Spring is in the air, so how about we celebrate with some delicious craft beer! Light, refreshing beers with flavours of citrus and fruit are just the thing for when the sun finally makes an appearance. Here are a few of our favourites to keep an eye out for this season, each one perfect for the patio or the park. Better yet, make your way to the Great Okanagan Beer Fest in Kelowna, May 10-12, where you’ll find all of these delicious beers on tap.
Raspberry Honey Hefe by Foamers’ Folly
5.6% ABV / 20 IBU
Balanced aromas of raspberry and honey, with a sweet tartness and subtle hints of clove and banana. This yummy hef features locally grown berries and honey from Pitt Meadows, as well as a balanced dose of NW hops.
Drupaceous Apricot Wheat Ale by Cannery Brewery
5.0% ABV / 25 IBU
This refreshing wheat ale has an Okanagan twist, with the addition of local apricots. Notes of citrus and stonefruit and slight haze thanks to the Canadian wheat.
Blackberry Bourbon Ale by Red Truck Beer Company
5.3% ABV / 25 IBU
The sun is out, which means Red Truck’s refreshing Blackberry Bourbon Ale is back. The sweet-tart flavour of Fraser Valley blackberries is balanced by the mellow woody finish of Kentucky bourbon. Get it before it’s gone!
Lucinda by Doan’s Craft Brewing
5% ABV / 20 IBU
This collaboration with Odd Society Distillery was inspired by Odd Society’s Creme de Cassis liqueur. Doan’s award winning kolsch gets a hit of fresh pressed blackcurrant juice resulting in a slightly tart, slightly sweet beer that’s perfect for spring.
High Country Kölsch by Mt. Begbie Brewing
4.5% ABV / 10 IBU
Named the world’s best kolsch in 2017—as well as Canada’s best three times—High Country Kölsch is brewed with authentic Kölschbier yeast and a touch of wheat for a unique and delicate flavour.
Ransack The Universe by Collective Arts Brewing
6.5% ABV / 85 IBU
Galaxy hops from Australia and Mosaic hops from Yakima, WA, deliver aromas and flavours of tropical fruit, mango and citrus. Light malt body lets the hops shine through, and finishes crisp but not bitter
Huge Citrus by Moody Ales
6.1% ABV / 35 IBU
Just as juicy but with a lighter body than those chewy NE hazy pale ales the kids are going crazy for, Huge Citrus is all about the Cascade and Mosaic and Sacc Trois yeast, with notes of tropical fruit, stonefruit, orange, grapefruit and pomelo.
Dreamboat Hazy IPA by The Parkside Brewery
6.3% ABV / 35 IBU
This unfiltered IPA has waves of fresh melon and hand-squeezed citrus notes from a happy blend of Cashmere, Lemondrop, Citra, and Azacca hops. A juicy treat that lingers like a hazy dream.
Broken Ladder Pears & Peaches by BC Tree Fruits Cider
4.3% ABV / 0 IBU
This authentic pear and peach blend displays floral notes with hints of citrus and stone fruit and a tropical fruit finish. No added sugars, water or artificial flavours.
HopHead IPA by Tree Brewing
5.6% ABV / 64 IBU
Hophead is a stone cold classic, smooth bodied and heavily hopped, showcasing rounded bitterness with flavours and aromas of melon, apricot and grapefruit.
