Victoria Beer Week kicks off—or should I say lifts off—this Friday at Victoria Public Market with the much beloved Lift Off! event. What sets this craft beer party apart is that every brewery that will be pouring will also be debuting a brand-new, never-before-released beer. So if you want to be the first to try these beers (and log them into Untappd before anyone else!), then you know where you need to be.
Here’s a rundown of what will be debuting this Friday.
Brunswick Mum by Howl Brewing (7.0% ABV, 30 IBU)
An extinct style of beer originating in Brunswick, Germany, in the late middle ages. Made from oats, barley, wheat, beans, barberries, plums, blessed thistle, marjoram, thyme, chrysanthemum petals, sundew, betony, and elder flowers.
Centurion Double IPA by 4 Mile Brewing (7.0% ABV, 100 IBU)
This double IPA is brewed with a 100-minute boil and a bountiful addition of various types of hops every minute of the boil and in the dryhop. The steady addition of hops creates a broad spectrum of flavours and aromas that showcases the versatility of the different profiles.
Cherry Jade Rice Lager by Swans Brewery (5.5% ABV, 8 IBU)
A collaboration between Swans’ brewer and chef, Cherry Jade is a tribute to their chosen town, Victoria. A simple lager fermented on dark cherry and lagered for four weeks.
Hazy Mist New England IPA by Twa Dogs Brewing (5.5% ABV, 35 IBU)
A juicy New England IPA with notes of pineapple and stone fruit.
Irish Red Ale by Wolf Brewing (5.8% ABV, 21 IBU)
A moderately malty beer with notes of caramel, raisin and roasted grains. Refreshing and balanced with a delicate hop profile and a clean medium dry finish.
Mélange Blended Barrel-Aged Tart Farmhouse Ale by Four Winds Brewing (6.0% ABV, 8 IBU)
An oat table beer aged on second use cherries and red currants, which was then blended with select barrels.
Petrichor Rose Saison by Howl Brewing (6.0% ABV, 20 IBU)
A Belgian saison that captures the smell of spring rain. Made with barley, wheat, bittered with dandelion, and finished with rose hips, petals and Goldings hops
Ride the Bock Traditional Bock by Axe & Barrel Brewhouse (7.2% ABV, 25 IBU)
This dark brown lager has a subtle malty aroma, with a soft palate of sweet malt character. Medium-full bodied with a mellow finish and smooth creaminess.
Sakura Cherry Blossom Gose by Torchlight Brewing (4.5% ABV, 11 IBU)
Brewed using Sakura cherry blossoms pickled in plum vinegar and salt. The end result is a light, tart, salty beer with a floral finish that is perfect for celebrating spring.
Spitfire Wee Heavy Scottish Ale by Small Block Brewery (6.0% ABV, 31 IBU)
This malt forward ale is a somewhat sweet, strong beer with a rich malt aroma and taste. Moderate hop bitterness from traditional Goldings and Fuggles hops balances the roastiness of the barley.
The SPRUT Spruce Tip Brut IPA by Mount Arrowsmith Brewing (6.0% ABV, 25 IBU)
A bone-dry, high-carbed, hop-filled IPA brewed with Vancouver Island-harvested spruce tips. A true West Coast spin on a new IPA style.
Streetnames Saison with Kaffir, Lime Leaf & Peppercorns by White Sails Brewing (6.0% ABV, 30 IBU)
A bright, easy drinking saison with subtle lime and citrus notes balanced with a light peppery spice and pillowy oat and wheat malt body.
Super Summer Sipper Spiced Summer Ale by LoveShack Libations (5.5% ABV, 25 IBU)
A light summer ale flavoured with ginger, coriander, lemongrass and lime.
White Mage Belgian White IPA by Fuggles & Warlock Craftworks (6.5% ABV, 40 IBU)
A silky Belgian white IPA featuring juicy Citra and Mosaic hops.
Wild Crafted Elderflower Sour by Red Arrow Brewing (5.8 % ABV, 10 IBU)
Kettle soured, with just enough of the floral effervescence to balance the acidity. Notes of honey blossom and exotic lychee fruit.
Lift Off! takes place from 7:30-10:30pm this Friday, March 1, at the Victoria Public Market. Tickets are $52.50 and include six tasters of beer, two food tickets, and a souvenir tasting glass. Tickets available online at TicketRocket.co. Victoria Beer Week takes place March 1-9 at various venues around Victoria. For info on all events, visit VictoriaBeerWeek.com.
