![\"Kootenay](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_0565-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Project 9 Pilsner – Fernie Brewing Company<\/a><\/h3>\nA classic brew for a classic ride, this clean, crisp pilsner was named after one of Fernie\u2019s most epic mountain biking trails, Project 9<\/a>.<\/p>\nDespite this Bavarian pilsner being an easy-going beer, there\u2019s nothing relaxed about the trail it\u2019s named after \u2014<\/span> but over in Fernie, descents, just like beers, are best enjoyed caked in sweat and dirt. With the trail and the beer of equal reverence in the hearts of Fernie-ites, it often begs the question: which came first, the beer or the trail?<\/p>\n
\n![\"Kootenay](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_7283-2-1024x843.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Space Nugs Pale Ale from Rumpus Beer Company in Revelstoke, BC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSpace Nugs Pale Ale – Rumpus Beer Company<\/a> (Revelstoke)<\/h3>\nBack before he owned a brewery, Fred Orndorff carried around a notebook in which he\u2019d write down beer names whenever inspiration hit. Among his scribbles was Space Nugs, a term he first saw used to describe perfect trail conditions \u2014<\/span> something to the tune of \u201cchucking space nugs off my back tire.\u201d<\/p>\nFast forward a few years, and Fred found himself dumping space-nug-looking hop flowers into the mix of a silky smooth pale ale with a citrusy twist. When it was time to name the beer, he had his answer.<\/p>\n
In Fred\u2019s words, this crushable, flavourful, easy-on-the-ABV brew goes down best after-hours playing in the mountains with friends, and \u201cpairs well with sore legs and cheeks that hurt from smiling too much.\u201d<\/p>\n
And of course, skiing too much.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Kootenay](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_6529-1-e1608577851840-1024x983.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Allight Allight Allight Kolsch from Backroads Brewing Company in Nelson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAllight Allight Allight Kolsch – Backroads Brewing Company<\/a> (Nelson)<\/h3>\nAs the name suggests, this is a light, a light, a light beer \u2014<\/span> both in colour and its delicate dance on taste buds.<\/p>\nInspiration behind the name of this crushable, lawnmower beer came from inside a local caf\u00e9, where Andrew Purtil<\/a> was naming daily coffee roasts after old tunes and classic movies.<\/p>\nWhen Brent Malysh, co-owner of Backroads, noticed the name, he immediately thought it would look great plastered on a tall boy of light, German-style K\u00f6lsch.<\/p>\n
Skip to today and Brent brewed the beer of his dreams, Andrew drew up the can\u2019s artwork (featuring none other than Matthew McConaughey), and they both lived happily ever after.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Nasty](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/20201215_112309-768x1024.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Nasty Habit IPA from Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. in Revelstoke, BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nNasty Habit IPA – Mt. Begbie Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Revelstoke)<\/h3>\nLegend has it, when brewers first tasted this low-bitterness, gateway IPA, one of them reportedly exclaimed, “Oh man, this is going to be a bad habit.”\u00a0Understandably wanting to avoid using the word “bad” to describe their delicious beer, the name morphed into what it\u2019s known as today.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt started out as a bad habit, and it ended up being a nasty habit,\u201d said director of sales and marketing, Darryn Shewchuk.\u00a0\u201cThe idea behind it is basically that, you know, everybody loves a good nasty habit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Giving those who don\u2019t typically like IPAs a first-class ticket aboard the IPA train, this malty, hoppy beer is best enjoyed in a hot tub after a long day of shredding.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Kootenay](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/E4CC5984-2097-4573-8269-EBB49090E8FD-1024x1024.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&resize=750%2C750&ssl=1\")
Helter Smelter Amber Ale from Rossland Beer Company in Rossland, BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHelter Smelter Amber Ale – Rossland Beer Company<\/a><\/h3>\nPaying homage to the brewery\u2019s roots, this one gets its name partly from the local smelter, and partly from the song, “Helter Skelter.” This refreshing, easy-drinking beer was named by co-owner, Ryan Arnaud \u2014<\/span> a Beatles fan who happened to live near Trail\u2019s smelter plant.<\/p>\n\u201cHe\u2019d go for walks and see the smelter, so he put them together and said one day this would make a really good name for a beer,\u201d said the brewery\u2019s co-owner, Petri Raito.<\/p>\n
With a toasty, malty aroma, this middle-of-the-line people-pleaser pairs well with everything from hanging out pool-side in the summer, to apr\u00e8s-ing in the winter.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Out](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/259A4D35-929E-41E7-B27C-7BF40DBA1F12-1024x848.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Out Cold Cream Ale from Erie Creek Brewing Co. in Salmo, BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nOut Cold Cream Ale – Erie Creek Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Salmo)<\/h3>\nThe name for this light-to-medium-bodied, smooth-drinking beer pays tribute to the 2001 snowboarding flick, Out Cold<\/a>, filmed in Salmo featuring big names like Zach Galifianakis and Victoria Silvstedt.<\/p>\nCapturing the complex flavours of a cream ale while balancing nicely with a low IBU bittering hop, in the words of brewmaster Colin Hango, this refreshing brew is \u201ca common ground where both Haze Bro and Joe Budweiser can enjoy the same beer\u2026 Youngsters and grandpas can both session this beer together.\u201d<\/p>\n
But beware, because Colin warns, \u201cIt can knock you Out Cold if you are not careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"Nelson](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_4336-1024x683.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Bent Pole North West IPA from Nelson Brewing Company in Nelson, BC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBent Pole North West IPA – Nelson Brewing Company<\/a><\/h3>\nAt a beer tasting many moons ago, one of Nelson Brewing\u2019s employees pointed to a picture of a woman skiing, crashing through snow-covered branches with a bent pole in hand. The scene inspired him to exclaim that one day he was going to name a beer Bent Pole \u2014<\/span> and what do you know, he did.<\/p>\nCapturing the essence of the Kootenays inside a silver can, this crisp Northwest IPA was brewed as a tribute to Whitewater Ski Resort\u2019s<\/a> 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n\u201c<\/strong>Cracking open the can, smelling those piney, resinous, citrus aromas transports you to the top of the mountain, surrounded by coniferous trees and all the fresh pow you can ride,\u201d said head brewer, Simon Barna.\u00a0\u201cIt tastes like the mountains, it tastes like the hill, it tastes like a good time in the Kootenays!\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"Tailout](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Tailout-Single-Spey-IPA-e1609883293801-1024x1024.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Single Spey IPA from Tailout Brewing<\/a> in Castlegar, BC<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSingle Spey IPA – Tailout Brewing<\/a> (Castlegar)<\/h3>\nPaying homage to the satisfying sensation of sending a single spey cast into a perfect seam on a coursing river, every sip of this classic West Coast IPA emulates the feeling it\u2019s named after.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy introduction to West Coast style IPAs were on West Coast rivers, chucking big flies for salmon,\u201d said founder, Hedin Nelson-Chorney.\u00a0\u201cTo me, not much can beat the intense flavour of old school IPA while sitting on the riverbank.\u201d<\/p>\n
Citrusy, bitter, and refreshing, Single Spey IPA is best sipped on in the great outdoors, next to a soundtrack of running water or falling snow.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Rhubarbarian](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/thumbnail_image0.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&resize=950%2C969&ssl=1\")
Rhubarbarian Nordic Ale from Torchlight Brewing Co.<\/a> in Nelson, BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRhubarbarian Nordic Ale – Torchlight Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Nelson)<\/h3>\nBarbarians meet rhubarb in this strawberry-raspberry-rhubarby Nordic Ale.\u00a0While the name was previously attached to Torchlight\u2019s first rhubarb-flavoured beer, the original innovation was eventually decommissioned due to the complexities of brewing with rhubarb.<\/p>\n
But fast forward a few years, a new brew system, and some refined techniques, and the \u2018barb came back in a bright, fruity, slightly tart reincarnation of its predecessor.<\/p>\n
Dreamily described by brewmaster Craig Swendson as \u201cvery refreshing, and very comforting in an easy, relaxing way,\u201d this beer is a year-round jump into a cool pool.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Dirty](\"https:\/\/ef5pdbk7uqr.exactdn.com\/app\/uploads\/2020\/12\/dirty-secret-stout-926x1024.jpg?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=90&webp=90&avif=80&sharp=1&ssl=1\")
Dirty Secret Stout from Trail Beer Refinery<\/a> in Trail, BC.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDirty Secret Stout – Trail Beer Refinery<\/a><\/h3>\nWith notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee peeking through its malty thickness, this smooth stout is a rendition of the Beer Refinery\u2019s original Slag Stout, named after the piles of black slag left behind from Trail\u2019s smelter. Brewed with an iconic dirty brown tinge, the colour of this beer ultimately inspired its name.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe name came after we actually saw the final product because it kind of had this dark, dirty colour to it,\u201d explained founder, Mike Konkin, who hopes those who indulge in its drinkable, milkshake-y splendour will \u201csavour it, and sip it, and think that it\u2019s this decadent, dirty secret dessert that they can have.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nWith countless other uniquely-named beers lurking in the depths of B.C\u2019s fridges, the fables never end. So next time you find yourself knocking back a brew, be it Fisher Peak Brewing\u2019s<\/a> Soggy Otter Brown Ale, Old Bitch English Bitter from Angry Hen Brewing<\/a>, some Right About Now IPA from Over Time Beer Works<\/a>, or a bottle of Whitetooth Brewing Company\u2019s<\/a> Thread the Needle, allow your mind to wander over to the stories, the places and the people that make up each batch of hoppy, malty, crisp perfection.<\/p>\n
\nAll of the breweries listed here can be found on the Kootenay Rockies<\/a> East and West Ale Trails. Obviously, under current COVID-19 travel restrictions, we all should stay close to home, so if you don’t live in the Kootenays then use this blog as a resource for planning a trip there when we are once again allowed to travel more freely. Some of these beers are also available in liquor stores throughout British Columbia, so you can seek them out there or check the individual brewery’s website for possible delivery or shipping options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/small><\/strong><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Despite this Bavarian pilsner being an easy-going beer, there\u2019s nothing relaxed about the trail it\u2019s named after \u2014<\/span> but over in Fernie, descents, just like beers, are best enjoyed caked in sweat and dirt. With the trail and the beer of equal reverence in the hearts of Fernie-ites, it often begs the question: which came first, the beer or the trail?<\/p>\n Back before he owned a brewery, Fred Orndorff carried around a notebook in which he\u2019d write down beer names whenever inspiration hit. Among his scribbles was Space Nugs, a term he first saw used to describe perfect trail conditions \u2014<\/span> something to the tune of \u201cchucking space nugs off my back tire.\u201d<\/p>\n Fast forward a few years, and Fred found himself dumping space-nug-looking hop flowers into the mix of a silky smooth pale ale with a citrusy twist. When it was time to name the beer, he had his answer.<\/p>\n In Fred\u2019s words, this crushable, flavourful, easy-on-the-ABV brew goes down best after-hours playing in the mountains with friends, and \u201cpairs well with sore legs and cheeks that hurt from smiling too much.\u201d<\/p>\n And of course, skiing too much.<\/p>\n As the name suggests, this is a light, a light, a light beer \u2014<\/span> both in colour and its delicate dance on taste buds.<\/p>\n Inspiration behind the name of this crushable, lawnmower beer came from inside a local caf\u00e9, where Andrew Purtil<\/a> was naming daily coffee roasts after old tunes and classic movies.<\/p>\n When Brent Malysh, co-owner of Backroads, noticed the name, he immediately thought it would look great plastered on a tall boy of light, German-style K\u00f6lsch.<\/p>\n Skip to today and Brent brewed the beer of his dreams, Andrew drew up the can\u2019s artwork (featuring none other than Matthew McConaughey), and they both lived happily ever after.<\/p>\n Legend has it, when brewers first tasted this low-bitterness, gateway IPA, one of them reportedly exclaimed, “Oh man, this is going to be a bad habit.”\u00a0Understandably wanting to avoid using the word “bad” to describe their delicious beer, the name morphed into what it\u2019s known as today.<\/p>\n \u201cIt started out as a bad habit, and it ended up being a nasty habit,\u201d said director of sales and marketing, Darryn Shewchuk.\u00a0\u201cThe idea behind it is basically that, you know, everybody loves a good nasty habit.\u201d<\/p>\n Giving those who don\u2019t typically like IPAs a first-class ticket aboard the IPA train, this malty, hoppy beer is best enjoyed in a hot tub after a long day of shredding.<\/p>\n Paying homage to the brewery\u2019s roots, this one gets its name partly from the local smelter, and partly from the song, “Helter Skelter.” This refreshing, easy-drinking beer was named by co-owner, Ryan Arnaud \u2014<\/span> a Beatles fan who happened to live near Trail\u2019s smelter plant.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019d go for walks and see the smelter, so he put them together and said one day this would make a really good name for a beer,\u201d said the brewery\u2019s co-owner, Petri Raito.<\/p>\n With a toasty, malty aroma, this middle-of-the-line people-pleaser pairs well with everything from hanging out pool-side in the summer, to apr\u00e8s-ing in the winter.<\/p>\n The name for this light-to-medium-bodied, smooth-drinking beer pays tribute to the 2001 snowboarding flick, Out Cold<\/a>, filmed in Salmo featuring big names like Zach Galifianakis and Victoria Silvstedt.<\/p>\n Capturing the complex flavours of a cream ale while balancing nicely with a low IBU bittering hop, in the words of brewmaster Colin Hango, this refreshing brew is \u201ca common ground where both Haze Bro and Joe Budweiser can enjoy the same beer\u2026 Youngsters and grandpas can both session this beer together.\u201d<\/p>\n But beware, because Colin warns, \u201cIt can knock you Out Cold if you are not careful.\u201d<\/p>\n At a beer tasting many moons ago, one of Nelson Brewing\u2019s employees pointed to a picture of a woman skiing, crashing through snow-covered branches with a bent pole in hand. The scene inspired him to exclaim that one day he was going to name a beer Bent Pole \u2014<\/span> and what do you know, he did.<\/p>\n Capturing the essence of the Kootenays inside a silver can, this crisp Northwest IPA was brewed as a tribute to Whitewater Ski Resort\u2019s<\/a> 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n \u201c<\/strong>Cracking open the can, smelling those piney, resinous, citrus aromas transports you to the top of the mountain, surrounded by coniferous trees and all the fresh pow you can ride,\u201d said head brewer, Simon Barna.\u00a0\u201cIt tastes like the mountains, it tastes like the hill, it tastes like a good time in the Kootenays!\u201d<\/p>\n Paying homage to the satisfying sensation of sending a single spey cast into a perfect seam on a coursing river, every sip of this classic West Coast IPA emulates the feeling it\u2019s named after.<\/p>\n \u201cMy introduction to West Coast style IPAs were on West Coast rivers, chucking big flies for salmon,\u201d said founder, Hedin Nelson-Chorney.\u00a0\u201cTo me, not much can beat the intense flavour of old school IPA while sitting on the riverbank.\u201d<\/p>\n Citrusy, bitter, and refreshing, Single Spey IPA is best sipped on in the great outdoors, next to a soundtrack of running water or falling snow.<\/p>\n Barbarians meet rhubarb in this strawberry-raspberry-rhubarby Nordic Ale.\u00a0While the name was previously attached to Torchlight\u2019s first rhubarb-flavoured beer, the original innovation was eventually decommissioned due to the complexities of brewing with rhubarb.<\/p>\n But fast forward a few years, a new brew system, and some refined techniques, and the \u2018barb came back in a bright, fruity, slightly tart reincarnation of its predecessor.<\/p>\n Dreamily described by brewmaster Craig Swendson as \u201cvery refreshing, and very comforting in an easy, relaxing way,\u201d this beer is a year-round jump into a cool pool.<\/p>\n With notes of dark chocolate and roasted coffee peeking through its malty thickness, this smooth stout is a rendition of the Beer Refinery\u2019s original Slag Stout, named after the piles of black slag left behind from Trail\u2019s smelter. Brewed with an iconic dirty brown tinge, the colour of this beer ultimately inspired its name.<\/p>\n \u201cThe name came after we actually saw the final product because it kind of had this dark, dirty colour to it,\u201d explained founder, Mike Konkin, who hopes those who indulge in its drinkable, milkshake-y splendour will \u201csavour it, and sip it, and think that it\u2019s this decadent, dirty secret dessert that they can have.\u201d<\/p>\n With countless other uniquely-named beers lurking in the depths of B.C\u2019s fridges, the fables never end. So next time you find yourself knocking back a brew, be it Fisher Peak Brewing\u2019s<\/a> Soggy Otter Brown Ale, Old Bitch English Bitter from Angry Hen Brewing<\/a>, some Right About Now IPA from Over Time Beer Works<\/a>, or a bottle of Whitetooth Brewing Company\u2019s<\/a> Thread the Needle, allow your mind to wander over to the stories, the places and the people that make up each batch of hoppy, malty, crisp perfection.<\/p>\n
\nSpace Nugs Pale Ale – Rumpus Beer Company<\/a> (Revelstoke)<\/h3>\n
\nAllight Allight Allight Kolsch – Backroads Brewing Company<\/a> (Nelson)<\/h3>\n
\nNasty Habit IPA – Mt. Begbie Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Revelstoke)<\/h3>\n
\nHelter Smelter Amber Ale – Rossland Beer Company<\/a><\/h3>\n
\nOut Cold Cream Ale – Erie Creek Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Salmo)<\/h3>\n
\nBent Pole North West IPA – Nelson Brewing Company<\/a><\/h3>\n
\nSingle Spey IPA – Tailout Brewing<\/a> (Castlegar)<\/h3>\n
\nRhubarbarian Nordic Ale – Torchlight Brewing Co<\/a>\u00a0(Nelson)<\/h3>\n
\nDirty Secret Stout – Trail Beer Refinery<\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
\nAll of the breweries listed here can be found on the Kootenay Rockies<\/a> East and West Ale Trails. Obviously, under current COVID-19 travel restrictions, we all should stay close to home, so if you don’t live in the Kootenays then use this blog as a resource for planning a trip there when we are once again allowed to travel more freely. Some of these beers are also available in liquor stores throughout British Columbia, so you can seek them out there or check the individual brewery’s website for possible delivery or shipping options.\u00a0\u00a0<\/small><\/strong><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"