorous, off-white head (you might want to consider opening it over a sink). It’s delightfully tart and complex, with notes of cherry, dark fruit, spice, fruitcake, burnt sugar and balsamic vinegar. You’re going to want to pair this one with a lovely charcuterie plate or roasted pork loin.

Numbskull Rotator No. 13 by Lighthouse Brewing (Esquimalt, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
9.1% ABV | Double IPA

After more than 10 years, it’s safe to say Esquimalt’s Lighthouse Brewing has their gargantuan DIPA rotator dialled in at this point. Lucky number 13 features French Barbe Rouge hops, a relatively new hop on the scene known for its aromatic red berry notes. This decidedly “West Coast” take on the DIPA pours a brilliant gold with a fluffy white head with notes of dank citrus, strawberry, Meyer lemon, kiwi, and pine, offering just enough hop bitterness to clean up the finish without puckering your lips. 

Double Dark Sour by Field House Brewing ABBY (Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Ale Trail)
11.5% ABV | Fruited Sour Ale

Field House’s Dark Sour has long reigned as one of the best fruited sour ales in the province. Despite clocking in at 10%, the absolute maniacs at Field House decided that wasn’t good enough. Introducing the Double Dark Sour, brewed to celebrate the brewery’s 8th anniversary, and boasting even more alcohol. Yet, just like the original, it still manages to keep that alcoholic warmth almost undetectable. Deep purple with a rapidly dissipating pink head, this beer features increased acidity as well as alcohol, offering tart, lively notes of cranberry juice and blueberry.

Tenth by Longwood Brewery (Nanaimo, Vancouver Island Ale Trail Part I)
9.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Golden Ale

What a way to celebrate a 10th anniversary! Longwood’s production brewery and tasting room in Nanaimo may have opened a decade ago, but this barrel-aged wild ale tastes like they’ve been brewing beer in a Belgian monastery for centuries. Likely one of the best Belgian-style beers I’ve tried all year, Tenth pours a brilliant crimson-brown with a thin, off-white head, offering notes of dark fruit, plum, cherry, vanilla, oak, balsamic vinegar, spice, leather, bourbon and funk. It’s as complex as it is impressive, and I regret not buying an entire case of it.

Eins by Abandoned Rail Brewing (Naramata, Penticton Ale Trail)
11.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Doppelbock
Naramata might be best known for its wine, but in just one short year, Abandoned Rail and its award-winning beer might be changing that perception. Eins is the brewery’s first anniversary release and it’s pretty spectacular, with bold malty flavours of dark fruit, burnt sugar, bourbon, vanilla, oak, raisin, toast, and fruitcake. The great thing about brewing in wine country is there’s no shortage of barrels at your disposal. 

Occultation by Temporal Artisan Ales (Brewed at Container Brewing, Vancouver, Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail)
11.0% ABV | Barrel-aged Stock Ale

First off: can we talk about how adorable this little itty bitty baby can is? I’m pretty sure this is the first 250 mL-format can the B.C. craft beer scene has ever seen. But despite the dainty packaging, the contents pack a punch. This beer pours so black, that Anish Kapoor is not allowed to drink it, with huge flavours of cocoa, coffee, toffee, caramel, vanilla, bourbon, and oak. It’s so sweet, smooth and rich, Occultation might as well be the Ryan Gosling of beers.

Infinite City by Small Gods Brewing (Sidney, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
10.0% ABV | Fruited Sour Ale

Sidney’s Small Gods hasn’t been around for long, but they’ve certainly made a name for themselves in just a year and a half of existence. Infinite City is a great example as to why. This huge fruited sour ale is tart and delicious, with acidity restrained enough to not overpower the flavours of citrus, lemon, mandarin orange, strawberry, kiwi, and vanilla.   

Hermannator (2022) by Vancouver Island Brewing (Victoria, Greater Victoria Ale Trail)
9.5% ABV | Ice Bock

If you’ve been drinking B.C. craft beer for a hot minute, then you had to know the Hermannator was going to be on this list. VIB’s classic winter seasonal release has been around since the dawn of time and it still absolutely slaps. Malty, fruity goodness, with notes of chocolate, coffee, toffee and cereal grain. If there’s a Mount Rushmore of B.C. beer, Hermannator is on it.

The post Big, Bold Beers from British Columbia appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

These seasonal beers are perfect for the wintertime. Many are a little darker and stronger — ideal  for colder, darker days — and some of the recipes even include spices, cranberries, or other tasty ingredients like chocolate, hazelnut or coffee. They make perfect stocking stuffers for beer lovers, or maybe even part of a home-made beer advent pack. Many are good options to serve at a holiday party or as part of a special holiday meal.

We all know the holidays can be a busy time for socializing so if you want to take a break from imbibing now and then but still want to enjoy a craft beverage, many BC breweries also offer non-alcoholic options.

Here are more than 50 suggestions for holiday-themed beers that can be found on the BC Ale Trail, organized by region:

The Fraser Valley

Winter Ale (7.5% ABV | 37 IBU) by Trading Post Brewing

This chestnut-brown ale was brewed with cinnamon, nutmeg, orange peel, and chili peppers. A true winter warmer!

Trading Post Brewing can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Illicit Cargo II Imperial Salted Caramel Porter (10.2% ABV | 48 IBU) by Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks

Brewed with vanilla beans, Himalayan salt, caramel malts, and aged on toasted American Oak.

Smugglers’ Trail Caskworks can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Cacao Chocolate Porter (6.5% ABV) by Farmhouse Brewing in Chilliwack

This porter was brewed with a mixture of crystal and chocolate malts with cacao shells added to further bolster the tasting notes of milk and dark chocolate and light roast coffee.

Farmhouse Brewing can be found on the Fraser Valley Ale Trail.

Frostbite Ginger Snap Cookie Ale (6% ABV) by Camp Beer Co.

This annual treat tantalizes the palate with a snap of ginger, creating a tingling sensation. It’s complemented by a malty sweetness, creating a well-rounded flavour profile, and balanced with a unique blend of spices, crafted to bring warmth and joy this season.

Camp Beer Co. can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Three Unusual Beers from Dead Frog Brewery:

• Jellies Jelly Donut Ale (5% ABV | 12 IBU) A limited edition collab with Zilla’s Donuts in Abbotsford & Chilliwack, this beer was made with a hearty helping of Zilla’s delicious jellies donut.
• Nutty Uncle Peanut Butter Stout (6.1% ABV | 24 IBU) A creamy milk stout brewed with eight choice malts, roasted cocoa beans, and real peanut butter.
• Apple Fritter Donut Ale (5% ABV | 12 IBU) Another special donut beer made with apple fritters from Zilla’s Donuts.

Dead Frog Brewery can be found on the Langley Ale Trail.

Greater Victoria

Code Name: The Quiet Man Stroopwafel Herfstbok (6% ABV) by Herald Street Brew Works

This special beer was inspired by the story of  “the Quiet Man,” the brewer’s great-grandfather who hid Jewish people in his home and held up passport and ration offices at gunpoint to help feed and smuggle Jewish people to safety. A stroopwafel is a Dutch cookie, made with cinnamon, caramel and vanilla, and a Herfstbok is a strong beer brewed during harvest time.

Herald Street Brew Works can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Two Dark & Smooth Beers from Vancouver Island Brewing:

• Nanaimo Bar Imperial Porter (8.2% ABV | 15 IBU) This dessert-style porter combines the many layers of the classic Nanaimo bar — starting with chocolate on top, vanilla in the middle, and finally a base note of coconut with a decadent sweetness throughout.
• Hermannator Ice Bock (9.5% ABV | 25 IBU) A legendary seasonal brew born in 1987, this full-bodied and velvety beer was aged over three months in subzero conditions, resulting in rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and brandied plums. Hermannator is a timeless classic perfected over decades of Vancouver Island winters.

Vancouver Island Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Dark Side of the Sun Belgian Dark Strong (9% ABV | 25 IBU) by Small Gods Brewing

This is a classic Belgian Dark Strong Ale brewed with a proprietary blend of yeast from Beirm Biotech based out of UVic.

Small Gods Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

25th Anniversary Brew: Belgian Quad with Cherries (11.1% ABV | 23 IBU) by Lighthouse Brewing

Featuring the delightful addition of cherries, this 25th Anniversary Belgian Quad exudes a harmonious blend of rich dark fruit, alluring notes of clove and banana, velvety caramel, and a touch of bready perfection.

Lighthouse Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Space Case by Phillips Brewing

This fun Advent Calendar-style pack includes 12 exclusive, never-released beers from Phillips’ Tasting Room.

Phillips Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Two festive beers from Howl Brewing:

• Cranberry Saison (5% ABV | 15 IBU) A Belgian farmhouse ale with cranberries, rosemary, and mandarin zest.
• Juleol (6% ABV | 0 IBU) A Norwegian solstice ale dating back to the Viking era, filtered through juniper branches with additions of yarrow.

Howl Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Three Dark Winter Beers from 4 Mile Brewing:

• Rice Pudding Porter (6% ABV) Dessert in a glass with a velvety malt base kissed by vanilla with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Intergalactic Imperial Stout (8.6% ABV) A celestial voyage in a glass: nebulous depths of roasted malt, espresso and dark chocolate notes.
• Dark Fruit Intergalactic Imperial Stout (8.6% ABV) Brewed with the addition of black currants.

4 Mile Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Gratitude (9% ABV) by Hoyne Brewing

A style of beer that reaches back to the 15th century, this winter warmer is best in a snifter by a fire with someone you love by your side. This year, for the first time it is available in cans as well as 650-ml bottles.

Hoyne Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail

Golden Beet Weizen Bock (6.5% ABV) and the Greatest Hits box from Mayne Island Brewing

This is a traditional German Winter Wheat Ale with an addition of golden beets. Mayne Island also sells special Greatest Hits advent packs with 12 different special beers to sip and savour.

Mayne Island Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Two Noël-Themed Beers from Île Sauvage Brewing:

• Noël (5.8% ABV) A gose brewed with cherries and tonka beans.
• Au Courant (6.8% ABV) A dark sour with black currants.

Île Sauvage Brewing can be found on the Greater Victoria Ale Trail.

Kelowna

Under the Weather Chocolate Milk Stout (6% ABV | 25 IBU) from Kettle River Brewing

This smooth, dark ale shows off whispers of chocolate, coffee and cream (contains lactose).

Kettle River Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail

Winter Ale (4.9% ABV | 18 IBU) from Kelowna Beer Institute

This smooth winter warmer has a perfect balance of nutty and sweet vanilla flavours.

Kelowna Beer Institute can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.

Hammer of Doom (9% ABV) from Jackknife Brewing

Doom has landed in the dungeon. This Canadian imperial stout beckons you with layers upon layers of rich dark chocolate and graham cracker. Aged on scores of vanilla beans and bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. Dive deep into a glass of pure darkness.

Jackknife Brewing can be found on the Kelowna & West Kelowna Ale Trail.

The Kootenay Rockies

Black Mammoth Winter Ale (8% ABV | 25 IBU) from Fernie Brewing

First released 10 years ago for the brewery’s 10th anniversary, Fernie Brewing is now celebrating 20 years of brewing!  This deliciously dark wintry brew is made with additions of chocolate malt plus dark organic cocoa. Aging on oak adds smoothness and complexity.

Fernie Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies East Ale Trail

Faceplant Winter Ale (6% ABV) from Nelson Brewing

This classic winter ale has roasty hints of chocolate and molasses.

Nelson Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

Neve Fresca Italian Pilsner (5.3% ABV | 20 IBU) from Backroads Brewing

A crisp and refreshing Italian style Pilsner meant to celebrate every skier and snowboarder’s dream: fresh snow!

Backroads Brewing can be found on the Kootenay Rockies West Ale Trail

North of the Fraser

Smoked Honey Doppelbock (7.9% ABV) by Steel & Oak Brewing

This is a classic winter lager featuring a complex flavour profile that begins with a gentle smokiness from beechwood-smoked malt, followed by a subtle sweetness derived from the New Westminster Beekeeper’s Association’s honey. This beer is lovingly lagered for eight weeks, allowing it to fully mature and develop, resulting in a rich and velvety texture.

Steel & Oak Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Blitzen (9% ABV | 20 IBU) by Steamworks Brewing

Nothing says “It’s the Holidays” like time-honoured traditions and pink-cheeked revelry. Steamworks has combined both of those things into this 473ml can of their yearly winter offering. Brewed with the devout monastic traditions of Belgian Abbey ales in mind, Blitzen has all the hallmarks of a classic tripel: the lingering, snow white foam lacing your glass, the delightful ester profile of candied fruit and subtle baking spice, and the refreshing spritz of high carbonation.
All of this ensures that this winter warmer is sure to add some cheer to your festivities.

Steamworks Brewery can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Frozen Pond (7.5% ABV | 40 IBU) by Silver Valley Brewing

This winter warmer is rich and malty with hints of caramel, chocolate, and treacle.

Silver Valley Brewing can be found on the Maple Ridge Ale Trail

The Birds Barrel-Aged Black Forest Pastry Stout (9.5% ABV | 17 IBU) by Parkside Brewery

This silky smooth Imperial Stout aged in Kentucky bourbon barrels features Black Forest pastry notes of dark cherry and chocolate in a warming whiskey finish.

Parkside Brewing can be found on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Holiday Mix Pack from Moody Ales & Co.:

• Eggnog Cream Ale (8% ABV) – Decadent holiday ale with lactose, vanilla & nutmeg.
• Gingerbread Ale (5.5% ABV) – Festive amber ale with warm, sweet spice.
• O Christmas Tree IPA (6% ABV) – West Coast IPA with spruce tips and juniper berries.
• Holiday Party Punch Sour (7% ABV) – Garnet fruit sour with cranberry, plum, and citrus.

Moody Ales & Co. can be found on the Port Moody Ale Trail

Anno 2023 (8.5% ABV | 28 IBU) by Dageraad Brewing

This beautiful beer has become an annual tradition in many beer lover’s households. It can be enjoyed with a holiday meal, as an able substitute for sparkling wine on New Year’s, or just on a winter evening shared with good friends or loved ones. It is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale made with Okanagan pears, coriander, and brettanomyces.

Dageraad offers several different mixed packs for the holidays, including Anno 4-Year Vintage packs. View the options online.

Dageraad Brewing can be found on the North of the Fraser Ale Trail

Sea to Sky and the Sunshine Coast

Beartooth Belgian Dubbel (7.2% ABV | 28 IBU) by Townsite Brewing 

This traditional Belgian Dubbel is made with European ingredients and dark candi sugar (made in-house!), resulting in a gorgeous beer with a deep brown colour with ruby highlights, complex dark caramel flavours with hints of burnt sugar, raisins and dark fruits (think cherries and plums).

Townsite Brewing can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Protect Our Winters Pale Ale (4.5% ABV) by Backcountry Brewing

Partial proceeds from each beer sold will be contributed to Protect Our Winters Canada, a non-profit organization united to advocate for policy solutions to fight climate change.

Backcountry Brewing can be found on the Sea to Sky Ale Trail

Cranberry Orange Sour (5% ABV) by Tapworks Brewing

This holiday in a cup is sure to have you reaching for your favourite holiday sweater and making merriment.

Tapworks Brewing can be found on the Sunshine Coast Ale Trail

Northern BC

Prescription Porter (5.2% ABV | 30 IBU) by Barkerville Brewing

This rich elixir, with its distinctive flavour profile of chocolate, chilli and chaga, may just be your secret remedy for relaxation and indulgence — a prescription you won’t need a doctor to enjoy.

Barkerville Brewing can be found on the Northeast BC Ale Trail

South of the Fraser

Three Seasonal Beers from Barnside Brewing in Delta, winner of our 2023 Best Brewery Experience Award:

• Czech Dark Lager (5% ABV)  Brewed in true Czech tradition, featuring 50% premium malts from Czechia and 50% Barnside’s own Munich malt, and hopped assertively using Barnside’s own Sterling hops from right across the street.
• Distant Storm Double IPA (8% ABV) This beer is a tropical juice extravaganza.
• Maple Bourbon Imperial Oatmeal Stout (11.2% ABV) Aged for six months in ex-bourbon barrels most recently used for maple syrup, then blended and aged in glass to develop a gentle complexity.
  

Barnside Brewing can be found on the South of the Fraser Ale Trail

The Thompson Okanagan

Glorious Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout (5.6% ABV ) by Tin Whistle Brewing 

This gloriously rich Hazelnut Coffee Milk Stout won a gold medal at the 2022 BC Beer Awards and recently received a gold medal at the 2023 Canada Beer Cup. It is brewed with coffee from Tin Whistle’s neighbour One 14 Coffee Co. giving it huge coffee notes with a subtle hit of hazelnut.

Tin Whistle Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail

Sugar Shack Maple Amber Ale (5.1% ABV) by Giant’s Head Brewing

Giant’s Head teamed up with Maple Roch Pure Canadian Maple Syrup to create this smooth amber ale brewed with silky maple syrup. 

Giant’s Head Brewing will be part of the new South Okanagan Ale Trail launching in 2024.

Two Imperial Stouts by Cannery Brewing:

• Kindling Imperial Stout (9% ABV) Brewed with coffee, chocolate, oats, coconut and lactose.
• Rum Barrel-Aged Kindling Imperial Stout (10% ABV) Aged in rum barrels from the famed Foursquare Rum Distillery in Barbados.

Cannery Brewing can be found on the Penticton Ale Trail

Vancouver

Three Seasonal Beers from Strange Fellows Brewing:

• Krampus (8.5% ABV) A Belgian-style Abbey dubbel brewed with Belgian candi sugar and dark malts. Rich with the flavour of dried stone fruits, subtle toffee, and spice.
• Lord Barleycorn (6.5% ABV) This pre-prohibition lager was aged in Woodford Reserve barrels that previously held Russian Imperial Stout.
• Nocturnum Dark IPA (6.5% ABV) A robust and balanced dark hoppy ale that will help keep the darkness at bay.
  

Strange Fellows Brewing can be found on the Vancouver-Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Naughty & Nice Mix Pack by Parallel 49 Brewing

This Holiday-themed 8-pack features a great mix of four wintry beers:

• Ziegebock Helles Bock (6.4% ABV | 28 IBU)
• Old Boy Cream Ale (5.0% ABV | 23 IBU)
• Natcrucker Blackcurrant Belgian Ale (5.4% ABV | 19 IBU)
• Lil’ Imp Cold IPA (6.7% ABV | 49 IBU)

Parallel 49 Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Tart Wild Ale with Quince (5% ABV) by Luppolo Brewing

A gorgeous beer that was fermented with Luppolo’s house culture of Brett C and Lactobacillus and re-fermented on hundreds of pounds of fresh quince from the Fraser Valley, resulting in complex flavours and aromas of apple, pineapple, pear and white pepper with a medium body and bright acidity.

Luppolo Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

“Wee Laird” Barrel-Aged Wee Heavy (9.2% ABV) by Callister Brewing

This is version 2.0 of Callister’s 2022 Canada Beer Cup Best in Show winner. Aged for seven months in Okanagan Spirits “Laird of Fintry” whisky barrels, this version is complex and bold with strong notes of caramel, vanilla, oak, and a hint of coconut from first-use Bordeaux barrels. On tap and in bottles for a limited time at the brewery.

Callister Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Bourbon Barrel-Aged German Porter (6.7% ABV | 27 IBU) by Main St. Brewing

This bourbon barrel-aged German Porter is made to order for the advent of dark beer season. A historical wild ale with Germanic origins that date back to the 1850s, this recipe uses a mixed bill of English Maris Otter, chocolate, brown and crystal malts, Hook Norton and Brettanomyces yeast strains, Olicana T-45 and Phoenix hops, and the benefit of a long rest in bourbon barrels.

Main St. Brewing can be found on the Vancouver – Yeast Vancouver Ale Trail

Vancouver’s North Shore

Three Holiday Beers from Bridge Brewing:

• Santa’s Sac (10.5% ABV | 30 IBU) A Belgian Golden Strong bursting with banana, clove and peppercorn— the perfect stocking stuffer!
• The Grinch (6.5% ABV | 20 IBU) This popular Winter Ale is a robust porter spiced delicately with cinnamon, vanilla and oak.
• Caramel Cookie Stout (6.5% ABV | 27 IBU) A full-bodied, rich stout with natural salted caramel, chocolate malt and sweetened with lactose.
  

Bridge Brewing can be found on the Vancouver’s North Shore Ale Trail

Vancouver Island

Got Any Stouts or Porters? (7% ABV | 50 IBU) by Hornby Island Brewing

Clearly, this beer was answering customer demand! This delicious stout with rich notes of chocolate and coffee is available in 4-oz tastings and 355ml sized cans to go on Saturdays in the tasting room on Hornby Island throughout December.

Hornby Island Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail

Cherry-Oke Dessert Sour (7% ABV) by Longwood Brewery

Cherry-oke is like biting into a freshly baked cherry pie but instead of the usual sweetness, it’s got a tangy, sour kick that will leave you wanting more. The lemon and vanilla flavours add a nice depth and complexity to the beer.

Longwood Brewery can be found on the Vancouver Island Part I Ale Trail

Rocket Fuel (9% ABV | 90 IBU) by Ace Brewing

Every holiday season when the planets align just right Ace Brewing boosts up their regular Jet Fuel IPA with an astronomical amount of hops, resulting in this stellar double IPA that will launch you into orbit.

Ace Brewing can be found on the Vancouver Island Part II Ale Trail

No matter which brews you choose to savour this holiday season, we encourage you to support BC craft brewers. And as always, enjoy responsibly.

Looking for more holiday gift-giving inspiration? Check out this year’s holiday shopping guide:

Brewtiful Gifts: A Local Beer Lover’s Guide to Hoppy Holidays

The post Jingle Brews: Unwrapping the Festive Flavours of BC’s Holiday Beers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Recognizing the challenges faced by small businesses nationwide, we want to inspire you to embrace the spirit of shopping local this holiday season. This guide will help you find the perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for all the beer lovers on your list, all while supporting your favourite breweries.

As the holiday season unfolds, let’s make a spirited toast to community and craft by choosing to support our local breweries. Beyond the twinkling lights and festive cheer, there’s a wealth of unique flavours and gift options at your neighbourhood breweries. Whether it’s a seasonal brew, curated gift pack, or brewery merch, there is something for everyone on your list. So, this holiday season, let’s raise a glass to our community, celebrating the flavour of BC brews that add a touch of local magic to the festivities.

Sip and Shop

What could be better than sipping on your favourite holiday brew while perusing a market full of locally crafted goods? Many breweries have started hosting pop-up markets featuring local makers and artisans, and while quite a few have already wrapped up, there are still some chances to shop.

Here are just a few markets being held at breweries:

• Holiday Sip & Shop Handmade Market – Moody Ales & Co  – December 3, 10 and 17
• Winter Market – Three Lakes Brewing, Kelowna – December 19
• A Reel Christmas Market ~ Rustic Reel Brewing, Kelowna – December 15 and 16

Be sure to keep an eye on our events page as markets are still being added.

Gift Cards

Choosing between all of the great brews and merch can be the hardest part of shopping. So why not keep it simple and go for a gift card? They’re truly one-size-fits-all and make fantastic stocking stuffers.

Plus, some breweries and craft community partners are offering bonus deals during the holiday season:

• Giant’s Head Brewing: get a $20 bonus card when you buy a $100 gift card
• Abandoned Rail Brewing: get a $10 bonus card when you buy a $100 gift card
• CRAFT Beer Market: get a $15 bonus card when you buy a $50 gift card
• BREWHALL: get a $25 bonus card when you buy a $75 gift card
• Tapworks Brewing Company: get a $20 bonus voucher when you buy a $100 gift card

And many more. Look for the online shopping link on each brewery’s page or if you have our mobile app, we’ve organized them all for you in a new menu option.

Gift Sets and Advent Calendars

Dive into something new with a seasonal gift pack, or an advent calendar-style curated box. From hoppy ales to rich stouts, barrel-aged special releases and cellarable beers, these packs are like a liquid tour of BC’s craft goodness. Perfect for seasoned beer lovers or anyone up for a taste adventure.

Check out the unique gift packs from Smithers Brewing and Bulkley Valley Hive & Honey. There are a variety of gift pack options available, each including beer and/or merch from Smithers Brewing, and honey and/or soaps from Bulkley Valley Hive & Honey. The packs are designed to showcase the long-standing collaboration between the two local businesses: BVHH has been providing the honey used in several Smithers Brewing beers since the beginning.

Another unique offering this year are the beer judge training kits from Tin Whistle Brewing in Penticton. Each kit includes a locally made flight board, four taster glasses and four tall cans of Tin Whistle beer. They have included some handy tasting tips and tricks, great for those just beginning their beer-sipping journey, as well as more experienced palates.

Want to customize your own beer advent calendar? Check out The Exploration Place in Prince George for everything you need: a wooden tree designed to hold 12 or 24 cans of beer, plus a great selection of brews from around Northern BC! Grab a pre-made pack, or join in the final workshop on December 7 to craft your own.

And be sure to check your local liquor stores and tasting rooms for these great giftable packs:

• Phillips Brewing & Malting have released their fifth annual Space Case, filled with 12 mystery beers specially crafted for the occasion, and only available in the pack
• Mayne Island Brewing has put together their Greatest Hits gift box again this year as well, featuring 12 x 500ml bottles featuring familiar favourites to savour
• Beacon Brewing is celebrating the season with the Velvet Elvis gift pack, featuring a branded 12oz glass and 500ml bottle of Velvet Elvis: a peanut butter, banana, french toast chocolate porter fit for a King
• Get ready for the Motherlode – Barkverville Brewing’s annual release. This year, the advent calendar features 24 unique tall cans, including 10 specialty brews you won’t find anywhere else
• Howl Brewing’s Holiday Boxes are back, including 12 different 650ml bottles of Howl’s unique brews
• Dageraad Brewing’s Holiday gift packs include rare and cellared beers, paired with commemorative gold-leaf glasses. Featuring Anno 2023 and 2022, Entropy 30 – Cara Cara, and Entropy 22 – Vast Indifference of Cacao Nibs

Brew gear

Merch, swag, beer gear, no matter what you call it, wearing your heart on your sleeve  – or your favourite brewery logo on your clothes – is a great way to support your local brewery year-round.

This year, Île Sauvage Brewing Company is offering a great deal for anyone wanting to stock up on stocking stuffers (or shop for themselves): buy a branded tote bag, and get 15% off the additional merch items you fill it with. And Lillooet Brewing Company is making it even easier to create your own custom gift pack by offering gift-wrapping for your purchases at the tasting room.

Vancouver Island Brewing is making shopping easier too, with curated merch bundles available at the brewery, or online. If you aren’t in Victoria, no worries! They offer shipping as well. There are several bundles available this season: The Essentials, the Camping Bundle, Northern Sweel Bundle, and the BBQ Bundle.

Hornby Island Brewing is taking shopping local to a whole new level: Not only do they ship Canada-wide, they are also proud to offer all Canadian-made or small business-made branded merchandise including renowned Stanfields, from Nova Scotia – and if you’ve spent any time outdoors, you know how warm and cozy those wool henleys will keep you! The waxed canvas & Pendleton wool beer koozies and cotton/poly branded toques are made in Seattle by a small woman-owned business, and t-shirts and hoodies are all screen printed in Vancouver.

Keep an eye on the retail section of your local brewery for other goodies like:

• beer koozies
• beer soaps
• bottle openers & bottle opener keychains
• camp mugs
• cooler bags
• growlers and glassware
• hats of all styles
• scarves & toques
• t-shirts and hoodies
• tote bags
  And so much more!

Gifting an Experience

Gifts don’t have to be limited to specific dates – give the gift of quality time spent with loved ones throughout the holiday season with a special event or activity.

This year, A-FRAME Brewing is hosting its sixth-annual gingerbread cabin-building event from December 1 to 21. The kits, made locally at Sunflower Bakery in Squamish, are only $25 and of course pair well with the beers on tap – and the other bevy options, including non-alcoholic ones.

There are a couple of breweries around the province with built-in entertainment, like BNA Brewing Co in Kelowna with their six-lane bowling alley, plus vintage arcade games and pinball. You can buy a gift certificate specifically for a game or two of ten-pin bowling on their website, and give the gift of family game night.

Instead of a pre-holiday get-together, why not think ahead to next year’s ale-ventures and give the gift of multiple brews to sip with tickets to a festival? Here are just a few that are on sale now:

• Williams Lake Craft Beer Festival: one of the first festivals of 2024, taking place February 24th. This festival sells out every year, so grab your tickets while you can! And don’t forget that this is good beer for a good cause: all proceeds from this event are donated to the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre.
• Brewhalla Festivals’ Golden Ticket: a digital gift card which can be used for entry to ANY Brewhalla Craft Beverage and Music Festival during the 2024 season.
• Squamish Beer Festival 2024: Early bird ticket pricing is on now until December 31st, and includes 15 beverage tokens
• Okanagan Fest of Ale 2024: Early bird tickets are also available for this April fest, and you can choose between one- and two-day pass options. Even better, you can feel good about doing good: since its inception, over $800,000 in net proceeds has been gifted back to qualifying registered charities in the community!

Giving Back

This holiday season will be difficult for many people in our communities – as it is every year. It’s easy to get blinded by the twinkling Christmas lights and forget those less fortunate, but when you look for them, opportunities to give back to the community are shining just as brightly. Main St. Brewing is doing just that with its fourth annual Miracle on Main Street toy drive benefitting the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre. Kicking off December 1, and running until December 12, the brewery is accepting donations of unwrapped toys, games, sporting goods, and gift cards which will be delivered to the DEWC for the annual children’s Christmas Party on December 16. PLUS – when you make your donation, you’ll receive a complimentary flight of flagship beers at the brewery, and be entered into a series of prize draws.

And last, but never least, the beer!

It goes without saying, but you can never go wrong with the gift of craft beer! With the incredible variety of beers in the region, choosing might be the only challenge. Not sure where to start? Just chat with the friendly folks at your local brewery—they’ll point you to the bestsellers or the latest releases. Elevate your holiday gifting game with the perfect taste of BC’s craft beer scene.

Holiday shopping pro tip: Check out the latest update to the BC Ale Trail App, where you can now find a list of breweries offering online shopping for gift cards and merch. From the main screen, click ‘Explore’ and then ‘Gift Cards + Online Shopping’.

For more holiday beer inspiration, check out Joe Wiebe’s annual holiday beer guide:
Jingle Brews: Unwrapping the Festive Flavours of BC’s Holiday Beers

Happy sipping and shopping!

The post Brewtiful Gifts: A Local Beer Lover’s Guide to Hoppy Holidays appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.

Check out these suggestions for an ideal fall adventure in beautiful Kamloops, BC.  We’ve matched a fun local activity with a delicious seasonal beer and food pairing from a local craft brewery.

Bright Eye’s Haskap Berry Beer and a Hike With a Sunset View

Bright Eye Brewing has brewed a very special beer called All Kaps — it’s a Belgian-style Wit that was made with a huge amount of haskap berries from a farm in Vernon. Not only does it pair perfectly with Bright Eye’s own crème brulée dessert, but the gorgeous colour will inspire you to take a photo or two. You’ll also want to whip out your camera after hiking to a viewpoint to witness an amazing Kamloops sunset — perhaps Battle Bluff or the Panorama Loop trail. Talk about a beer with a view!

Back Alley Art Gallery and Red Collar’s Pumpkin Ale

Kamloops’ back alleys offer a surprising canvas for some unique visual art. Tour over 30 eclectic art murals in downtown Kamloops and stop for a delicious glass of Squash Gourdon at Red Collar Brewing. This brown ale is brewed using locally grown sugar pumpkins from Thistle Farms that bring together the flavours of allspice, nutmeg and ginger in seasonal harmony. Red Collar partners with Tongdak Korean Fried Chicken around the corner — they suggest pairing Squash Gourdon with the Yang-Nyeum fried chicken with sweet & spicy sauce. Yummy!

Iron Road’s Italian Pilsner and a Bike Ride along the River

The latest trendy beer style is the Italian Pilsner, a dry-hopped version of the classic German Pilsner style that has taken the beer world by storm. Iron Road Brewing’s Jabroni Italian Pilsner was brewed in the traditional Italian way and dry-hopped with Saphir and Huell Melon hops to create a crushable lager that is clean, crisp and refreshing. It pairs perfectly with Iron Road’s Mexican Street Corn Nachos as a great fall combo — the ideal reward after a bike ride along the Rivers Trail or at The Ranch, a local mountain bike park that has something for every type of rider. Bellissima!

The Noble Pig’s Pumpkin Spice and Fish(ing) 

The Noble Pig Brewhouse recommends pairing its Pumpkin Spiced ESB, also known as This Butternut Be Another Pumpkin Ale, with its very own fish & chips. And why not take that pairing a step further and match it up with a morning of fishing? There are plenty of local lakes to choose from.

Falling for Fall in Kamloops

Tourism Kamloops has lots of other great suggestions for fun fall activities, including the Loops Explore Pass, a free digital savings pass that provides instant discounts at attractions, restaurants, and shops.

For more information about Kamloops’ craft beer scene check out the Southern Interior Ale Trail.

The post Fall for Kamloops: Autumnal Activities Paired with Delicious Beers appeared first on The BC Ale Trail.