During these unprecedentedly weird times, every dollar we spend can have an enormous impact. Hundreds of thousands of people in B.C. have been laid off or have lost their jobs entirely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m one of them, and chances are that you, or someone you love, probably are too.
Due to social distancing restrictions, the hospitality industry has been particularly hard hit. Craft brewery tasting rooms, pubs, restaurants, bars and nightclubs collectively employ close to 150,000 people in this province, nearly all of whom have lost their jobs as their establishments have been forced to close.
Supporting local businesses during this time can help ensure they survive the pandemic. Likewise, supporting the employees of these businesses can help them survive, too.
Vancouver’s Superflux Beer Co. is one of a handful of B.C. craft breweries that are taking part in the All Together COVID-19 relief fundraising project (along with Twin Sails, Russell Brewing, Another Beer Co., Dog Mountain and Neighbourhood Brewing) to support hospitality industry professionals who have lost their jobs. The worldwide collaboration project was started by Brooklyn’s Other Half Brewing, and has since spread to 51 different countries, with more than 700 breweries taking part.
100% of proceeds from Superflux’s All Together beer will be donated to the Vancouver Food + Beverage Community Relief Fund to be distributed to hourly workers currently laid off in one of the most expensive cities on the planet. (Props to Vessel Packaging and Summit Labels for donating cans and labels to the cause, ensuring even more money makes it to those who need it most.)
Anyways, on to the actual beer…
Not surprisingly, Superflux being Superflux, it opted to create a juicy, hazy IPA packed with tropical and citrus flavours. There are luscious notes of pineapple and passion fruit, along with citrus, grapefruit and stone fruit. It always boggles my mind how much fruit flavour Superflux crams into its beers without adding any actual fruit.
I think the hop bitterness is key to this beer. Too many hazy IPAs forego the IBUs, instead focusing solely on aroma hops. But that can leave the beer with a sickly sweet aftertaste. The first few sips might be orgasmic, but by the end of the can, you’re over it and you’re not having another. Superflux’s All Together avoids this with just enough hop bitterness on the back end to clean up the finish and dry out the beer, providing a lovely balance that encourages you to crack another can. And since it’s all for a good cause, why the hell not. It’s not like you have anywhere to be.
So this week, why not use your beer money to support a local business that’s supporting locals. We’re all in this together, after all.
All Together by Superflux Beer Co.
Hazy IPA • 6.5% ABV • 473 mL tall cans
Appearance: Hazy straw yellow with a thick but fleeting white head.
Aroma: Pineapple, tropical fruit, citrus.
Flavour: Pineapple, passion fruit, grapefruit, citrus, stone fruit, tropical, mild ceral malt note, moderate hop bitterness.
Body/Finish: Medium bodied with a dry finish and slight lingering hop bitterness.
Pairs with: Gambas al ajillo, carne asada, summer salad and filling out your COVID-19 benefit applications.
- The Spring 2020 issue of The Growler is out now! You can find B.C.’s favourite craft beer and cider guide at your local brewery, cidery, select private liquor stores, and on newsstands across the province.
