It might be 5 o’clock somewhere, but who cares, we’ve never been much for social convention. Here’s what we’re drinking this week…
Sanctuary by Steamworks Brewing Co. (7.5% ABV)
Steamworks has teamed up with Blasted Church to produce this bottle-conditioned saison made with Gewürztraminer grape must.
Wine grape seeds and skins from Blasted Church’s Okanagan Valley fall 2017 harvest were rushed to Steamworks Brewery and added during fermentation within 24 hours. The beer was then bottle conditioned for more then two months. The local grapes help impart “bright and spicy wine-like notes, with a lingering acidity that gives the beer a very wine-like drinking experience.”
Red Racer Lucky Dog Kumquat Wheat Ale by Central City Brewers + Distillers / Redpoint Brewing Co. (5.6% ABV)
Feb. 16 is Chinese New Year, and Central City is celebrating the upcoming Year of the Dog with this collaboration Taiwan’s Redpoint Brewing Co. that features fresh kumquat, the fragrant citrus fruit traditionally eaten during the lunar new year celebrations.
To make the beer happen, Redpoint brewmaster Spencer Jemelka travelled from Taiwan to Central City’s facility in Surrey to brew the wheat ale.
“We approached our collaboration with Spencer and Redpoint Brewing with completely open minds and it was great fun,” says Central City brewmaster Gary Lohin. “We wanted to create something innovative with an element of Chinese tradition. Spencer suggested using kumquats since eating the fruit is a Chinese New Year tradition and we went with it. The sweet citrus lends itself perfectly to a nicely balanced wheat beer like this one.”
Cranberry Chocolate Milk Stout by Foamers’ Folly (6.2% ABV, 38 IBU)
This winter treat is full bodied with dark chocolate and roasty aromas. The sweet, milk chocolate flavors are balanced by a tart cranberry finish.
According to our friends in Pitt Meadows, “it’s good for enjoying around fires, outdoor adventures, camping, and hanging out with friends.”
Count us in!
