With the first sighting of a Rudolph car, it’s apparent that that holidays are officially upon us. Time to dig out that tree, untangle those lights, see if that ugly Christmas sweater still fits, and get shopping!
We thought we’d take this opportunity to make holiday imbibing and gift-giving a little more festive and introduce the inaugural Growlervent Calendar!
Here, you’ll find a list of six limited releases, seasonal favourites and barrel-aged gems from some of the B.C.’s best breweries and cideries ready to wrap and number, stick in the fridge and enjoy!
Camp Beer Co.
Ginger Snap Ale
ABV: 6%
IBU: n/a
A snap of ginger tingles across the palate, accompanied by a malty sweetness. Balanced with unique spice notes, Ginger Snap Ale is made to make you feel all kinds of good inside.
Available in cans, on tap and for growler fills.
Fernie Brewing Co.
Black Mammoth Winter Ale
ABV: 8%
IBU: 25
Aged on oak, with rich notes of orange and cocoa, the decadent Black Mammoth Winter Ale pairs perfectly with dark skies and fresh falling snow.
This deliciously dark winter brew was first crafted in January of 2013 to celebrate Fernie’s 10th anniversary! It now returns annually at the first sign of winter, and will be switching to 473mL cans for its 2021 run.
A strong winter Black Ale, with additions of chocolate malt, plus dark organic cocoa and curaçao orange peel. Aging on oak adds smoothness and complexity. Big and boozy, Mammoth is perfect for sharing around a cozy fire in the depths of winter.
Black Mammoth Winter Ale is widely available across BC at craft-centric stores.
Field House Brewing Co.
Dark Sour
ABV: 10%
IBU: 0
Originally part of Field House’s dark-light series, this dark as dusk sour is back!
Drenched in juicy local blueberries and deep purple blackberries, the Dark Sour embraces the changing of the light and the moments that dusk brings with it: self reflection, deep conversation, and crackling fires.
This strong sour ale features a simple pale base, fermented with both Lactobacillus and ale yeast, which lends the beer its sourness and strong alcohol backbone. It is then transformed from light to dark by adding several tonnes of blackberries and blueberries, for colour and bold fruit character.
Fun fact:
Dark Sour is a Growlie favourite!
GOLD – Best Fruit Beer 2019
SILVER – Best Fruit Beer 2021
BRONZE – Beer of the Year 2021
Merridale Cidery & Distillery
Yule Fuel
ABV: 9%
IBU: 0
This mulled seasonal release blends favourite Christmas spices with a semi-sweet cider to make a cider perfect for making holiday memories!
To get the Christmas notes on the nose just right, the cinnamon, clove and nutmeg extracts are made by hand using Merridale’s cider brandy. This exquisite balance between cider, spirits and spices will warm your soul on crisp winter nights.
The effervescent bubbles in Yule Fuel help cut through the richness of sweet desserts as a delicious spicy finish to any meal. Try pairing with a cinnamon bun!
Find it at the farm in Cowichan, or liquor stores across the province!
Twin City Brewing Company
Mystifying Mixpack
ABV: 5-6%
IBU: 10-15
The Mystifying Mixpack is a troupe of sour beers assembled to dazzle, enchant, and delight! This pack features 4 cans of Twin City’s most popular sour releases.
VANISHING ACT
Pineapple Coconut Sour
ABV: 5.7% ABV
IBU: 10
A mystical aura swirls with familiar flavours of coconut and pineapple; with an echo of Citra and Huell Melon hops lingering on the tongue. 2018 BC Beer Awards 2nd Place Winner.
ESCAPE ARTIST
Mango Guava Sour
ABV: 5.9%
IBU: 10
Along with tremendously tropical wonders of ripe mango and guava, mosaic and Ella hops provide the key.
UNICYCLE W/ TALUS
Sour IPA w/ Rotating Hops
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 15
A hop-forward hazy IPA made with Twin City’s very own Lactobacillus culture!
HIGH WIRE
Passionfruit Vanilla Sour
ABV: 5.0%
IBU: 11
A deliciously tense balance of Vic Secret, Amarillo, and Citra Hops, perched flawlessly above a golden base of pilsner malt, delivers a stunningly performed house-cultured Lactobacillus sour.
Wards Cider
Pickers Hut Winter Spice
ABV: 6%
IBU: 0
Pickers Hut Winter Spice is made from Wards’ estate grown Belle de Boskoop, Bulmer’s Norman and Bramley cider apples. The handpicked apples are cold pressed and slow fermented using a premium champagne yeast to preserve flavours and aromatics. After fermentation, a blend of holiday spices is added to create an off-dry, soul warming cider with a golden straw hue.
Growler tip: try it hot!
